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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Thursday, October 8, 2009 9:35 PM CDT
LETTER: Enemies and friends see how we are divided

JAMES HEATON, Mattoon

Republicans want to blame the Democrats and the Democrats want to blame the Republicans while the conservatives and liberals blame each other for all of our nation’s woes while the truth is that they are all to blame.

While there have, and will always continue to be disagreements about how or what should be done on any given issue the gulf that has separated the various sides has widened exponentially in the last four or five years and continues to grow.

Those we elect to serve and represent us have long since stopped trying to work together to do what is truly in our nation’s best interest. Instead they have become obsessed with only scoring political points on what they consider the other side.

While all this infighting among the politicians which has spilled into the streets as well can not be said to have caused all of the problems our nation has faced the past 8 or 9 years it most certainly has added a large quantity of fuel to the fire. We are greatly divided as a nation and our enemies and our friends alike see this.

It gives our enemies hope as they know that we are significantly weakened as a country and it causes our friends great concern as they feel they can no longer look to the United States for strong leadership and more importantly partnership in world affairs. As a result we have had and continue to have unstable markets, wars that have gone on longer than they should, and far greater worry about what the future holds for us and our children and their children.

It is not the disagreements that make us appear weak to the rest of the world. It is our inability and unwillingness to bridge the void and come together to solve the problems we face today and travel the road into a better tomorrow. It is time we demand of our elected leaders and of ourselves to put away our childish bickering and stand united. We all need to truly listen to what the other person is saying and consider their point of view and somewhere in the middle the truly right answer only waits to be discovered.

JAMES HEATON

Mattoon

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jrhendren wrote on Oct 5, 2009 11:58 PM:

" John you have hit the nail on the head. We can yell and scream about the other party, Republican or Democrat, all we want. They are still both at fault. I personally am tired of politicians, of both sides, playing politics with our lives. They need to remember why they are sent to D.C. in the first place. They need to remember they work for us, not us for them! "

Honest Citizen wrote on Oct 6, 2009 4:16 AM:

" I agree completely, the Democrats should do everything the Republicans say and all will become clear to the rest of the world.

But if you are suggesting that we kay diown our differneces and follow that loser in the White House, forget it. All will change in Congress next year and we will dump that two faced liar in the White House in 2012. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 6, 2009 8:31 AM:

Honest Citizen wrote on Oct 6, 2009 8:37 AM:

" This country has been divided along political lines for generations. Each time a different political party enters the White House the outgoing party has gotten the blame for all of historys shame, by the sympathizers of the new regime. This blaming and finger pointing serves only to widen any gap between the two and what is repeated on the streets is far worse than any talk show host. Much is distorted and most is made up on the spot and repeated in these posts, over and over.

If anyone should make the first move to close this gap is has to be the party in control. They have to make their following stop the blaming and make the first move to cooperate. Wise words that will never be followed by anyone or any party. For you see, this is how both parties stay alive and continue to be in control. And as long as the two party system continues, we will be divided and work against each other thus keeping the Democrats and Republicans in control over every person in the United States. You can not point at any president in your lifetime and say it did not happen in their time. And until the two party system is dead and buried, it will continue. For as long as your are fighting with each other, you are not unified against the real common foe: the political parties. "

Becky wrote on Oct 6, 2009 9:02 AM:

" Very good points James. The main problem with our politicians is that our government has just got too darn big to handle. The writers of our Constitution put in many checks and balances which are now deemed "obsolete" by our last few presidents. Our Republic was never intended to become either a dictatorship or an empire. We have now become both with BOTH parties to blame. It's now up to us, we the people of the United States of America, to force our entire government to scale down, give the power back to the States as intended and not let foreign powers have control of our decisions. I see many Americans waking up to the this fact and, hopefully, it's not too late to stop this train wreck of domestic and foreign policy decisions. We must come together as a people, tell Springfield and DC that we are awake now and watching and to stop thinking they are kings and queens of the castle. It's still OUR country, OUR Constitution and OUR power to take back!!! "

jayce wrote on Oct 6, 2009 9:58 AM:

" The one thing the world---the other countries don't understand is how we in this country cand disagree quite loudly and still work. It's difficult at the time but at least we make known what we agree and disagree on and still don't call in the army to enforce a view. We will just wait and go to the polls and vote our displeasure in 2010 and 2012.
But I will say I have never in my liftime seen such idiocy in Washington
and I'm nearly 80. You NEVER borrow your way out of debt....you cut corners and tighten your belt. You cannot borrow your way out.....ask anyone who has had to take bankruptcy and I've known some who did. Also the disrespect and bad - mouthing that the libs use against the repubs that just shows a lack of intellegence and respect for others. There's plenty of blame on both sides without resorting to name calling and questioning each others amount of schooling....a degree does not neccesarily denote wisdom or
commonsence. "

Mattooner at Heart wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:00 AM:

" Wow! Great letter! It's up to the citizens of the US to force our "leaders" to get together and work on the problems that the country faces. We MUST hold them accountable for what they do and put them on notice that if they keep 5crewing around, we'll fire them! "

The Question wrote on Oct 6, 2009 4:59 PM:

" Empty blather. These aren't mere "disagreements." One side does not WANT "solutions" it wants only unlimited power.
One side is a group of morons who have been duped into serving corporate profiteers against their own interests, and the other side is trying to prevent the greed-driven collapse of the health care system in the U.S. Right-wing propaganda is spewed constantly by ranting talk radio and a special TV channel created by an Australian swine for the express purpose of lying to the American people. "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:23 PM:

" The Question wrote on Oct 6, 2009 4:59 PM:
" Empty blather. These aren't mere "disagreements." One side does not WANT "solutions" it wants only unlimited power.
One side is a group of morons who have been duped into serving corporate profiteers against their own interests, and the other side is trying to prevent the greed-driven collapse of the health care system in the U.S. Right-wing propaganda is spewed constantly by ranting talk radio and a special TV channel created by an Australian swine for the express purpose of lying to the American people. "

You honestly believe the Democrats never do anything wrong? That it is all the Republicans. If that is what you believe you just continue to be happy in fantasy land. Both sides are constantly making mistakes, after all they are human. They both play politics with our lives. The sooner you figure that out the better off you will be. "

The Question wrote on Oct 7, 2009 9:11 AM:

" Don't make assumptions, jr. Of course the Democrats do things wrong, and constantly. Our choice is between a bad party, the Democrats, and a terrible, ranting, theocratic, loony, greed-maddened, know-nothing party that will turn this nation into a fascist state if given a chance. And that's no choice at all.
I don't have to applaud the Democrats to realize that right now, they're the only alternative to national suicide. "

even steven wrote on Oct 7, 2009 10:45 AM:

" George Washington hit the nail on the head in his Farewell Address. He warned that organized political parties would divide the nation and that political parties would serve their own interests instead of the interests of citizens. Our elected officials from both major parties are bent on keeping power and enriching themselves, and this has been evidenced over and over again regardless of which party was in control. The current batch of thieves and liars who profess to represent us (yeah... what a joke!) deserve a good old fashioned tar and feathering. There are few exceptions on either side of the political aisle. "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:53 AM:

" The government announced that it is changing its emblem from an Eagle to a Condom because it more accurately reflects the government's stance....

A condom allows for inflation, halts production, destroys the next generation, protects a bunch of "richards", & gives a sense of security while you're actually being 5crewed!

It just doesn't get more accurate than that. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 7, 2009 12:29 PM:

" T.Q. have you ever considered that you may be part of the problem? Do you know anything about Corporations? I work for one of the biggest (global) Corporations in Central Illinois and let me tell 'ya I'm doing a heck of a lot better than most people waiting on Obama to hand them their welfare check. Also, do you realize that this greedy, corrupt, blah, blah blah, etc. party ideology was what this country was founded on? Would you call George Washington, John Adams, etc. greedy and corrupt? Socialism didn't change this country from a fledgling colonial outpost of the British empire into a world power, real liberalism (John Locke, Adam Smith ideology)did. The possibility of the U.S. becoming Fascist state is about as likely as it becoming a Communist state (and even less so with the current admin). "

~STRANGER~ wrote on Oct 7, 2009 12:43 PM:

" Awful lot of nails getting hit on the head, on this thread.lol "

Becky wrote on Oct 7, 2009 3:33 PM:

" Hey Kimmi:

Fascism, pronounced /ˈfʃɪzəm/, comprises a radical and authoritarian nationalist political ideology[1][2][3][4] and a corporatist economic ideology

Part 1, Patriot Act, removal of hapeus corpus, national ID act., invasion of nations who didn't attack anybody.

Part 2, Bailing out banks, GM, the stimulus. Pulling 7 TRILLION dollars out of main streets pockets and pouring it into large corporate accounts.

Yep, sounds like a match to me. What's your idea of fascism? "

father bob wrote on Oct 7, 2009 3:42 PM:

" kimmi89 wrote on Oct 7, 2009 12:29 PM:
"I work for one of the biggest (global) Corporations in Central Illinois"""""

i'll have a big mac with fries..... "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 7, 2009 5:49 PM:

" Yes Becky, I do know the definition of Fascism. It's great to look the definition up, but do you really know the the real world meaning of the word? When I think of Fascists I think of Hitler, Mussolini, etc. Now I want you to tell me how the United States is like Nazi Germany. How long did you spend in a concentration camp? Fascism, like Communism, is marked by extreme government control, lack of individualistic persuits, and the like. Honestly, is your life in this country that bad? Even if Big Brother is in effect (which I personally don't condone) are you really likely to ever have any ill effects from it? I really doubt it. I think you need to get your terminology correct when you talk about bank bailing; that's a very socialist thing hence Obamas huge bailout plans. Capitalism is based on the "invisible hand" which guides the market and not on a central figure. Look up Adam Smith. I worry about those things because they point to a centrally planned economy which is the main component of Communism. Please look it up.

Father Bob:
Nice one, but not quite. The corporation I work for produces most of the food you consume on a daily basis. It also does more for it's employees and for the community than any other company I've ever worked for. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 7, 2009 7:38 PM:

" Kimmi89 apparently doesn't wish to share the name of her employer. I wonder why that is? "

Stanley Stetson wrote on Oct 7, 2009 9:12 PM:

" Kimmi89 apparently doesn't wish to share the name of her employer. I wonder why that is?

* the same reason you do not share yours dohbaugh *

* chortle snort chuckle tee hee * "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:28 PM:

" The Question wrote on Oct 7, 2009 9:11 AM:
" Don't make assumptions, jr. Of course the Democrats do things wrong, and constantly. Our choice is between a bad party, the Democrats, and a terrible, ranting, theocratic, loony, greed-maddened, know-nothing party that will turn this nation into a fascist state if given a chance. And that's no choice at all.
I don't have to applaud the Democrats to realize that right now, they're the only alternative to national suicide. "

Your comments speak volumes on what you really believe. "

The Question wrote on Oct 8, 2009 9:51 AM:

" Oh say can you see the American torturers? No, you can't, because they've been hidden and protected from the law. That's called "American fascism." "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 8, 2009 10:35 AM:

" I find it interesting that instead of pointing out flaws in my logic or false-hoods you choose to make personal attacks... Hmmm... But I'M the problem??? Thank you for proving my initial point Harry. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 8, 2009 1:46 PM:

" Personal attack? I merely asked why you were being evasive as to where you work, Kimmie. You caught my interest when you said that your company makes most of the food father bob consumes. I never knew one company did that, just curious as to the name of this company. Still not willing to share? Are you sure you didn't mean to say sells most of the food instead of produces it, and are there blue vests involved? lol! "

father bob wrote on Oct 8, 2009 5:59 PM:

" jrhendren wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:28 PM:
"I don't have to applaud the Democrats to realize that right now, they're the only alternative to national suicide. """""

hehehehe....TQ, old jr has finally seen the light. bush and his merry band of murdering criminals had this country down for the count. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 8, 2009 9:33 PM:

" Well you'd better check your facts then Harry. And I didn't say makes, I said produces; or more accurately processes most of the ingredients in the foods you eat. "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Oct 8, 2009 10:30 PM:

" HP, they stopped wearing the blue vests about 3 years ago, come this February. It's now dark blue shirts, & tan slacks/pants.

Good one, though.
LOL! "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 8, 2009 11:33 PM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 8, 2009 5:59 PM:
" jrhendren wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:28 PM:
"I don't have to applaud the Democrats to realize that right now, they're the only alternative to national suicide. """""

hehehehe....TQ, old jr has finally seen the light. bush and his merry band of murdering criminals had this country down for the count. "

Umm. Bob you might want to look at that post again. That was what TQ said, not me. "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 8, 2009 11:36 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Oct 8, 2009 1:46 PM:
" Personal attack? I merely asked why you were being evasive as to where you work, Kimmie. You caught my interest when you said that your company makes most of the food father bob consumes. I never knew one company did that, just curious as to the name of this company. Still not willing to share? Are you sure you didn't mean to say sells most of the food instead of produces it, and are there blue vests involved? lol! "

A question my friend. Why should Kimmie say where she works when some here will not even use their own name? I mean you believe yourself to have stalkers on here, do you not believe that some on here would not try and get her fired? I would not, nor will I mention my place of business either. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 9, 2009 8:52 AM:

" " Well you'd better check your facts then Harry. And I didn't say makes, I said produces; or more accurately processes most of the ingredients in the foods you eat. "

Makes or produces seems to be synonymous to me, Kimmie. Perhaps if you had clarified your comments there would be no confusion. So who is it? I'm not trying to badger you, but am truly curious as to who this employer is. Surely it's not classified information?

I just hope it's not Kal Kan or what ever name they're going by now. lol! "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 9, 2009 8:57 AM:

" " HP, they stopped wearing the blue vests about 3 years ago, come this February. It's now dark blue shirts, & tan slacks/pants.

Hey RR, some of the folks at the Charleston store still wear blue vests. Maybe they didn't get the word yet, or maybe they think they're so stylish that they just can't give them up. lol! "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 9, 2009 9:10 AM:

" A question my friend. Why should Kimmie say where she works when some here will not even use their own name? I mean you believe yourself to have stalkers on here, do you not believe that some on here would not try and get her fired? I would not, nor will I mention my place of business either. "

You do have a point, jr. Admittedly I have used the same excuse myself. Have a good day, my friend. "

father bob wrote on Oct 9, 2009 9:54 AM:

" jrhendren wrote on Oct 8, 2009 11:33 PM:
"Umm. Bob you might want to look at that post again. That was what TQ said, not me. """""

thanks for the correction. you really are hopeless afterall!! "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 10, 2009 12:06 AM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 9, 2009 9:54 AM:
" jrhendren wrote on Oct 8, 2009 11:33 PM:
"Umm. Bob you might want to look at that post again. That was what TQ said, not me. """""

thanks for the correction. you really are hopeless afterall!! "

LOL!!! You make a mistake, I point it out and I'm hopeless. Come on, you couldn't just say, "I make a mistake", without some snide comment.? "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 10, 2009 1:33 PM:

" Rockin Rotty wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:53 AM:

" The government announced that it is changing its emblem from an Eagle to a Condom because it more accurately reflects the government's stance....

A condom allows for inflation, halts production, destroys the next generation, protects a bunch of "richards", & gives a sense of security while you're actually being 5crewed!

It just doesn't get more accurate than that. "

Very well stated Rotty!!!! "

Cognitus wrote on Oct 10, 2009 5:40 PM:

" Becky:"give the power back to the States as intended"

As intended?? BECKY, our present
Constitution is a result of the fact
that the former constitution DID NOT WORK. Our present Constitution WAS NOT
written with the INTENTION of giving power back to the states.
Our Constitution came into existence, in part, because the states haggled over and refused to pay their share of the cost of the Revolution.
Remember the turmoil when S Carolina voted to nullify a federal law establishing a tariff which they thought unfairly taxed cotton and only Jackson saved the Union.
Would you approve of restoring segregation to the South, which would happen if each state were independent? "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Oct 11, 2009 5:08 PM:

" Thanks, cedric! Fight the good fight, my friend. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 12, 2009 8:41 PM:

" No, Harry in this case "makes" and "processes" are not synonyms. Makes implies that you're bringing many parts together to make a whole, processes means you're taking something and breaking it down to later be made into the whole. I'm guessing most of you are older then me yet I keep having to explain the most simple concepts. "