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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Monday, October 12, 2009 10:00 PM CDT
LETTER: Looking out for others
is part of reform effort

SUSAN HUMPHREYS, Oakland

The health care/insurance debate is curious. One gent’s comment sums up the debate from those that are against reform, “First of all, it is not the role of the government to take care of any of us!”

The opening paragraph of the U.S. Constitution. “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity,...” Sounds as though the government is charged with looking out for those less fortunate not just for the needs of the rich and powerful.

Another lady commented “Jesus told us that we will always have the poor with us.” I ask her and you, did Jesus also tell us to look the other way and let the thirsty die of thirst and the hungry starve to death? Remember Matthew 25:31-46 “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

The “Golden Rule” appeared in the philosophy of those ancient pagan Greeks long before it appeared in the Bible and is common to all the world’s religions. Pittacus, 640-568 BCE “Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him.”

The anti-reform folks look at the issue from a selfish viewpoint, (it will hurt my care, it will cost me more.) The small businessman suffers when he loses the productivity of his worker whose minor health problem became a major health problem for lack of care.

We all pay in higher fees and taxes when the uninsured use hospital emergency rooms for primary care. We all pay in lost property values when homes in our neighborhoods are foreclosed because a family went bankrupt when faced with catastrophic major health care bills.

Do you want migrant workers to pick your food crops and process your meat if they are suffering from a disease and can’t get health care? Disease, poverty, pollution, racial, ethnic and religious hatred and the problems they spawn don’t respect man-made boundaries. The sooner we face that unpleasant reality and start looking out for the needs of all the better off all of us will be.

SUSAN HUMPHREYS

Oakland

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father bob wrote on Oct 13, 2009 9:17 AM:

" Disease, poverty, pollution, racial, ethnic and religious hatred and the problems they spawn dont respect man-made boundaries."""""

great description of all things republican! "

The Shadow wrote on Oct 13, 2009 9:47 AM:

" Disease, poverty, pollution, racial, ethnic and religious hatred and the problems they spawn dont respect man-made boundaries."""""

great description of all things democrat! "

father bob wrote on Oct 13, 2009 9:50 AM:

" interesting article on the recent "warnings" from healthcare providers:

The recent implosion of the American economy turned upper-middle income families into middle-income families; and middle income families into the working poor.

And now, after months of shooting down every type of health care reform, after millions of dollars per day lobbying Congress, after their hand-picked Sen. Baucus writes their bill, the Insurance Companies are playing the end game. Health insurance premiums will increase to $25,000 over the next ten years if health care is reformed, they say.

If you think its bad now, just wait until the reforms kick in, they warn. Fear works. It was this very kind of doomsday mongering that shot down health care reform in the early days of the Clinton presidency. The insurance industry is counting on it to work again.

Will it? Will our elected representatives bow to the monied iterests of the insurance industry and put their profits ahead of the American people, once again? Its too early to tell.

But there is a simple, cost-effective solution. Allow people already paying exhorbitant premiums to for-profit health insurance companies to buy into Medicare instead. Repeal Bushs tax cuts to pay for Medicaid for the indigent. Its so simple, a caveman could do it.

~TZ~ "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 13, 2009 1:52 PM:

" Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) said Tuesday that she intends to vote for the Senate Finance Committee's health care reform package. She cautioned that her vote should be seen as a sign of her faith in the process going forward, not as support for the final package that will arrive on the Senate floor.

"Is this bill all that I would want? Far from it," said Snowe. "Is it all that it can be? No. But when history calls, history calls, and I happen to think that the consequences of inaction dictate the urgency of Congress to take every opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to solve the monumental issues of our time
AP-

Snowe make this pronouncement even after being threatened by her parties leaders. Wanna bet Fox news will do a hatchet job on her tonight? lol! "

father bob wrote on Oct 13, 2009 2:48 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Oct 13, 2009 1:52 PM:
"Snowe make this pronouncement even after being threatened by her parties leaders. Wanna bet Fox news will do a hatchet job on her tonight? lol! """""

i'm sure there will be threats against her well being. SOP of the GOP. "

yocsmotel wrote on Oct 13, 2009 4:19 PM:

" Ms. Humphreys, if you are so concerned about exercising the "Golden Rule," why do you fail to observe it when it concerns those who will have their wealth confiscated by the government? I guess "do unto others" applies only to those individuals you choose. If benefits go to those you happen to favor, it's Christ-like. If benefits stay with those you arbitrarily decide should not have them, those people are "selfish." Respectfully, ma'am, who appointed you the arbiter of who should and should not have material wealth? I thought that Americans let achievement and results determine that.
--yocsmotel "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 13, 2009 10:09 PM:

" Breaking news: This just in!!! Obama wins the Heisman Trophy!!! after watching a college football game!!! "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 13, 2009 11:51 PM:

" Susan lies once again about religion. Wow who would have guessed it. I've told you before you need to quit speaking about what you do not know. Then again from most of your posts you would never speak. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 14, 2009 8:08 AM:

" Yocsmotel because If I was rich, which I am not, I would share. One person or even two doesn't need a 40,000 sq. ft. house, or four lamborghini cars,...I would do to others what I would want them to do to me! I am also pragmatic and selfish, I realize that it is in my BEST interest to look after those less fortunate, because as I said, "Disease, poverty, pollution, racial, ethnic and religious hatred and the problems they spawn don't respect man-made boundaries." "

father bob wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:11 AM:

" Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 13, 2009 10:09 PM:
" Breaking news: This just in!!! Obama wins the Heisman Trophy!!! after watching a college football game!!! """"""

rip van winkle awakens!.....jon, that joke's been plastered all over the net and these threads already. but hey, what should i expect from a man who thinks the earth is 6000 years old and man walked with dinosaurs.

did you hear??....dewey lost after all! "

yocsmotel wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:25 AM:

" "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need."
--Karl Marx "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:42 AM:

" " Breaking news: This just in!!! Obama wins the Heisman Trophy!!! after watching a college football game!!! "

Learn to make those kinds of remarks in church, Jon? "

BW wrote on Oct 14, 2009 11:31 AM:

" Ms. Humphreys, why do you cite scripture? You have made it perfectly clear that you have no belief in God so why do you try to use his words in a vain attempt to convince someone? Apparently you do believe in hypocricy. "

Danny Boy wrote on Oct 14, 2009 11:56 AM:

" yocsmotel
You make about as much sense as your stupid screen name does. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 14, 2009 12:34 PM:

" Oh BW tsk, tsk, tsk. I have said many times that the Bible is a good book, full of great wisdom, NOT the inerrant word of God but the word of men claiming divine inspiration. As long as folks cite the Bible as justification for their persecution of others than I will use it to justify being considerate and thoughtful of others. BUT it isn't the ONLY good book, notice I pointed out the "Golden Rule" has been common to ALL the worlds religions and first appeared with those wonderful Pagan Greeks. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 14, 2009 12:37 PM:

" Mr. Hendren are you saying that Matthew isn't the TRUTH? Or that Luke is a bunch of lies. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. Even though they aren't the inerrant word of God they are still wise words carried within those pages. "

even steven wrote on Oct 14, 2009 12:38 PM:

" I wonder how many of those folks pushing for the government to take over the health care system in order to "help" people bother to donate blood. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 14, 2009 12:43 PM:

" Oh deary dear... it's the athiest quoting bible scripture!!!! Well ain't that a kick in the pants?! And Promoting the general welfare DOESN'T mean actual welfare... that didn't exist in 1788. I believe that started about 150 years later, give or take. Also, just in case you didn't know, you'll be paying for the poors trips to the emergency room anyway with your taxes. If you don't work you don't pay in the taxes that are going towards your medical care.... just sayin'. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 14, 2009 2:30 PM:

" Ms. Humphreys, I can tell you with absolute certainty that if I finish my education (which inclueds Law School) I will indeed buy myself a huge home and nice car. Why? Because I am working my butt off for it. What would be my motivation to get an education if at the end I had nothing to show for all my effort? The warm fuzzy feeling of being well educated really doesn't entice me to spend 6 years of my life broke and stressed to the max. The thought of making more money than I have ever known and knowing that my family will be well cared for and that my future children will never know financial hardship is enticing, however. I know what it is like to have no money but I am also working to fix that for myself. If I were to wait for someone else to change my situation I'd be waiting forever. You're intentions are honorable but please keep in mind that you only reap what you sow. You will never get more out of life than you put in. "

The Question wrote on Oct 14, 2009 3:27 PM:

" I'm afraid I can't give too much weight to constitutional analysis when it comes from someone who can't spell the word "atheist" and uses "you're" instead of "your."
So don't worry about any of those warm and fuzzy feelings sneaking up on you. You're in no serious danger of being well educated. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 14, 2009 4:11 PM:

" TQ you have yet to argue sucessfully against my "uneducated" analysis. I may make spelling erros but that shouldn't take away from the point I was trying to make. I've seen much worse on here... Get over yourself, you argue on a small town newspaper blog about things that don't matter in the long run... I do this for fun and to ease boredom. I wasn't kidding about Law School and I'm guessing your education is somewhat less than that. "

BW wrote on Oct 14, 2009 4:13 PM:

" Careful, Ms. Humphreys, you'll wear out your "tsk". You can "use" the Bible all you want but, in the end, you're just kidding yourself. Tsk tsk. "

BW wrote on Oct 14, 2009 4:17 PM:

" Ever notice, when TQ has nothing to add, he/she starts on the spelling/grammar check. What a joke! "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 14, 2009 4:48 PM:

" Kimmie I have had eight years of college. So before you start crowing too much about your plans you might wait until you get some of that education behind you. I have no doubt that you will join the greedy, that your motto or mantra will be grab it all while the grabbings good. The reality is that things are just things, houses, cars, clothes,...they don't make you important, they don't make you a better person, they are not proof of your worth or value as an individual or to society. That knowledge comes with an education, so stick with it, but I suggest you expand your horizons a bit and learn about religion and philosophy, study a bit of science and history, economics and sociology. If you want to be a "good" lawyer rather than just a passable one you will need to broaden your view of the world. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 14, 2009 4:50 PM:

" BW there are plenty more TSKs, one can never run out, unfortunately, because there are too many fools that all one can do is shake ones head, sigh and say tsk, tsk tsk! "

BW wrote on Oct 14, 2009 4:54 PM:

" Ms. Humphreys, How nice that you have had eight years of college. Did you graduate? "

The Question wrote on Oct 14, 2009 5:31 PM:

" Actually, when someone can't even be bothered to use basic English spelling or grammar correctly, that rather tellingly argues against their intellectual discipline, wouldn't you say? Lazy writer equals lazy thinker. You'll find that kind of slipshod nonsense won't fly in law school, by the way. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 14, 2009 5:44 PM:

" LOL I am a history major with a minor in Political Science. I have taken almsot all of the Philosphy, economics, geography, psychology, ethics, etc. courses that Lake Land has to offer. And before you start I'm only 20 years old so it's no "shame" for me to be at Lake Land. My education is about as "well rounded" as you could want. As for all of the things you mention, I want them because I'll have earned them. If that makes me greedy so be it. If someone else wants what I have then they better do what I did to get it. I may not have as much experience, but I'm pretty sure that's the way it works. And btw what the heck did you do for eight years? Are you a doctor? If not it sure took you a hell of a long time to get through. Time in college doesn't always equate to a high degree. "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 14, 2009 7:11 PM:

" My oh My eight years of college! I wonder who paid for all that? "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 14, 2009 7:11 PM:

" ... when it comes from someone who can't spell the word "atheist" and uses "you're" instead of "your."
So don't worry about any of those warm and fuzzy feelings sneaking up on you. You're in no serious danger of being well educated. "
----------

WOW! Did you feel that? Once again, the world has moved !

We've been "graced" to witness deprecations by The Question upon another blogger!

Truly a monumental occasion!

You should feel proud Kimmi to have drawn the notice and accompanying ire of The Question, a world renowned sophist.

In addition to The Question's jobs as a Nuclear Physicist at Argonne National Laboratory, a Principal Medical Researcher at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Constitutional Jurist and Senior Advisor to Barack Obama, she poses as an English Compostion instructor here in central Illinois.

W-E-L-L...A-C-T-U-A-L-L-Y...she's involved in none of these profoundly erudite professions...

...she's more like a wizen mal-content, without a "real job", albeit "working" as an administrative assistant at a local school of some sort to make her feel like she's "got some smarts", with low self-esteem, who feels empowered when she belittles someone who has a real job and doesn't have the time to do spell check... "

middle of road wrote on Oct 14, 2009 7:20 PM:

" How amusing that when NeoCon wants to put down The Question, he refers to the latter as "she"...CLASSY...and sadly not the first person on these threads to do so. Seems like Harry Poter or Father Bob do the same thing to cedric or others on the right occasionaly. Truly impressive. "

middle of road wrote on Oct 14, 2009 7:25 PM:

" GrampaC on another thread throws the same zing as Jon Vanatta on this thread...Obama wins Heisman after watching footblal game...what a coincidence that two people on the same end of the spectrum of politics would magically come up with the very same original thought! Even to someone who'd neither far left or far right, that kind of repeating of talking points just gets so old so fast. "

lefty wrote on Oct 14, 2009 7:36 PM:

" KIMMI89, we are supposed to be impressed with your educational ambitions (not yet achieved), yet the educational achievements of others on this site don't impress you. Ok, you get a cookie.

Now onto your overall point.... just because people want universal health care, it does not equate to taking anything away from your hard work. People can still get stinkin rich in this country. So let em. Get a big house and nice car. There is no law against that.

However, no doubt insurance companies are sappin' those in need, denying coverage despite their obligations. There are many stories of people who have health, yet are denied major treatments for minor preexisting conditions (acne was used to deny someone breast cancer treatment). Should they keep up such behavior, that is known as a market failure.

It's time they be a good corporate citizen. How can you argue against basic contractual obligations? "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Oct 14, 2009 7:43 PM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 14, 2009 7:11 PM:

"WOW! Did you feel that? Once again, the world has moved !

We've been "graced"...."

.......

I'd like to nominate this for "Post Of The Week"!

ROTFLMAO!!!! "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Oct 14, 2009 7:48 PM:

" Wow! I wish I had stock in soapboxes. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 14, 2009 8:20 PM:

" My oh My eight years of college! I wonder who paid for all that? "

Eight years of college and he still thinks the earth is only 6000 years old. LOL! "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 14, 2009 8:55 PM:

" Suzyq's eight years of brain washing has not convinced me or anyone else who can actually think that nothing created everything in 15 billion years. Where is the evidence? We have evidence for a young earth of less than 10,000 years and of a creator God that has given us His Word both living and written. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 14, 2009 8:59 PM:

" It seems that Rush Limpo has been dumped in his bid to become part owner of the St Louis Rams. I hate to be a I told you so, but when you're right, you're right. lol!

Apparantly his big fat racist mouth did him in on this, just as it cost him his gig on ESPN and just as I predicted it would on this deal. I can't wait to hear his spin on this one tomorrow, some how it will be Obama's fault. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:02 PM:

" I can't disagree, Lefty. My insurance wouldn't pay for a test I had because I wasn't a full time student during the summer (I had the test in September). I think the Health Care system needs to be reformed, but I just don't like socialism very much. The history doesn't help. How many countries exist as socialist nations and not Communist? It's the same as you fearing fascism. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:10 PM:

" Well TQ my "slipshod" intelligence has earned me President's List status numerous times and entrance into Eastern... But yeah, that'll never fly... "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 14, 2009 10:04 PM:

" How amusing that when NeoCon wants to put down The Question, he refers to the latter as "she"...CLASSY...and sadly not the first person on these threads to do so.... Truly impressive. "
--------

Well, thank you...thank you, very much middle of road.

I'm hoping to be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for my humanitarian posts here...or at least the good that I intend to do in the future.

Alas, one does what one can!

And "woe is me" for The Question, middle of the road. You've obviously not read many of HER posts, have you girlfriend? "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 14, 2009 10:22 PM:

" The reality is that things are just things, houses, cars, clothes,...they don't make you important, they don't make you a better person, they are not proof of your worth or value as an individual or to society.
--------------

Yes Kimmie things are just things as Sue noted. That's why Sue has 8 years of college and lives in a farm house in Oakland. "

lefty wrote on Oct 15, 2009 12:10 AM:

" KIMMI89, I don't quite understand the question "How many countries exist as socialist nations and not Communist?"

I mean, the Scandinavian countries are this successful hybrid of socio-democracy. Now that does not mean to say I think it always works or that it would work here. Additionally, you are correct to be worried about fascism, however I do not think fascism will arise from ensuring universal access to health care.

Myself, I am more concerned with the increased police state, militarism, and foreign wars. Essentially the crude violence power of the state is the most obvious feature to bring about fascism. Yet strangely, that is rarely discussed in the mainstream. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:25 AM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 13, 2009 9:17 AM:

" Disease, poverty, pollution, racial, ethnic and religious hatred and the problems they spawn dont respect man-made boundaries."""""

great description of all things republican! "

No, Great description of all things.

shumphreys wrote on Oct 14, 2009 8:08 AM:

" Yocsmotel because If I was rich, which I am not, I would share.

Matthew 19:24 Susan, Matthew 19:24

yocsmotel wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:25 AM:

" "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need."
--Karl Marx "

And just how well did that work out yocsmotel?

Communism would work just fine, if people didn't get involved, same as capitalism.

Ahh yes, kimmi89, another of those who doesn't know what B.S., M.S., and P.H.D. stand for. Another one of those, Doctors, Lawyers, Bankers, Insurance Companies who will be happy raping the poor all their life because the poor can't fight back. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:32 AM:

" BW two degrees and how many do you have? I also continue my education every year, I occasionally take a full semesters course at junior colleges and I attend workshops and seminars to fulfill my volunteer commitments for one organization. I read and I watch PBS. Now tell us what you do to further your education. Education is a life long pursuit. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:36 AM:

" My parents did Mr. Vanatta. They also put three other kids through college. Three of us were in school at one time. They earned too much for any of us to qualify for financial aid so they covered the tab by themselves. They believed in the power of an education. Now the suplemental classes I have taken over the years and the many seminars and trainings I have paid for and continue to pay for. When was the last time you shelled out money to attend a workshop or take a junior college class? "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:46 AM:

" Kimmie I am glad you are taking history and poly sci classes. They will help you a great deal when you move on to more difficult classes. It isn't just the knowledge you acquire it is what you actually come to understand that is important. There are many folks, and you may be one I don't know, who can memorize books and pass tests and never fully grasp what they have memorized.The proof is in how you apply what you learn to everyday living. One other thought one reason the world is in the mess it is in is because people the world over have had the I earned it, it is mine, mine mine and the he__ with the rest attitude. If you study history have you learned about the robber barons and the labor movement. Have you gotten an understanding of basic environmental science, pollution, over population, mundane things like that? Have you read about the long hot summers of the late 60's where society learned about the havoc a few frustrated, bored, angry, disenfranchised young men can cause. A lesson that many seem to have forgotten and is coming back to bite us in the posterior. Have you learned.....oh well maybe you will someday. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:53 AM:

" Oh NeoCon I don't live in a farm house, I don't farm. I live in the country on 100 mostly wooded acres that I am restoring to its natural state. I am a carbon sink surrounded by carbon producing farmers. I do have a small, energy efficient house I built in 2000. I recycle, I limit my trips to town, I grow my own vegetables, and a nephew hunts and provides me with most of my meat. I have a very small carbon footprint. Now tell us about your life style and what you are doing to help the environment and the worlds peoples. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:29 AM:

" Okay Lefty, I'm going to explain this again. Fascism is an extreme form of Conservative government, Communism is an extreme form of Socialist government. I worry about both because in the end they equal the same thing. And yes there is ONE example of Socio-democracy in the world but there are SIX or more examples of Communistic government. (North Korea, China, Cuba, Ven., etc.) My point was simply that Socialism doesn't have a good track record, Kim Jong Il anyone? Fidel Castro? Joseph Stalin? Mao Zedong, Tiananmen square? (Not that the fascist Adolph Hiter was any better, obviously.) "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:56 AM:

" Here's an interesting figure:

The top one percent in our society own more wealth than the bottom 95 percent own altogether.

And yet they moan and groan about the possibility of Bush's tax cuts for them being eliminated. I suppose they need the money. The Bush giveaway to the ultra rich problem is on the horizon, and I suspect a good debate on it. The far right is losing on the health care issue and I suspect they will lose on the tax issue too. We'll soon see how this plays out. "

BW wrote on Oct 15, 2009 11:04 AM:

" Ms. Humphreys, how nice of you to ask. I have two degrees as well but it took somewhat less than your eight years to obtain them. I also have a professional certification (CPA) which I obtained at the first sitting of the exam and yes, Ms. Humphreys, I do maintain continuing education standards as required by my profession. Now, what this has anything to do with you is beyond me. Just for the record, some of the brightest, smartest, most successful people I've ever known had very little formal education and certainly no college degrees. Having said that brings to mind the other swing of the pendulum-you Ms. Humphreys. I googled "Pompous" and there was your picture. Imagine that. "

Danny Boy wrote on Oct 15, 2009 11:34 AM:

" Well I guess we're at that point in time where our High School teacher said algebra will someday save your life!!
Lets try....

5x-6 = 3x-8
what is the answer?

Subtract 3x from both sides of the equation: 3x from 5x is 2x, and 3x taken from 3x=0 answer: 2x-6=-8

Add 6 to both sides of the equation:
6 from -6 =0...-6 from-8 =-2 answer:
2x=-2

Divide both sides by 2: 2x divided by 2 = x, and -2 divided by 2=-1 Answer:

x=-1

There it is x = - 1
Simple huh? "

father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 12:42 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:56 AM:
" Here's an interesting figure:

The top one percent in our society own more wealth than the bottom 95 percent own altogether."""""

And yet they moan and groan about the possibility of Bush's tax cuts for them being eliminated.""""

even more amazing.... the masses of subservient middle and lower class "conservatives" will listen to the pundits tell them just why, and how hard they should fight to protect those tax cuts for the upper class.

it's just a different type of legalized dog fighting. the dogs don't know any better, they've been beaten, prodded, baited and then set loose on whomever they're told to attack....and the stupid dogs do it while owners handlers rake in the cash, have a drink and light up a cigar. "

lefty wrote on Oct 15, 2009 1:35 PM:

" I disagree KIMMI89, fascism is a product that can arise when interests capture a state. It can happen under capitalism, communism, or any other mix. The problem is that people think of government in terms of left or right. In the end, it serves to deny some rights, and grant rights to others. The question is balance of course.

In our current system, business has a pretty solid stranglehold on the government, and it's getting to be a bit much. Banks are pilfering the treasury, ag companies like Monsanto get the RIGHT to poison our food, soil and water, and private corporations are building their own military apparatus (Blackwater).

This is of concern. It is about government capture by private forces to OUR detriment.

Universal health, in this context, does not scare me.

We're on the Titanic. You can polish the brass all you want, but in the end it seems like were going down. "

kimmi89 wrote on Oct 15, 2009 2:29 PM:

" SHumphreys, I think we agree on everything but politics. I would be the first to tell you that I'm not the most intelligent, well educated, or the richest person even on this blog. I do hope to take your stance on education and make it my life-long persuit, however. It's my goal to become the best person I can be by learning and by experiencing life.
I think most people assume that if you take the politcal stance that I do then you must have never experienced the real world. That's completely false. I know what it is to worry about my lack of health insurance and what the heck am I going to do if I get seriously ill, I know what it's like to have to work my way through college, and I know what it's like to worry where this month's rent is coming from. With all that on my plate I really can't find it in myself to worry about my carbon footprint or about the meaning of pointless initials (medic). And yes, I do believe that if i work for something then I've earned it and it's mine. Things take on more meaning if you've never had them and therefore have to work your butt off to get them. I give my time and money to help others(shocked?) because it's part of my religous value system, not because I think it will make me a better person or because how others will view it. In the end I really don't think I'm less of a person (or any less intelligent) than any of you left wingers. That's your perception of me. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 3:29 PM:

" Fascism is an extreme form of Conservative government, Communism is an extreme form of Socialist government.
-------------------------

No Kimmi...let me graciously correctly you.

Fascism is socialism to the right.

Communism is socialism to left.

Fascism and Communism are at the opposite ends of the SOCIALISM spectrum....

America fits in the middle.

...and while capitalism is by far an imperfect socio-economic model, it lives on the spectrum, it is by far better than these extremes.

...and it's because of plunging abruptly toward extremisms with socialism that many reasoned WW2 happened.

The issue with the extremes of socialism, as those on the left FAIL TO RECOGNIZE, is that for socialism to "work" (which it never has because...and just like with capitalism you still get HAVES and HAVE-NOTS) it has to get past the "RESOURCES ALLOCATION AND DISTRIBUTION" problem.

...a problem Karl Marx could never solve trying to defend the "worker".

If there's a problem with capitalism now, it's not that capitalism doesn't work, the problem is it's size and complexity.

Socialism sucks.

But evidently that's what America wants having put Obama in the Whitehouse...so just brace for the ramifications...including a lower standard of living, across the board, for everyone... "

The Question wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:27 PM:

" In point of fact, the contemporary Republican Party exemplifies ALL 14 common characteristics of fascist regimes. They are:
1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism.
2. Disdain for the importance of human rights.
3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause.
4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism.
5. Rampant sexism.
6. A controlled or manipulated mass media.
7. Obsession with national security.
8. Religion and ruling elite tied together.
9. Power of corporations protected.
10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated.
11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts.
12. Obsession with crime and punishment.
13. Rampant cronyism and corruption.
14. Fraudulent elections. "

father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:49 PM:

" The Question wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:27 PM:
" In point of fact, the contemporary Republican Party exemplifies ALL 14 common characteristics of fascist regimes. They are:
1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism.
2. Disdain for the importance of human rights.
3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause.
4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism.
5. Rampant sexism.
6. A controlled or manipulated mass media.
7. Obsession with national security.
8. Religion and ruling elite tied together.
9. Power of corporations protected.
10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated.
11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts.
12. Obsession with crime and punishment.
13. Rampant cronyism and corruption.
14. Fraudulent elections. """""

thanks for the refresher TQ. the past 8 years have been under a fascist regime. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:58 PM:

" " In point of fact, the contemporary Republican Party exemplifies ALL 14 common characteristics of fascist regimes. They are:
------------------------

WOW, The Question, I'm impressed once again! Now which left-wing victimology site did you get your 14 Points from?

Was it:

http://www.oldamericancentury.org/14pts.htm

http://www.secularhumanism.org/library/fi/britt_23_2.htm

http://www.rense.com/general37/fascism.htm

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x294227

...or was it from one of the other 151,996 sites listed by Google?

HEY I KNOW... why don't you make up one of those quite little ditties...to impressus...yeah that's the ticket... like with the antebellum reference ditty...

BUT OOPS!...YOU LIFTED THAT ONE FROM THE WEB TOO NOW... DIDN'T YA...YOU BETCHA YOU DID...YOU...YOU LITTLE... "SARAH PALIN"... you!!!

Hahahaha! "

BW wrote on Oct 15, 2009 5:03 PM:

" TQ, have you checked everyone's grammar and spelling? I wouldn't want you to waste your one talent. "

father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 6:41 PM:

" BW wrote on Oct 15, 2009 5:03 PM:

" TQ, have you checked everyone's grammar and spelling? I wouldn't want you to waste your one talent. """""

how's the butt sniffing doing BW?...LMAO!!! "

medic57 wrote on Oct 15, 2009 6:53 PM:

" I really can't find it in myself to worry about my carbon footprint

kimmie89, Does your Grand Daughter feels the same way? "

Stanley Stetson wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:22 PM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 6:41 PM:
" how's the butt sniffing doing BW?...LMAO!!! "

* why * you begging for sloppy seconds * lmao * "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:35 PM:

" how's the butt sniffing doing BW?...LMAO!!! "
-------------------

Poor Cannon (4F)odder Bob...

...that rotten leg of his must be acting up again! "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 8:38 PM:

" " Oh NeoCon I don't live in a farm house, I don't farm. I live in the country on 100 mostly wooded acres that...

------

OOPS Sue! I'm not saying one should go out and rape the environment, on the contrary...I am always for efficient, productive use of stuff...that's why I hate you libs big inefficient government...but I'm not too worried about mine let alone other folks' carbon footprint's!

I'll let you lefties worry 'bout those carbon footy things. It's a good distraction for you folks.

You see Sue...the mere existence of humans on the face of this earth ruins the earth's ecology.

Darn it...the ruining all started when humans started farming 10,000 years ago.

And unless you're gonna regress to an extant state common to about 1750, prior to the 1st and 2nd industrial revolutions, hun, ya ain't gonna make much of a difference whilst the world heads toward a population of > 7 billion...and China and India, with 3 billion people, enter their industrial revolutions.

But since you are soooo concerned about your carbon footprint, Sue, here's my challenge to you.

Do away with, and then do without, EVERYTHING that you possess that is petroleum based, petroleum usage being a major contributor to those dastardly carbon footprints...

...but OOPS... let me let you in on a little secret....a little secret Al Gore won't tell you (mainly cuz he's a dimwit worse than Smokin Joe Biden)...

...about 70 to 80% of everything folks use in modernity can be sourced to petroleum. OOPS there goes that foot print!

Throw away your clothes, blankets, and carpeting (unless their cotton, wool, or linen (flax)), eyeglasses carpeting, roofing, just about everything made out of metal (since a whole bunch of nasty stuff's involved with it's making), build you're house in the ground to eliminate heating/cooling problems, and on and on.

So thar ya go...and let me know how all that works out for ya...

And OOPS! you musta bought in to that nasty ol' capitalist system we live in to own 100 acres...shame on you... "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:19 PM:

" "He's married to a white woman. He wants to be white. He wants a colorless society. He has no ethnic pride. He doesn't want to be black."
-- California State Senator Diane Watson's on Ward Connerly's interracial marriage "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:21 PM:

" "The Medicaid system must have been developed by a white male slave owner. It pays for you to be pregnant and have a baby, but it won't pay for much family planning."
-- President Clinton's Surgeon General, Jocelyn Elders "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:48 PM:

" This thread has gone positively weird, but I guess that is what higher education does for you especially when it is given to you. Knowledge without wisdom is worthless. Did I misspell any words here TQ? Do any of you guys know how to change a light bulb? People who have had their education given to them ought to give back something to society. Just continuing your education is not giving back. You should produce something or provide a service that benefits others. If you just live on a hundred acres of land and never use that land to produce anything for anyone else how does that benefit others. You cant denigrate farmers who use their land to make their living and by so doing provide food for others. What if every landowner done nothing but turn his land back to nature then who would feed the world? Of course we dont know how Obama got his education paid for do we? His mammy and pappy were also professional students with no visible means of support and so we are not allowed to know anything about his past or how he got to be an elitist millionaire. Not bad for someone who has never had a job or run anything and more than likely is an illegal alien or at least he has never proved otherwise. He has paid his law firms over a million dollars to keep his past covered up. Now this man who campaigned on and promised us transparency meets behind closed doors with only his own party members and his Chicago gangster buddies and tax cheats and lies to us and before the joint sessions of Congress and his media lapdogs cover for him. Fox News and World Net Daily should receive awards for being the only ones who hold this administration accountable. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:09 AM:

" Referring to Obamas mother as his mammy was a bit over the top, even for you, Vanatta. For someone who professes to be a man of religion, there seems to have a lot of hate in your comments. Hate filled people like you are what drives so many away from religion. You might have more credibility if you dropped the racist, bitter and hate filled remarks from your posts. Think about it.

By the way over 90 percent of college students in this country are getting some sort of financial assistance. That would include those that are using veteran benefits. Do you begrudge them too? That 90 percent figure was given to me by a friend who served as Dean of Admissions at EIU while back. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:33 AM:

" And did you google "blowhard" to find your picture BW? Or perhaps you need to look that up first to find what it means. Oh and I pointed out my college because I was responding to Kimmie who cited her plans to get eight years of college. Or did you miss that part? Then I asked about your education since you so thoughtfully and politely asked if I had graduated. I am always willing to respond to polite questions. "

The Question wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:37 AM:

" "Mammy?" You're a real piece of work, Vanatta. Are you going to put on some blackface, do a little shuffle dance and sing "Swanee" for us next? Does your Jesus like that kind of thing? "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:51 AM:

" Kimmie I think the classifications of leftwingers for me and for others on these blogs is just as erroneous as labeling everyone else rightwingers. You have just recently appeared on these pages. Overtime you will see that many of those on my side of the spectrum are middleroaders, they aren't extremeists, fanatics,or fundamentalists, just as you will see that many of those on the right side are also middleroaders. (but there are a few you will quickly see are just plain fanatics). Some of us would truly like to see responsible discussion of issues, not this constant name calling, bullying and put downs. The biggest errors we all make on these pages is to underestimate the intelligence, education, social sense of responsibility, of those expressing different viewpoints. Which is why when challenged (or some wiseas- makes disparaging remarks about my abilities) I have no hesitation about pointing out my level of education, how socially responsible I am, and challenging them to put up or shut up. Notice how many respond by calling me pompous as BW did on the other thread. Men have a very difficult time with smart, intelligent women who don't know their place, won't be bullied and have a nasty habit of pointing out the errors of their arguments. One last piece of advice, know your facts and your sources, back up your opinions, and try to think ahead, about what the other will respond, anticipate their arguments. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 16, 2009 9:01 AM:

" Mr. Vanatta how many volunteer organizations do you support with your time? Is your house built out of wood? Do you know where wood comes from? In Illinois it comes from small growers like me. Most of Illinois woodland is in the hands of private landowners. Do you know where the oxygen you breathe comes from or where your drinking water comes from? It is landowners like me along the river that maintain highly erodable land in woods that limit the damage from major floods, that protect ground water supplies, that replenish oxygen (that is what a part of a carbon sink does, takes in CO2 creates woody tissue (carbon) and releases oxygen) but I shouldn't confuse you with science. Your ignorance is appalling. Before you are soquick to judge perhaps you should get your facts straight. If it wasn't for landowners like me that nurture the land and care enough to preserve native species you wouldn't be here. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 16, 2009 9:04 AM:

" Oh and Medic and NeoCon as they say if you aren't part of the sollution you are part of the problem. I am not surprised in the least that neither of you are concerned about the environment or your carbon footprint. "

yocsmotel wrote on Oct 16, 2009 10:02 AM:

" 1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism.
I agee, we should look to France and all of the countries of the U.N. before we decide anything. Especially countries like Micronesia.
2. Disdain for the importance of human rights.
True. It's also important to appoint judges who are creative in defining new, never before imagined human rights.
3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause.
Right. Like big corporations, they're a great scapegoat.
4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism.
I agree. We have no more enemies. 9-11 was years ago, and Iran, North Korea and Putin have no hostile intentions toward anyone.
5. Rampant sexism.
Good point. We have to be vigilant on this one--and make sure that women continue to dominate the colleges and graduate schools.
6. A controlled or manipulated mass media.
Yes, the Right controls the New York Times, MSNBC, Jon Stewart, Steven Colbert, the Washington Post, and they would control Air America if anyone had wanted to listen.
7. Obsession with national security.
Everything I said about point number 4 applies here. I don't think any meanies will fly planes into buildings again.
8. Religion and ruling elite tied together.
It surprises me that this one is on the list, because most fascists I can think of seem to be atheists rather than religious, but I agree. Obama was right not to meet with the Dalai Lama, he's a bad, bad man.
9. Power of corporations protected.
Agreed. We would be better off without corporations, it could all be done better with a system of cottage industry.
10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated.
Yes, the Republicans did that through a whispering campaign. Unlike corporations, there has never been a union that has been shown to be corrupt in handling pension funds.
11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts.
Yes, intellectuals and the arts should certainly be put on a pedestal-- meaning subsidies tp create things that won't sell in the free market.
12. Obsession with crime and punishment.
True. There are way too many murderers, rapists and drug pushers forced to suffer behind bars. Thankfully, states like Illinois are running out of money and will have to release a lot of them.
13. Rampant cronyism and corruption.
I agree. We need more organizations like ACORN that have the best interests of the working girls at heart.
14. Fraudulent elections. "
I agree, and Al Franken does too. "

The Question wrote on Oct 16, 2009 11:28 AM:

" The president summed the situation up nicely yesterday in San Francisco.
"Another way of putting it is when, you know, I'm busy and (Speaker) Nancy {Pelosi)'s busy with our mop cleaning up somebody else's mess we don't want somebody sitting back saying, you're not holding the mop the right way." Obama paused for applause. "Why don't you grab a mop, why don't you help clean up?"
He mocked his critics, saying, "You're not mopping fast enough. That's a socialist mop."
He was too polite to add that it's Bush and Cheney's vomit that he's still trying to mop up. "

father bob wrote on Oct 16, 2009 11:32 AM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:35 PM:
"Poor Cannon (4F)odder Bob...

...that rotten leg of his must be acting up again! """""

losing a leg fighting in a police action just to satiate corporate greed is worth it when appreciative people like you brighten my day. "

BW wrote on Oct 16, 2009 1:42 PM:

" father bob, 10/15/09 6:41 p.m. I don't understand your comment. Given your history, it must be some sort of racial remark since that is your one trick. "

BW wrote on Oct 16, 2009 1:48 PM:

" Oh, Ms. Humphreys, you weren't just "responding" to Kimmie. You were denigrating her accomplishments and plans in your shallow, snide, self-congratulatory manner. That, Ms. Humphreys is what you do. It apparently is your life's mission and you do it adequately. Just not very well. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 16, 2009 2:49 PM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:35 PM:
"Poor Cannon (4F)odder Bob...

...that rotten leg of his must be acting up again! """""

Neo,
While fb and I don't see eye to eye on much politically or in matters dealing with religion, abortion and other matters, I think that comment of yours was way beyond nasty.

Five years ago today another man who lost both legs in Vietnam left this world. While he wouldn't have seen eye to eye with fb either and would have been very vocal aboout it. He WOULD have however defended fb's right to speak his mind and wouldn't have resorted to using a remark like yours to debate him.

I know fb can cut to the quick sometimes, but still that crack was uncalled for. Maybe you've never seen a man struggle with the loss of his leg(s). I don't know if you have or not. I have and I know what a struggle it is. "

father bob wrote on Oct 16, 2009 3:20 PM:

" BW wrote on Oct 16, 2009 1:42 PM:
" father bob, 10/15/09 6:41 p.m. I don't understand your comment. Given your history, it must be some sort of racial remark since that is your one trick. """""

just commenting on your sole talent. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 16, 2009 4:10 PM:

BW wrote on Oct 16, 2009 6:50 PM:

" father bob, Is it true that you are a wounded vet? I didn't know that. If that's the case you have my respect and no further remarks. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 16, 2009 7:49 PM:

" I am not surprised in the least that neither of you are concerned about the environment or your carbon footprint. "
-----------------------------

SUE H.
...I did not say that I was not concerned...I just don't perseverate on the miniscule elements regarding environmental stewardship.

Worrying about a "carbon footprint", and such, eventually when the truth be known, is just a touchy-feely way of getting the public to feel like they are doing something.

It's kind of like when during WW2 the government rationed stuff like butter, gas, and stockings. We come to find out years later that there really was no significant need for rationing.... it was govt manipulation of public sentiment to make the folks on "the home front" FEEL like they were contributing to the war effort.

So trust me when I say I have done my part, and do my part, in certain capacities, to promote SIGNIFICANT positive environmental impact.... "

medic57 wrote on Oct 16, 2009 10:28 PM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:19 PM:

" "He's married to a white woman. He wants to be white. He wants a colorless society. He has no ethnic pride. He doesn't want to be black."
-- California State Senator Diane Watson's on Ward Connerly's interracial marriage "

Damn, before I read the end of your post, I thought you were talking about Father Bob. "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 16, 2009 10:45 PM:

" Harry Potter, read more closely I said, "less than 10,000 years" that would include 6,000 years right?

Harry, just as a side bar here, did you ever wonder why they find those drawings on the walls of caves and on rocks that depict figures of men and dinosaurs together. Where or how do you recon they seen a dinosaur so that they could draw a picture of one? Pretty obvious isnt it how they knew what a dinosaur looks like?

There is abundant evidence for a young earth for anyone who can think for themselves without being brain washed by years of continuing evolutionary mythology where as evolution scientist Richard Lewontin said,We cannot allow a divine foot in the door which proves that evolutiionary scientists let philosophy not a fair assessment of the evidence drive their conclusions.

Evolution is a primary example of false science. And all those years of education wasted to learn a false science.

How can it be that so many people are so wrong? All people are taught all they see on TV and in museums and they all think that even though they dont know any evidence to support evolution themselves they feel confident that others do and they just dont know what it is.

By the way Harry Potter what is the one most important single evidence that you have that convinces you to believe in evolution and an old earth age of billions of years? "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 16, 2009 10:48 PM:

" Susan Humphreys, God created the earth and it's resources for man. He didn't create man for the earth. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 17, 2009 8:18 AM:

" If what you say is true Mr. Vanatta, then what did God mean when he gave man "Dominion" over the earth. Do you know what the original conotation of the word included? It wasn't just rule for the purpose of exploitation it was rule in order to carefor and nurture. So man had better start caring for and nurture Gods gift otherwise God will be pi--ed! "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 17, 2009 8:20 AM:

" NeoCon you have proven yourself NOT to be trustworthy about anything. It is too late to ask anyone "to trust you" now! "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 17, 2009 8:25 AM:

" Harry I hope you don't mind if I answer Mr. Vanattas question, "what is the single source of evidence..." It is precisely because there is NO SINGLE source of evidence, there are many many many sources of evidence that prove that the earth is old and that evolution is the mechanism that has moved life along. One should always distrust any "SINGLE" source Mr. Vanatta, whether that is Fox News or the Bible. "

The Question wrote on Oct 17, 2009 12:47 PM:

" I see where the Christian religious fanatics are now burning the Bible.
The Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Canton, N.C., is hosting a "Halloween book burning" to purge the area of "Satan's" works, which include all non-King James versions of the Bible, popular books by many religious authors and even country music.
Funny. You never see liberals burning any books, including the Bible. It takes uneducated, nasty, fundamentalist nut jobs to do something that disgusting. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 17, 2009 1:33 PM:

" I think that comment of yours was way beyond nasty.
-------------------

Yeah...they were pretty nasty, weren't they!?!? :)

REST ASSUREDLY, IT'LL CONTINUE...

You see I responded to this earlier...but as always...through selective censorship...my response was not posted.

In essence I wrote, especially relevant to Mr. Cannon Fodder, what goes around, comes around. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 17, 2009 1:39 PM:

" I didn't know that. If that's the case you have my respect and no further remarks. "
---------------------

Oh...I see BW.

So now he gets a pass, right?

I find it comical you're giving him carte blanche treatment to continue with his making of...

* Personal attacks, insults, harassment

....especially when he loves to call everybody a racist. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 17, 2009 1:44 PM:

" losing a leg fighting in a police action just to satiate corporate greed is worth it ...
--------------------

Yeah I know...

I got a blister carrying a "Don't tread on me" sign at a TEA PARTY rally fighting against OBAMA's socialism... "

medic57 wrote on Oct 17, 2009 2:08 PM:

" A couple of evolutionary questions.

If 70% of the Earth is water, and we came from it, why then do we have to learn how to swim?

If man evolved from Monkeys, why then aren't we, or Monkeys, still evolving? "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 17, 2009 2:36 PM:

" Scientists are drawing a portrait of how Earth looked soon after it formed 4.56 billion years ago, based on clues within the oldest mineral grains ever found.

Tiny zircons (zirconium silicate crystals) found in ancient stream deposits indicate that Earth developed continents and water -- perhaps even oceans and environments in which microbial life could emerge -- 4.3 billion to 4.4 billion years ago, remarkably soon after our planet formed.
NASA-

Makes more sense than fairy tales about cave men drawing dinosaurs. "

red,white,blue wrote on Oct 17, 2009 8:52 PM:

" OK, I'm going out on a limb here and getting back to the theme of the letter. First of all, the preamble states "We, the People," not "We, the Government." Sadly, the government has become that big, bloated bunch of numbskulls in DC who don't listen to what "We, the People" are telling them. Instead it's become popular or, should I say, correct, to make sure they 'feel good' about what they're doing whether it's what we want because they, like Ms. Humphreys, know what's best for us, don't cha know since you and I, the average person, are just too dumb to think for ourselves. The other idea that we are all "anti-reform" as the letter writer states is also a bogus one. Do most admit that reform in our health care is needed? Absolutely! Do most of us agree that this administration's plan is nothing but bad for us and our future? Absolutely! "

sammy wrote on Oct 17, 2009 9:14 PM:

" "Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road??"

Why The Chicken Crossed The Road According To Famous People

GEORGE W. BUSH
We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road or not. The chicken is either with us or it is against us. There is no middle ground here.

COLIN POWELL
Now at the left of the screen, you clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.

HANZ BLIX
We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed access to the other side of the road.

MOHAMMED ALDOURI (Iraq ambassador)
The chicken did not cross the road. This is a complete fabrication. We don't even have a chicken.

SADDAM HUSSEIN
This was an unprovoked act of rebellion and we were quite justified in dropping 50 tons of nerve gas on it

RALPH NADER
The chicken's habitat on the original side of the road had been polluted by unchecked industrialist greed. The chicken did not reach the unspoiled habitat on the other side of the road because it was crushed by the wheels of a gas-guzzling SUV.

PAT BUCHANAN
To steal a job from a decent, hard-working American.

RUSH LIMBAUGH
I don't know why the chicken crossed the road, but I'll bet it was getting a government grant to cross the road, and I'll bet someone out there is already forming a support group to help chickens with crossing-the-road syndrome. Can you believe this? How much more of this can real Americans take? Chickens crossing the road paid for by their tax dollars, and when I say tax dollars, I'm talking about your money, money the government took from you to build roads for chickens to cross.

MARTHA STEWART
No one called to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the farmer's market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information. JERRY FALWELL
Because the chicken was gay! Isn't it obvious? Can't you people see the plain truth in front of your face? The chicken was going to the "other side." That's what they call it-the other side. Yes, my friends, that chicken is gay. And, if you eat that chicken, you will become gay too. I say we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberal media whitewashes with seemingly harmless phrases like "the other side."

DR. SEUSS
Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, The chicken crossed the road, But why it crossed, I've not been told!

ERNEST HEMINGWAY
To die. In the rain. Alone.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
I envision a world where all chickens will be free to cross roads without having their motives called into question.

GRANDPA
In my day, we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Someone told us that the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough for us.

BARBARA WALTERS
Isn't that interesting? In a few moments we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart-warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting and went on to accomplish its life-long dream of crossing the road.

JOHN LENNON
Imagine all the chickens crossing roads in peace.

ARISTOTLE
It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

KARL MARX
It was an historical inevitability.

VOLTAIRE
I may not agree with what the chicken did, but I will defend to the death its right to do it.

RONALD REAGAN
What chicken?

CAPTAIN KIRK
To boldly go where no chicken has gone before.

FOX MULDER
You saw it cross the road with your own eyes! How many more chickens have to cross before you believe it?

SIGMUND FREUD
The fact that you are at all concerned that the chicken crossed the road reveals your underlying sexual insecurity.

BILL GATES
I have just released eChicken 2003, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook - and Internet Explorer is an inextricable part of eChicken.

ALBERT EINSTEIN
Did the chicken really cross the road or did the road move beneath the chicken?

BILL CLINTON
I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What do you mean by chicken? Could you define chicken, please?

THE BIBLE
And God came down from the heavens, and He said unto the chicken, "Thou shalt cross the road." And the chicken crossed the road, and there was much rejoicing.

COLONEL SANDERS
I missed one !?!?? "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 18, 2009 7:00 AM:

" About those so called cave drawings.

I finally was able to find one of those so called drawings, Jon. They look more like natural convex rock formations to me, similar to the pictures of Jesus that people find on pieces of toast and potato chips and the like. I think if they had any validity to them they would have made a bigger splash in the news. I seriously doubt that many would see them as depictions of dinosaurs. But thanks for a good laugh, though. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 18, 2009 11:00 AM:

" Overtime you will see that many of those on my side of the spectrum are middleroaders.

You mean like yorself and Adolph, who believes in abortion through the end of the 3rd trimester for children who might be born with a handicap, or the belief in weird beings as gods? "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 18, 2009 11:01 AM:

" " NeoCon you have proven yourself NOT to be trustworthy about anything. It is too late to ask anyone "to trust you" now! "
--------------------

And in the presence of you "esteemed liberals", why would I care....? "

BW wrote on Oct 18, 2009 11:52 AM:

" Neocon, my choices have nothing to do with you. Make your own. "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 18, 2009 1:15 PM:

" Harry Potter if you had trouble finding the ancient dinosaur depictions you apparently are not too swift on using a search engine. I can find dozens of them so Ill help you out. http://tinyurl.com/cdfu5h

Pay particular attention to the first depiction and how the evolutionary scientific community has tried to cover this up and keep it hidden.

And then not only cave depictions but also ancient art. Page down about 5 times in this site and contemplate the Mesopotamian cylinder seal dated at 3300 BC. (And by the way that BC is before Christ not before the common era) here I am pasting this question from the article, One has to ask where the artist got the model to draw so convincingly the trunk of a sauropod?

How do you answer that Harry?

And Harry you still havent answered my question, what is the one most important single evidence that you have that convinces you to believe in evolution and an old earth age of billions of years?

Are you going to let Susan answer for you because her answer is unsatisfactory even for her? The question is what is the one single evidence that most convinces you to believe in evolution it is not whether or not one single evidence would be sufficient. What is the one that is most convincing to you Harry? Not what convinces Humphreys but what convinces you. If that example you gave of the tiny zircons is your best reason than you are trusting in an uncompleted project and even more it is a recent project are you saying you were not an evolutionists and an old earth proponent until they started that project. That is unrealistic for you to say that is your best single piece of evidence.

And then you confirmed already just what I said, even though they (evolutionists) dont know any evidence to support evolution themselves they feel confident that others do All you said Harry is based on hearsay evidence that someone else knows. Is thats your best shot Harry come on you can surely do better than that. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 18, 2009 1:40 PM:

" Concerning fb's war wounds...........

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 17, 2009 1:39 PM:

" I didn't know that. If that's the case you have my respect and no further remarks. "
---------------------

Oh...I see BW.

So now he gets a pass, right?
_______________________________________
Perhaps BW meant he wasn't going to "stick" fb in his war wounds with such stuff as Cannonfodder Bob like you do Neo, but go after his ideas instead. Do I like it when fb calls folks racist just because they don't share his viewpoints. No I don't, but to resort to making light of a man losing a leg in combat and then hanging a moniker like Cannonfodder Bob on him goes too far.

By all means go after him when it comes to him calling people racists, his ideas and other points you don't agree with, but leave his "rotten leg" as you put it out of it!I'm sure Neo, you can zing him and get your point across without resorting to it. Maybe I'm a little sensitive on that reference, but I feel I have good reason to be. Besides it's gross Neo and goes wa-a-a-aay past making a smartazzed and in your eyes supposedly "cutsie" remark. "

Just a Soldier wrote on Oct 18, 2009 2:55 PM:

" One-hundred acres, Susan? Since I only have a little quarter-acre lot here in Mattoon, does that mean that you are going to give me a few of your acres? I mean, it seems a little greedy for you to have so much when I have so little simply because you got it while the getting was good. I mean, what entitles you to own so much when some of us have so little? Don't you have any compassion for your fellow men? What could you possibly need so much land for? You said yourself that you don't farm, so it isn't to earn a living. Are you sitting on that much land for your own pleasure? Is it just for you to have somewhere to take long walks and enjoy nature? Why do you need such luxuries? Things are just things, Susan. "

Just a Soldier wrote on Oct 18, 2009 2:59 PM:

" Oh, and if you aren't working towards another degree in order to obtain employment, I think you are once again showing your greed. I mean, there are so many people out there who can't afford a college education, yet you are out there taking classes just for fun. What have you done to earn that kind of luxury? Don't you know that your purpose in this country is to make sure that everyone who has less than you is able to have as much as you? You are touting your civic-mindedness, but I think you are just exposing yourself as big, greedy capatilist. I mean, you said yourself that most wood comes from private growers like you. Does that mean you are making money off of your land that you bought with your money? Are you telling me that you acquired wealth, and instead of distributing that wealth to others, choose to create more wealth for yourself. This makes me absolutely sick to my stomach. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 18, 2009 4:27 PM:

" By all means go after him when it comes to him calling people racists, his ideas and other points you don't agree with, but leave his "rotten leg" as you put it out of it!I'm sure Neo, you can zing him and get your point across without resorting to it.
-----------------------------

OHHHHH! I see you want to apply a standard! Well "Duh", for me!

Billie a while ago I quite blogging in essence because of the personnal attacks. I saw that Saul Alinsky thing, and realized that the tactics outlined by him do work.

Somebody like Stumpy uses these tactics innately.

If you haven't noticed by now with folks like Stumpy Bob, Potter, The Question, Locke, and so forth, when they can't debate an issue on merit, they use character assassination.

And the editors of the blog promote this with their selective use of the stated comment policy.

Note in the paper, I think it was Friday, Fodder's posting concerning NCLB and the "lost generation" because of it's implementation under Bush.

The post was garbage opinion. But as Alinsky noted if you keep saying an "UN-TRUTH" over and over again it becomes "THE TRUTH" by default.

The editors post such non-sense with no possibility for rebuttal toward acceptance/dimissal of the merit of the opinion.

Do the editors have an agenda doing it his way? I dunno you make the call on that one. I just know what I see.

And it's my observation newspapers and media outlets like NYT, LA Times, ChiTrib, ABC, CBS, and especially NBC, ARE TANKING with readership/viewership. That's why they don't like Fox...Fox provides opposing view points, albeit sometimes selective (but not nearly as bad as the mainstream stations), but at least they provide a preponderance of "fair and balance".

So to make a long story short, I live under the guide of "do unto others as they do to you" (yeah I know, it's a slight modification, but it applies).

People want to debate issues respectfully on merit, great. I'm all for it.

Go on the "attack" over silliness like grammar use or spelling, or use character assassination if you can't make a point...well great...I'll go there too... "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 18, 2009 4:35 PM:

" Oh BTW Billie...I do appreciate you pointing out your disproval with my posts...it indicates you having a conscience...

some don't and I guess that's why I direct my posts toward them in a certain way.. "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 18, 2009 4:48 PM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 17, 2009 1:39 PM:

" I didn't know that. If that's the case you have my respect and no further remarks. "
---------------------

Oh...I see BW.

So now he gets a pass, right?

I find it comical you're giving him carte blanche treatment to continue with his making of...

* Personal attacks, insults, harassment

....especially when he loves to call everybody a racist. "

No Apologies for the racist here either! You get what you deserve "RACIST BOB" "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 18, 2009 4:59 PM:

" " One-hundred acres, Susan?

Oh, and if you aren't working towards another degree in order to obtain employment, I think you are once again showing your greed.
-------------

Hey...Just A Soldier...

You made my day... "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 18, 2009 5:37 PM:

" Like I said Jon, some people think they see the face of Jesus on a potato chip. There are literally thousands of books supporting evolution and you only have one book to support your 6000 year old claim. How come none of your fellow thumpers are joining in with you. Even old Neo, who follows me around this site like a little puppy biting at my ankles is ignoring your claim. Normally old Neo is the first to jump on the bandwagon when anyone opposes what I post. Could it be that he, like the others don't want to look...well quite frankly... stupid trying to back up your rediculous claim that the earth is only 6000 years old. To tell you the truth Jon, this argument is so stupid that it's starting to get boring. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 18, 2009 5:59 PM:

" Neo and cedric, I've gone after him too and I'm not above using zingers myself, but I'm not going to call ANY veteran cannon fodder or make derogatory remarks about the loss of a limb while serving in the military. As I said earlier perhaps I'm a little sensitive on that subject.

Just to make myself clear here, losing the leg doesn't, in and of itself give him "special rights " to use name calling himself. He needs to be responsible for what he says also. I am not sticking up for his ideas here at all. However, to call a man who served in combat and lost a leg cannon fodder, hits way below the belt.

Do I think he goes over the top sometimes with his name calling? Yes I do and often I find what he says very offensive. I'm no goody two shoes, far from it, BUT, there's no way I could use the terms cannon fodder or make remarks about a rotten leg to a combat vet no matter how angry he makes me. I'll find another way to make my point. "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 18, 2009 8:00 PM:

" Harry Potter you are 100% wrong to say there is only one book that supports a young earth because there are thousands of books that promote creation over evolution. Now if you tell me that when you look at that ancient 5300-year-old artwork that it looks like a potato chip instead of a sauropod then you must be blind. With all this you are proving my point more all the time. YOU DO NOT HAVE A REASON BASED UPON EVIDENCE FOR YOUR BELIEF IN EVOLUTION. You are bored with it right! Then why do you keep bringing it up about my belief in a young earth? I asked you a simple straightforward question and you do not have an answer for it do you? Here is what is really stupid Potter, the ridiculous idea that nothing created everything and it took 15 billion years to do it. You dont find it boring you just dont have anything to back up your preposterous belief. Now Potter yours is by your claim the scientific theory. Science requires evidence and facts so what are they? Science is not based upon assumptions Potter or upon what you think other people know.

Harry Potter I didnt ask you for all your reasons for your belief I just asked for your best one, the one that seals it for you and causes you to be fully convinced that you are right that the earth is billions of years old and came about fully by chance and time and came from nothing and out of this nothing life appeared and developed into the complex life form that you are. Come on Harry out with it lets have it. Or do you want Humphreys to answer for you again. LOL "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 18, 2009 9:27 PM:

" The Fox news idea of a fair and balanced interview: Invite both a liberal and a conservative in to debate an issue, then the Fox interviewer sides with the conservative and attacks the liberal. Happens every time. With Fox it's always a 2 to 1 stacked deck. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 18, 2009 9:38 PM:

" As I stated before, you're getting rather boring with your delusion beliefs, Vannata. Everything you say contradicts modern science and you know it. Just the fact that you're loony enough to think the earth is only 6000 years old is enough to prove that. Do you seriously think you can peddle that inane nonsense and expect to have any credibility on any issue? You are beyond belief. After reading all of your attacks on Obama I have to believe that your religion must be modeled on that of Fred Phelps. You hatefulness is on a par with his too. What kind of church do you go to that preaches the types of hatefulness you display? "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 19, 2009 7:39 AM:

" " Harry Potter if you had trouble finding the ancient dinosaur depictions you apparently are not too swift on using a search engine. I can find dozens of them so Ill help you out. http://tinyurl.com/cdfu5h

Actually, I did run across that site, Jon. But I didn't think you would include pictures of mythological dragons resembling dinosaurs in your argument. That one was a stretch, even for you. Got any more?

What's next in your inane arsenal, pictures of the Flintstones and their pet, Dino? "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 19, 2009 7:52 AM:

" Just a Soldier it means that I am letting you share the benefits from the land that I pay taxes on, clean water, clean air, carbon sink. Future wood supply when the trees mature. If I let you have some you would strip it bare for instant personal profit. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 19, 2009 7:54 AM:

" Ah yes I am terribly greedy NeoCon, paying taxes on land that can't earn me any immediate income, the trees won't mature in my life time and who knows who will own the land and be the beneficiary of my benevolence 150 years from now. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 19, 2009 7:58 AM:

" Cut the Bs BW. You do have problems with your attention span you don't seem capable of reading more than two lines. I wasn't denigrating Kimmies plans, or did you not notice that I encouraged her to continue her education? The president of Harvard was interviewed on Charlie Rose the other day and she commented that one of her biggest worries is the lask of attention span she sees in incoming students and it is getting worse. "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 19, 2009 8:15 AM:

" Hey Harry Potter where is the hate in my believing the earth is less than 10,000 years as God Word tells us? There is no hate here you are the one spewing hate. I don't hate you because you don't know the truth I actually feel sorry for you.
Harry, I still do not see an answer to my simple straighforward question but just hang on Suzy will try to come through for you again. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 19, 2009 11:00 AM:

" Maybe I'm a little sensitive on that reference, but I feel I have good reason to be. Besides it's gross Neo and goes wa-a-a-aay past making a smartazzed and in your eyes supposedly "cutsie" remark. "

No Billie, you're not being too sensitive, you of all people have every right to feel offended by these sort of remarks. Just as those who have kids with mental and physical challenges have every right to be offended by his short bus cracks. Making derogatory comments about wounded vets and handicapped kids is over the top and should be called out. Good job, my friend! "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 19, 2009 11:13 AM:

" Jon, the hateful remarks was in reference to your constant posting regarding the president, not your religious views. I would add that that doesn't seem consistent with a person with true religious convictions. And your little school boy taunts regarding Susan aren't impressing me. I just don't see the need to post any thing that supports evolution, although there is a plethora of it available, to you because you are a close minded individual. You can feel sorry for me if you like, but I don't feel sorry for you. I have no sympathy for bigots and close minded people such as yourself who try to push ignorant and unsupported myths and fairy tales as facts. "

BW wrote on Oct 19, 2009 1:11 PM:

" Ms. Humphreys, you are so predictable. When logic fails you (often) you go right to insults. Actually, it's rather entertaining to watch you scramble unsuccessfully. "

Just a Soldier wrote on Oct 19, 2009 3:21 PM:

" To begin with, Susan, stripping the land would be the absolute last thing I would do; you aren't the only person on the face of the earth capable of conservation. Jeez, you would think your patch of land is the only green place left on the planet to read some of your posts. That is beside the point, though. According to your own beliefs, which you expound on here with zeal, it doesn't matter what I use it for. The point is that you have it and I don't and it is only fair and compassionate to divide it equally so that everyone has an opportunity to own land, regardless of whether they have earned it or not, right? I mean, I have no right to stop paying taxes towards welfare because I see people scamming to use their Link card to buy cigarettes and candy bars right? I know that you must simply be misspeaking because you would never proclaim that I should give more of what I earn without being willing to give of what you have because that would be hypocrisy, and hypocrisy is a flaw, of which you have pointed out you have none. Now, you will come on here and throw out a few self-depricating lines as a show of your humility, but anyone who has read these threads knows that you really just run around pointing out how you are such a shining example of humanity.

I do have a question. I watched Magic's Biggest Secrets Revealed the other day, and the Masked Magician was showing how some performers walk on water by having clear plastic platforms just under the water and then disguising it with camera angles and a rippling surface. Anyway, my question is: How do you walk on water? "

sammy wrote on Oct 19, 2009 5:13 PM:

" Sharpton's Race Baiting Works Again

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sharpton and Jackson should not be leading any national discussions relative to race issues or anything of actual merit. These guys are modern "snake oil" salesmen or opportunists that have gotten wealthy taking advantage of "racist relationship" problems. They really do not represent the Black community that are true Americans that are working through the challenges of being able to take advantage of what this country has to offer. Those African Americans that are concentrating on preserving the family as the focus of raising children, that are pushing their kids to get a good education, that are working hard to keep their kids out of drugs and unwanted pregnancies, giving them a religion-based set of life guidelines, and helping them understand how hard work will make them successful in this life are the African Americans that are the foundation of the modern and strong Black Americans in this country.

We need new leaders in this country of all Americans of all ethnic backgrounds that will protect the basic values of this country which are being continually eroded by throw backs like Sharpton and Jackson. Their day is behind us. Let's move forward. "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 19, 2009 6:36 PM:

" (SHARPTON AND JACKSON)
I have to wonder--since the majority of blacks have said that these two in particular don't speak for them--why are they still allowed to pull this racist crap???? seems to me like someone would have rared up and slapped them a good one and told them to shut up!

people have seen them as nothing but trouble makers and extortionists, so that should be enough. however rush jumped into this one with both eyes wide open! seems like he would have done some checking before he said yes and walking into this trap.

from transcripts I have seen rush should be able to get lawsuits going for defamation of character and libel as well as slander on these guys. they have put words in his mouth that he has never said--or at least no one can find a transcript of it, so that should be a very good case against them.

blacks have to start realizing that they can be racists as well and it all doesn't involve just the color of one's skin!! it also involves one's stance in politics. how any of them that make money thru our current system can be against making money by someone else is beyond me.

however looking at some of these players that can't write their own name, murder the kings english by being unable to talk and make sense: well, I guess I don't need to say any more about that, but they are way over paid for what they do. that is the main reason I don't watch any of the sports except for some of the olympic games when I can catch them "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 19, 2009 7:09 PM:

" If you haven't noticed by now with folks like Stumpy Bob, Potter, The Question, Locke, and so forth, when they can't debate an issue on merit, they use character assassination.

I nominate this keen observation to be in the printed version of the paper. Absolutely brilliant. Come on jg-tc, throw old Neo a bone, so he'll stop whining. lol! "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 19, 2009 10:00 PM:

" I nominate this keen observation to be in the printed version of the paper. Absolutely brilliant. Come on jg-tc, throw old Neo a bone, so he'll stop whining. lol! "
--------------------

Po' Harry (government dole) Potter... ya just don't seem to get it do you?

It's no surprise really, especially considering that past position of yours where you so aptly and "positively" (ha ha ha) influenced young minds you in the schools.

But it's a shame, really.

You just don't seem to get it that it's not my goal to get posted here in print. I'd have to write at a third grade level for that to happen. And I guess that says a lot about why your posts are selected so often for print now, doesn't it? It's why it confounds me so much..use of that dumbing down strategy to sell print.

OOPS! Hope this post isn't to "unpleasant". I know how your "mindless tripe" producing cadre of victims and you are so protected here...

And make sure you go off now on some rant about this multiple "Doh" persona you so often fantasize over. Old age can be so cruel, can't it, to have to fantasize in such a way? "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 19, 2009 10:47 PM:

" Amazing quote from Harry Potter, I just don't see the need to post any thing that supports evolution, although there is a plethora of it available

There is a plethora of it available, Right! Thats what we hear all the time from you and Susan and the whole evolutionary establishment. Theres plenty of it oh Yeah! You cant even come up with the reason why you are an old age evolutionist, but its just like I said you would say, you know plenty of people who could. What a cop out! Old Harry cant come up with anything yet he wants to taunt me all the time about my belief in a young earth and God the Creator of everything. But I still say just hang on Harry ole Suzys just boiling to write something for you, I just cant wait!

Aaaah.you mentioned fairy tales?

Wanna hear a real fairy tale? NOTHING CREATED EVERYTHING what a hoot!

Tell me why it is that evolutionist refuse to debate creationists, but then we all know the answer dont we? They know they cant win and their case is weak when it comes down to presenting facts. Thats why it is more of a fairy tale than science.

Here is an interesting quote for you from one of your poster boys Mr. Dawkins, he wrote in his 2004 book "The Ancestor's Tale": "The fact that life evolved out of nearly nothing, some 10 billion years after the universe evolved literally out of nothing-is a fact so staggering that I would be mad to attempt words to do it justice." Thats a fact Dawkins? Really! How do you know its a fact? That little phrase, out of nearly nothing is amazing! Just absolutely scientifically amazing!

Oh, the faith that it requires to be an evolutionist!
Science is not faith based but evolution is.

Heres another side bar for you Harry: Richard Dawkins is now probably the most famous atheist ever since Anthony Flew eraaaaaaaaaaaa flew away from atheism towards theism, he said, he had to follow the evidence.

Hey Harry why was it not hate when you and the question repeatedly called former president Bush an ape and said all those derogatory things about him? DOUBLE STANDARDS? "

theproletariat87 wrote on Oct 19, 2009 10:48 PM:

" shadow... what can I say, bravo on the most intellectual, percise comment on democrats. I mean all the points you made were immaculatent. There should be a Nobel Bell Prize for points, because it is amazing....ok can you figure out this is sarcasm. For one, even when I was a democrat in 8th grade I respected religion, but thought it should stay out of government. Now that I learned that the dems aren't always in my favor or in the favor of the middle and lower class, I do have reservations against the dems at times. Why is it wrong to want to help the poor, in fact the poor on up to the middle class make the rich's money. Through our labor they were able to exlpoit us, destroy small business and got even more greedy and led us once again to an rescession. Also I'm sorry there is rascism. What about the black professor that was pulled over here in town 3 times, because he was a black man in a nice car.
Now again people lets make more points. Thats to you too bob. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 20, 2009 7:23 AM:

" RONALD REAGAN
What chicken?

BBBWWWAAAHHHAAA

Aaaah.you mentioned fairy tales?

Jon, that was probably a hate sentence. "

father bob wrote on Oct 20, 2009 10:32 AM:

" sammy wrote on Oct 19, 2009 5:13 PM:
"We need new leaders in this country of all Americans of all ethnic backgrounds that will protect the basic values of this country which are being continually eroded by throw backs like Sharpton and Jackson. Their day is behind us. Let's move forward. """"

you're exactly correct. both have outlived their time and offer no new answers, just passe ideas and tactics. "

bec wrote on Oct 20, 2009 1:22 PM:

" " I see where the Christian religious fanatics are now burning the Bible.
The Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Canton, N.C., is hosting a "Halloween book burning" to purge the area of "Satan's" works, which include all non-King James versions of the Bible, popular books by many religious authors and even country music.
Funny. You never see liberals burning any books, including the Bible. It takes uneducated, nasty, fundamentalist nut jobs to do something that disgusting. "
-----------------------------------
I don't agree with these burners, but come on, we're talking about books, not a human life.
No, it takes unloving, nasty, liberal nut jobs to do something as disgusting as tearing an unborn baby from his mother's womb limb from limb.

Kimmi-nice to see a sane person on here.

Jon-It's ironic that people can't see that it takes more faith to believe that we came from some rock soup than to believe in a creator. These people are just willfuly ignorant. There are thousands of artifacts showing dinosaur and man together. If dinosuars were supposed to be extinct before man evolved, and the first fossil wasn't found until the 1800's, how would these ancient civilizations have even known what to draw? You don't have to be religious to understand that something doesn't add up here. "

Locke wrote on Oct 20, 2009 1:37 PM:

" "If you haven't noticed by now with folks like Stumpy Bob, Potter, The Question, Locke, and so forth, when they can't debate an issue on merit, they use character assassination."

Pretty much like every time you comment about Obama, huh?

Some people think screaming at the top of their lungs and reciting verified mistruths is debating a subject -- it is not.

Let's be honest, you don't have a character to assassinate -- you destroyed your character long ago and have been using a plethora of names because you keep on trashing yourself week after week. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 20, 2009 2:30 PM:

" JustaSoldier I have never said that everything should be divided equally that is your twist on reality. Yes it does matter what people do with land. I just can't help it if I am a better person than you, more compassionate, more environmentally conscious, more intelligent, more...... Get over yourself and address issues directly. Gees louise one would think you were still in grade school along with a few of the other posters here. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 20, 2009 2:35 PM:

" Oh and JustaSoldier when you attack someone, accuse them of things, with no basis for your accusations, why are you so offended when that person defends his/her self by pointing out the truth? Is it because you end up looking like the fool? "

Just a Soldier wrote on Oct 20, 2009 3:12 PM:

" Sue, what are you talking about? Your entire letter and the substance of your posts on here is about the haves giving to the have-nots. You preach and preach and preach about other's greed, and all I was doing was pointing out that you need to be careful about pushing your agenda because it is not hard to look at you and see excesses that could be put to better use on the less fortunate. What you fail to realize is that I don't begrudge you your 100 acres or ability to take classes for your own enjoyment; that is YOUR stated position. You said it yourself that things are just things in regards to someone else aspiring to acquire certain things, but when I suggested that you have done exactly what you are criticizing others for (working hard and acquiring things that make us happy), you get all huffy and accuse me of attacking you.

Since trying to prove my point using your situation is too much for you to handle (to the point of calling me childish), I will use my own situation. I am a teacher. Some of my students work very hard, and as a result they get excellent grades in my class, but some of my students do not work very hard, and as a result they get failing grades. According to your ideas of compassion, the haves (students with good grades) should be expected to give the extra percentage points that are deemed to be over what is really needed to the have-nots (students with failing grades). You see, the grades, like wealth, are acquired through hard work and an ability to produce a desireable product, so the comparison is sound. Now, let's say that I (the government... oh, the power is coursing through my viens!) decide that anything over a 90% A- is excessive. These students are too grade rich and greedy. I mean, why does anyone really need a 98%? An A is an A. So, I tax that student the 8% overage and distribute it through Gradicare to the students with failing grades. This should ensure that all of my students are able to pass the class, right?

Just like the big government plans being proposed by Pres. Obama and loudly supported as compassion by my self-proclaimed better, Sue, my Gradicare plan would certainly succeed in making sure that everyone has passing grades (money, health ins., a job, a car, etc.) in the short term. The problem with all of these plans, socialism, communism, whatever you want to call it, is that none of it accounts for human nature. See, human nature dictates that we will only perform if the incentive to perform outwieghs the consequence of not performing. I work hard to earn a living, because if I don't, my children will starve. The reward is greater than the consequence. How long will it take those A students to realize that no matter how many points they earn, they only get to keep 90%? Once that realization occurs, how many of those students will stop trying to exceed 90%? Once they stop exceeding 90%, what options do I have to keep Gradicare afloat? I guess I have to lower the taxation rate to 85%. If you don't see this as the same reason any attempt to provide for all on the backs of a few will fail, well then, I'm afraid you are too wrapped up in ideals to see reality. When the government starts taxing the "super-rich" to take care of the poor, the "super-rich" will use their remaining resources to make sure they get to keep as much of their money as possible, whether that means simply sending it outside of the country or moving out of the country entirely, they will keep their money if the government makes too aggressive a grab at it. When, not if, that happens, what choice will the government have to keep itself afloat? They will have to lower the bar farther and farther until their budgets are satisfied. Welfare destroys man's desire to provide for himself. "

Just a Soldier wrote on Oct 20, 2009 3:14 PM:

" Some will come on here and say that I am wrong; people don't really act like that, but what they are failing to grasp is that WE don't think like that. We, who post here, from what I have gathered, are largely employed, educated people. This means that we are motivated to provide for ourselves; we don't need the assistance of a nanny-state, but the people who would be standing in line for this money are not like us, that is why they are in the line. If they had the desire to go provide for themselves, they would be doing it. "

Just a Soldier wrote on Oct 20, 2009 3:16 PM:

" I am not saying that there aren't people with circumstances that keep them from being able to take care of themselves; that is why we have the existing programs, but what is being proposed now goes far beyond that. Pres. Obama is looking to provide all for all, which is simply impossible. Bone up on your dystopian literature, folks! We will all be living it soon! "

The Question wrote on Oct 20, 2009 3:18 PM:

" So you right wingers don't mind at all if the Bible is burned? Good to know. The same is true of flags, I suppose? "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 20, 2009 3:39 PM:

" Barack's Enemies List

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Obama's running scared now that he sees the rats deserting the sinking ship and is resorting to desperation tactics. It's eventually all going to backfire on him, and the latest Rasmussen poll show his approval rating to be his lowest ever.
__________________ "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 20, 2009 4:50 PM:

" Let's be honest, you don't have a character to assassinate -- you destroyed your character long ago and have been using a plethora of names because you keep on trashing yourself week after week. "
------------------------

Well... if it isn't our world nenowned in his own mind constitutional law scholar, Locke.

Are you having your "time" again, are you? "

father bob wrote on Oct 20, 2009 5:32 PM:

" The Question wrote on Oct 20, 2009 3:18 PM:
" So you right wingers don't mind at all if the Bible is burned? Good to know. The same is true of flags, I suppose? """"

burn all the bibles you want....just leave the koran alone. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 20, 2009 8:24 PM:

" I tried Neo. My request to get some of your blather in the printed version fell on deaf ears. Sorry.... "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 20, 2009 8:37 PM:

" I didn't post much today, Neo. So maybe you have a chance.... "

dak_233 wrote on Oct 20, 2009 9:15 PM:

" For all you people who have no problem giving your hard earned money to the government for "redisribution", I challenge you to come up to the unemployment office tomorrow and give some of it to people who really need it.

I work up there and I sure don't see that kind of generosity happening, but you'll get online and preach about how we all need to take care of the less fortunate.

Put your money where your mouth is!...Bet I don't see it! Any takers?

We'll see.

Oh yeah, by the way, I will put my money up! It doesn't have to be your life savings. Just make sombodies day. "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 21, 2009 12:24 AM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 20, 2009 10:32 AM:
" sammy wrote on Oct 19, 2009 5:13 PM:
"We need new leaders in this country of all Americans of all ethnic backgrounds that will protect the basic values of this country which are being continually eroded by throw backs like Sharpton and Jackson. Their day is behind us. Let's move forward. """"

you're exactly correct. both have outlived their time and offer no new answers, just passe ideas and tactics. "

Bob I have a question for you. Being a black man, at least I believe you said before you were, Do you feel like people like Jackson and Sharpton actually hurt the black community? What I mean is do you believe they really do not want progress of the races? That by keeping the separation in the races they can use it to their advantages? I would really like your opinion and insight, and that of any black men or women that post here. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 21, 2009 6:45 AM:

" There are literally thousands of books supporting evolution and you only have one book to support your 6000 year old claim.

It's the only one needed.

There are three theory's of evolution, each one conclusivly proves the other 2 are impossible. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 21, 2009 6:49 AM:

" I have a friend who lives in Canada, he says there is no problem there, you make an appointment with your doctor, if you haven't died by the time you get in, you'll get treated. "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 21, 2009 6:52 AM:

" Just a Soldier wrote on Oct 20, 2009 3:14 PM:

" Some will come on here and say that I am wrong"

Not me Soldier; you are right. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 21, 2009 7:57 AM:

" Just a Soldier read your own words, "the people that would be standing in line for this money are not like us". Many are actually very much like "us", you know the saying "there but for the grace of God go I"? Many of "us" on these threads are just one catastrophic illness or accident from being just like "them". It is this realization that separates the "enlightened", the "good Christian (Jew, Muslim, atheist...)", from the unenlightened less than "good" person. Then there is also the self-preservation issue and the realization that it takes only a few angry, poor, uneducated, religious zealots, disenfranchised, folks without any hope of a better future to create a great deal of havoc in this world. That is why I pointed out disease, pollution, poverty, religious, ethnic and racial hatreds and the problems they spawn don't respect man made boundaries. For YOUR Best Interest it means the needs of the have nots must be considered. That doesn't mean a Communist redistribution of wealth or removal of ALL private ownership of property. IT does mean that folks must quit this ridiculous quibbling and get serious about the realities of this planet, this social world we live in and make it better for ALL of us if ANY of us want to continue to thrive and prosper. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 21, 2009 8:04 AM:

" "If they had the desire to provide for themselves they would be doing it." Just a Soldier an economist wrote another letter that looked at the sheer raw numbers. There are more unemployed than there are jobs. There are more people entering the job force each year than there are new jobs created for them. AND that doesn't even look at the raw numbers of India, Brazil, China, Africa.... PURE FACT. There are millions of people that want to work, that want to provide for their families, but they CAN NOT find work. Providing Universal Health Care removes ONE of the stumbling blocks that is keeping people down, holding them back, adds to their misery. AND since you look at from a selfish point of view that lack of health care actually puts you in danger, contaminated food supply, spread of infectious disease, higher prices for your medical care, lost productivity and competitiveness of small business. "

yocsmotel wrote on Oct 21, 2009 9:54 AM:

" Dividing wealth, which is the obsession of the utopian Left, will never create prosperity, just more misery. The Left thinks of wealth as something finite that can be split up and passed around, like the estate of a dead person. Wealth is more like physical health--it's dynamic, and it has to be renewed every day, or it will wither. Efforts to "spread the wealth" inevitably leads to capital flight and a decreased motivation to create and nurture new ventures involving risk of capital. The Leftists and the Populists are panderers to the envy of the have-nots, but they have nothing of their own to offer them.
--yocsmotel "

CHILL! wrote on Oct 21, 2009 10:02 AM:

" I have not been on here for months, and cannot believe that Susan Humphreys is still getting her letters published...some things never change LOL!
Everyone reading this, come on...write letters to the Editor! "

CHILL! wrote on Oct 21, 2009 10:05 AM:

" shumphreys wrote on Oct 14, 2009 8:08 AM:
" Yocsmotel because If I was rich, which I am not, I would share. One person or even two doesn't need a 40,000 sq. ft. house, or four lamborghini cars,...I would do to others what I would want them to do to me! I am also pragmatic and selfish, I realize that it is in my BEST interest to look after those less fortunate, because as I said, "Disease, poverty, pollution, racial, ethnic and religious hatred and the problems they spawn don't respect man-made boundaries." " ==========
shumphreys, I am sure that there are plenty of people without a computer who need yours, their lives would be ever so enhanced by the possibilities that your computer would offer them! "

father bob wrote on Oct 21, 2009 12:42 PM:

" jrhendren wrote on Oct 21, 2009 12:24 AM:
" father bob wrote on Oct 20, 2009 10:32 AM:
" I would really like your opinion and insight, and that of any black men or women that post here. """""

jr, this is why i rarely bother to read your posts. i made myself perfectly clear regarding my opinion of sharpton and jackson. if you wish to make more out of what i said then that's your prerogative, but i'm not playing that game. "

Just a Soldier wrote on Oct 21, 2009 12:47 PM:

" No, Susan, I am not one catastrophic illness or accident away from "them" because I sacrifice other things to ensure I have adequate health insurance. You seem to ignore that I said I was not against having programs in place to help people who are unable to purchase their own insurance. The difference is that I want to help them, and you just want to provide for them with no strings attached. The point I am making is that when people see that they can do nothing and be taken care of or toil away to barely make ends meet, they will choose to sit back and let the government do the heavy lifting. My entire argument is, and has been, that welfare destroys man's motivation to take care of himself. You are once again cherry-picking words from my posts in an effort to divert attention from the actual point. You circle-talk, condescend, and use misdirection in an attempt to cover the fact that you don't have a leg to stand on. Not once, in all of my times on this site, have I seen you actually construct a logically sound, reasonable argument against anyone. You take arrogant litle jabs and develop arguments around conclusions that are not at all based upon your stated premises. I suggest that the next time to decide to take a class that you find one on logic and reason. I took a really nice one at EIU a few years back as part of my undergraduate degree, and it was great. I know it probably won't be as rewarding as the basket-weaving classes you apparently take instead, but it will certainly help you on here. See, I consruct logical arguments AND condescend; that's versatility. "

even steven wrote on Oct 21, 2009 1:10 PM:

" It's a simple fact that the majority of Americans does not support health care reform. According to the latest Rasmussen poll:

Support for the health care plan proposed by the President and Congressional Democrats is down to 42%. Fifty-four percent (54%) are opposed.

Most Americans strongly disapprove of President Obama's performance as well:

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 27% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -13. Thats just a point above the lowest level ever recorded for this President. Its also the sixth straight day in negative double digits, matching the longest such streak.

American citizens do not support President Obama's overreaching, socialist policies, yet Democrats seem determined to cram their insane big government schemes down our throats, even though we all know they will wreak havoc on the economy and further diminish our rights as citizens. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 21, 2009 2:26 PM:

" Who jumps to conclusions JustaSoldier. I have never said anything about "providing for them with no strings attached." That is your interpretation not based on facts. I suggest YOU stick to what is written. I also said "many of us" on these threads I wasn't singling YOU out but that is certainly the conclusion you jumped to. Universal health care is in everyones BEST interest, it helps level the playing field so that those who have been held back by discrimination can get a foot in the door and it provides a safety net for those hard working families who are one disaster away from disaster. We will all pay for it whether we get a universal coverage plan one way or another in higher taxes and/or higher insurance premiums. Now I suggest YOU address the points I make rather than attacking me. If universal health care won't level the playing field than say so. If it won't provide a safety net than say so. If we all aren't already paying for the lack of a universal plan than say so and back up your words with sound arguments. Just saying that "I work for mine and I won't share" is an excuse for bad behavior and certainly NOT a reason why you shouldn't change your ways and do what is in everyone's BEST interest. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 21, 2009 2:41 PM:

" " I have not been on here for months, and cannot believe that Susan Humphreys is still getting her letters published...some things never change LOL!
Everyone reading this, come on...write letters to the Editor! "
-----------------------

Now CHILL!...you shouldn't be surprised.

You know a select few on here get special privileges 'cuz they're GROUPTHIINK members...it's that media GROUPTHINK thing...like at other BIG papers across the nation...duh! "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 21, 2009 3:21 PM:

" There are more unemployed than there are jobs.

There are more people entering the job force each year than there are new jobs created for them.
-----------------------------
Sue,

As for -There are more unemployed than there are jobs.-

Yes, but it's not a 'true picture" of the issue. There are issues of disparity that no one's addressing:

1) There are many jobs available, but there's a disparity between the knowledge and skill sets required to fill those positions. Worldwide low skill, low technology (meaning continually lowering wages) jobs are diminishing, so it's not just a US problem. The problem not only here has been exacerbated by diminished consumption. Go to the govt site: http://tinyurl.com/ylf38rd and type in: jobs in demand. After you study the site, let's hear what you've figured out....

2) Our economy/education system is not geared toward rapid replacement of skill sets. In other words, you lose your job it takes too long for you to get re-trained to go into a needed occupation.

As for -There are more people entering the job force each year than there are new jobs created for them.-
And this fact exacerbates the pre-existing condition. By the time a potential worker gets out of school, gets job re-trained, or what ever, their skills are outdated for the current economy. The jobs that needed filled have changed. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 21, 2009 4:06 PM:

" The Question wrote on Oct 20, 2009 3:18 PM:

" So you right wingers don't mind at all if the Bible is burned? Good to know. The same is true of flags, I suppose? "

Question

There are no laws reguarding The Bible or the The Flag, so burn away if you want, you only have to answer for one. Most Christians will only cry if you burn the Bible, I can't say that about most patriots though. "

yocsmotel wrote on Oct 21, 2009 5:35 PM:

" "Question"--I'd put myself to the right of the spectrum on most issues, so--in response to your question about flag burning and Bible burning, I'll reply. I don't think either act should be against the law--they're a free speech issue. The fact that I have no respect for it is a personal issue. The Constitution is the guide in these matters.
--yocsmotel "

The Question wrote on Oct 21, 2009 5:56 PM:

" in response to your question about flag burning and Bible burning, I'll reply. I don't think either act should be against the law--they're a free speech issue.
---
I agree in both cases. But things don't have to be illegal to be disgusting, and to deserve denunciation. In the case of book burning, it is the expression of a desire to wipe out whole areas of human ideas and culture. It is ignorance gone rabid. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 21, 2009 5:57 PM:

" There are no laws reguarding The Bible or the The Flag, so burn away if you want, you only have to answer for one. Most Christians will only cry if you burn the Bible, I can't say that about most patriots though. "
--------------------

Which gets to the heart of the matter.

And doing either is only done for the dramatic effect...and kinda like when a child throws a tantrum.

Kinda funny how it's most often the liberals doing the burning of the bibles and flags, isn't it?

I wonder what that says about them, hmmmm? "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 21, 2009 6:15 PM:

" Last week we read where an insurance company refused to cover a baby because they though he was too fat. Then we heard about another insurance company refuses to cover a baby that's too thin. Today I read that an insurance company refused to cover a rape victim because they considered that a preexisting condition situation. So tell me the insurance industry doesn't need some intervention. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 21, 2009 6:18 PM:

" Sounds like our friend Neo is still whining about not getting his posts published in the paper. They print a lot of conservative views Neo, just not your's. Perhaps your constant whining is the problem. "

Locke wrote on Oct 21, 2009 6:57 PM:

" "Perhaps your (Doh) constant whining is the problem."

...or perhaps it is because he can only copy and paste his 'intelligent' comments from conservative websites, with the remainder being trite, threadbare drivel. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 21, 2009 7:37 PM:

" " Sounds like our friend Neo is still whining about not getting his posts published in the paper.

...or perhaps it is because he can only copy and paste his 'intelligent' comments from conservative websites...
---------------------

Now...girls...are you two still upset you didn't get to go dress shipping with Sue Humphrey's this week? "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 21, 2009 7:49 PM:

" Let's see if we can get your girlfiend The Question to show for Spell check.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 21, 2009 8:06 PM:

" Hey..."Constitutional scholar" Locke...let's do a little experiment, shall we?

Cut and paste my posts into google and then show me where they came from right wing websites...

Go on...go on little Nipper...show me... "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 21, 2009 8:59 PM:

" Doh...I mean Neo... usually goes into one of these melt downs everytime he gets caught. Questioning others masculinity is his old stand by. He might have to go back to posting as Blue Dog or 7X if this keeps up. lol! "

unknownjoe wrote on Oct 21, 2009 9:06 PM:

" Just a Soldier, hands off Susans land. Susan, I have significantly less land than you. But I will be satisfied if you just give me 50 acres and a mule. I will share. I will give 25 of my acres to my Native American Brothers and Sisters so they can build a Casino. Of course I will ask a favor for such a generous donation of 1 percent of all total earnings from the Casino. That's only fair. Then I will use my meager stipend to purchase more land, so we can build more casinos on tribal land. All will be good, and we can use the money to provide jobs and health care and education. We will build wind farms and use the electricity to run our casinos so that our environment will be clean. We can be a carbon sink just like you planned, you khow us first people are at one with the land. Believe it or not, all monies earned will be tax free because we will earn reservation status and we can use the money to build up our community. We will provide jobs for many including the local populace. We may also get to the point where we can bring in a horse racing track. Just think of the utopia we could build. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 21, 2009 10:00 PM:

" And while we're being so friendly, Harry the Government Sponge Potter, let's have some fun while you're smmmmmoooothing out.

LET'S DO A WEBQUEST!!!!! YIPPPEEE!!!!

Okay! Okay! Settle down Spongy Harry....Here's the webquest question.....ready?

What billionaire "made a killing" off of the stock market and got out (conveniently) right before the big crash and then pumped M-I-L-L-I-O-N-S of dollars into pet 'not-for-profit' groups TO BUY THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY?

Now go after it Government Dole Potter...

Oh no! Can't find the answer?

No...No...No...not Rupert Murdoch silly Potter!

Your dogma in the way of your bad karma?

I'll help...type in G-E-O-R-G-E S-O-R-O-S at www.wikipedia.com...and here's some of what we'll find...

Oh... and just so the 'Constitutional Law Scholar' Locke doesn't go into a sissy fit...I visited LEFT-WING WEBSITES TO GET MY INFO FIRST....you know how they sooooo HATE GEORGE W. BUSH!?!?!?!

George Soros from wiki...

Forbes lists Soros as the 29th-richest person in the world, with a net worth estimated at US$11.0 billion. Soros has given $6 billion to various causes since 1979.[1]

Soros is chairman of Soros Fund Management and the Open Society Institute (LEFT WING WACKOS) and is also a former member of the Board of Directors of the Council on Foreign Relations (LEFT WING WACKOS). He is also one of three initial funders of Center for American Progress (LEFT WING WACKOS), and is represented on the board. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 21, 2009 10:02 PM:

" Soros is the founder of Soros Fund Management. In 2007, the Quantum Fund returned almost 32%, netting Soros $2.9 billion.

On Black Wednesday (September 16, 1992), Soros's fund sold short more than $10 billion worth of pounds sterling, profiting from the Bank of England's reluctance to either raise its interest rates to levels comparable to those of other European Exchange Rate Mechanism countries or to float its currency.

Finally, the Bank of England withdrew the currency from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, devaluing the pound sterling, and Soros earned an estimated US$ 1.1 BILLION in the process. He was dubbed "THE MAN WHO BROKE THE BANK OF ENGLAND."

THAT WIKIPEDIA....THEY'RE SO RIGHT WING!!! "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 21, 2009 10:04 PM:

" In an interview with The Washington Post on November 11, 2003, Soros said that removing President George W. Bush from office was the "central focus of my life" and "a matter of life and death." He jokingly said he would sacrifice his entire fortune to defeat President Bush, "if someone guaranteed it."[29] Soros gave $3 million to the Center for American Progress, $5 million to MoveOn, and $10 million to America Coming Together. These groups worked to support Democrats in the 2004 election. On September 28, 2004 he dedicated more money to the campaign and kicked off his own multi-state tour with a speech: Why We Must Not Re-elect President Bush[30] delivered at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The online transcript to this speech received many hits after Dick Cheney accidentally referred to FactCheck.org as "factcheck.com" in the Vice Presidential debate, causing the owner of that domain to redirect all traffic to Soros's site.[31]

Soros was not a large donor to US political causes until the 2004 presidential election, but according to the Center for Responsive Politics, during the 2003-2004 election cycle, Soros donated $23,581,000 to various 527 groups dedicated to defeating President Bush. A 527 group is a type of American tax-exempt organization named after a section of the United States tax code, 26 U.S.C. 527. Despite Soros' efforts, Bush was reelected to a second term as president.

After Bush's re-election, Soros and other donors backed a new political fundraising group called Democracy Alliance which supported the goals of the U.S. Democratic Party.[32] Soros supported the McCain-Feingold Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, which many hoped would end "soft money" contributions to federal election campaigns. Soros has made soft money donations to 527 organizations that he says do not raise the same corruption issues as donations directly to the candidates or political parties.

In August 2009, Soros donated $35 million to the state of New York to be ear-marked for under-privileged children and given to parents who had benefit cards at the rate of $200 per child aged 3 through 17, with no limit as to the number of children that qualified. An additional $140 million was put into the fund by the state of New York from money they had received from the 2009 federal recovery act.[14]

So... the DEMOCRAT PARTY.... IS REALLY THE PARTY OF THE FILTHY RICH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 21, 2009 11:45 PM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 21, 2009 12:42 PM:
" jrhendren wrote on Oct 21, 2009 12:24 AM:
" father bob wrote on Oct 20, 2009 10:32 AM:
" I would really like your opinion and insight, and that of any black men or women that post here. """""

jr, this is why i rarely bother to read your posts. i made myself perfectly clear regarding my opinion of sharpton and jackson. if you wish to make more out of what i said then that's your prerogative, but i'm not playing that game. "

Wow! Someone is a little paranoid here. I was not trying to play any game. I was simply trying to get your honest opinion. I was not trying to make more out of anything. Stop and breath there, if you do not want to answer me that is fine. I have some black friends who are conservative that believe they hurt blacks more then help, and want the opinion of someone on the left. Your paranoia will drive you nuts, just breath! "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 22, 2009 7:29 AM:

" Great idea UnknownJoe your idea will become not a carbon sink but a money sink but hey if it works. You get it started and then I will join in. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 22, 2009 7:31 AM:

" Oh I should have added I hope you won't object if the 50 acres I donate are the floodplain acres. Better plan on a Riverboat casino. That way I can subdivide my upland area for high price condominiums and make a killing. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 8:41 AM:

" Our friend Locke did something that no other poster has been able to do, and that is get Doh so shook up last night that he only posted under one name, Neo.

Watch for some of his other handles (Bps, Stanley Stetson et al) to magically reappear after Doh reads this one. Heck, he might even take Blue Dog and 7X out of moth balls to try to make his feeble case against Obama stick. lol!

Way to go, Locke! "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 11:34 AM:

" top lobbyist for the major private insurance industry trade group, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), urged Congressional Republicans to not even consider helping Democrats pass health care reform lest they aid an "enemy who is down."

Steve Champlin, a lobbyist for the Duberstein Group who represents AHIP, declared that the road to a bipartisan health care reform bill was, essentially, dead. And he urged GOP members to keep it that way.
Sam Stein-

Don't worry Steve, they're doing your bidding. The Republican party can always be counted on when it comes to the interest of corporate America against the interest's of the general public. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 11:52 AM:

" Retired General Paul Eaton, senior adviser to the National Security Network, has hit back hard at Dick Cheney a day after the former vice president criticized the Obama administration again for "dithering while America's armed forces are in danger." In a speech Wednesday night, Cheney said, "President Obama now seems afraid to make a decision, and unable to provide his commander on the ground with the troops he needs to complete his mission."
Huffington post-

General Eaton offered the following:

The record is clear: Dick Cheney and the Bush administration were incompetent war fighters. They ignored Afghanistan for 7 years with a crude approach to counter-insurgency warfare best illustrated by: 1. Deny it. 2. Ignore it. 3. Bomb it. While our intelligence agencies called the region the greatest threat to America, the Bush White House under-resourced our military efforts, shifted attention to Iraq, and failed to bring to justice the masterminds of September 11.

The only time Cheney and his cabal of foreign policy 'experts' have anything to say is when they feel compelled to protect this failed legacy. While President Obama is tasked with cleaning up the considerable mess they left behind, they continue to defend torture or rewrite a legacy of indifference on Afghanistan. Simply put, Mr. Cheney sees history throughout extremely myopic and partisan eyes.

Ouch, Cheney takes it on the chin from someone who actually understands the proper use of the military. But there are those who would rather get expert advice from the likes of the bombastic blowhards like Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 22, 2009 12:08 PM:

" Oh Harry (government dole) Potter, how I love your 'pet' names for me!

I just have one question for you though.

How is it that even though I violated no...

*Potentially libelous statements; such as accusing somebody of a crime, defamation of character, or statements that can harm somebody's reputation.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults, threats, harassment or inciting violence.
* Commercial product promotions....

...standards, YOU are so protected on here by the JG-TC censors?

They censored (boy, was that usual) a portion of my posts even last night even though I was telling everyone how much of friends we are, and as demonstrated by your use of pet names for me. I am truly flabbergasted!

By the way how's that Metamucil working out? "

Bps wrote on Oct 22, 2009 1:15 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 8:41 AM:
" Our friend Locke did something that no other poster has been able to do, and that is get Doh so shook up last night that he only posted under one name, Neo.

Watch for some of his other handles (Bps, Stanley Stetson et al) to magically reappear after Doh reads this one. Heck, he might even take Blue Dog and 7X out of moth balls to try to make his feeble case against Obama stick. lol!

Way to go, Locke! "
----------

My Mr. P, your beloved leaders failures this month making you hit your meds extra hard and they wont refill until 30 days or are you just bored again?

So for the umpteenth plus one time- ol Bps only posts using one name, his posts stand on their own and dont need to use deceits like holding conversations with himself under different names like some have done here, right Mr. Dohbaugh. . . . .

Feeble case Mr. P?

The case against your beloved leader just keeps getting more established everyday by his own actions, inactions and lies. Just today there have already been several new major stories break about his failures and it isnt even 1:00.

Oh well, maybe one more try at a meaningful current event that you and the LCoO have continually dodged and lets see what you do:

Why has it taken 76 days and counting for President Obama to make a decision on McChrystal's request for adequate troops for the mission in Afghanistan?

He has had at least five meetings of the internal white house minds and he still cant decide.

How hard can it be- put in enough to win, get a new General or pull them out.

But like everything Obama, he has been to busy on road trips- political fund raising and pumping up his own ego to focus on the more mundane things like our troops, now hasnt he?

Hum maybe it is because it requires a yes or no answer not simply a present vote and he just isnt equipped for the job. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 3:13 PM:

" So for the umpteenth plus one time- ol Bps only posts using one name, his posts stand on their own and dont need to use deceits like holding conversations with himself under different names like some have done here, right Mr. Dohbaugh. . . .

Hmmm...

And how would you know he only uses one name Einstein? A little ESP.

Boy, you made that one easy,
Doh....er...I mean Neo. lol! "

father bob wrote on Oct 22, 2009 3:53 PM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 22, 2009 12:08 PM:
"By the way how's that Metamucil working out? """""""

look out HP.....he's getting back on the male derriere kick again. remember about a year ago when he started talking about men's butts?...i though he/she was past all that. can stalking college boys be far behind? "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 22, 2009 4:11 PM:

" look out HP.....he's getting back on the male derriere kick again. remember about a year ago when he started talking about men's butts?...i though he/she was past all that. can stalking college boys be far behind? "
------------------------------

As we now know that you are both a RACIST and a SEXIST, I'll have to remind you of the JG-TC policy...

* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults, threats, harassment or inciting violence. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 5:11 PM:

" look out HP.....he's getting back on the male derriere kick again. remember about a year ago when he started talking about men's butts?...i though he/she was past all that. can stalking college boys be far behind? "

Yeah fb, I saw that. NeoDoh's conversations always seem to go work back to that topic. I think he's been trying to work that into the conversation for quite a while now. It's really quite sad. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 6:13 PM:

" In following the Bush practice of bailing out "too big to fail" companies, Obama made the same mistake Bush did, and that is not put some limitations on bonuses for Wall street executives. Like the Neo Con's before him, Obama failed to take into account the human greed factor. Companies that took bail out money should not be giving their executives millions in bonuses. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 6:25 PM:

" * Personal attacks, insults, threats, harassment or inciting violence. "

I'm sure glad none of your posts include anything like personal attacks, insults or harassment, Neo. I'll give you a pass on threats or inciting violence, but most of your messages definitely include 3 or the 5 mentioned. "

Bps wrote on Oct 22, 2009 6:42 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 3:13 PM:
" So for the umpteenth plus one time- ol Bps only posts using one name, his posts stand on their own and dont need to use deceits like holding conversations with himself under different names like some have done here, right Mr. Dohbaugh. . . .

Hmmm...

And how would you know he only uses one name Einstein? A little ESP.

Boy, you made that one easy,
Doh....er...I mean Neo. lol! "
---------------
Its a well know fact that you dont always read others opposing posts very closely so maybe you misread the tagline on the post- Bps wrote on Oct 22, 2009 1:15 PM: or maybe it was just my use of the third party literary form that confused you.

I know with all the failures of your beloved leader the stress on you must be wicked so once again. . . . .

It is just little ol me Bps.

Lets get serious and get back to a critical issue instead of your attempt at a stupid name-flame-war to avoid answering any tuff questions about your beloved leader.

HP, dont you think the President ought to actually do some real work and make a decision on McChrystal's request for more troops in Afghanistan?

It has been 76 days and still bupkus out of the community organizer.

Hasnt he had enough road trips, boasted his ego with his constant TV appearances and done enough campaigning?

Shouldnt the troops come first?

Ol Bps remembers Vietnam and the Dummy-crats playing politics at the cost of the troops and it would be terrible to see American Troops wasted again by unfit commanders or because of unsound political reasons.

Rightly or wrongly a majority of both the dummy-crats and the repub-a-clowns voted for these wars. Once they decided to go to war they owe it to our volunteer soldiers to supply enough of the right things and to give them what they need to accomplish their mission.

The Dummy-crats have already pulled money from the operations, training and maintenance funds for the troops to spend on their own pet pork barrel projects in their home districts and now the commander in chief cant make a decision.

Maybe it is a tuff decision for someone who has never had to make any major ones in their entire career, but hey all of you who voted for him didnt seem to have a problem with his total lack of experience or any proven history of actual achievement. Now you are seeing it has severe consequences.

Sadly it is such a simple decision and boils down to- Pull all the troops, Get a new General or Give him what he says he needs.

It has been 76 days and Obama is still stalling.

It would be more than tragic if his continuing failure to act leads to the unnecessary deaths of our countrys sons and daughters just so he can do another fund raiser. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 7:08 PM:

" Its a well know fact that you dont always read others opposing posts very closely so maybe you misread the tagline on the post- Bps wrote on Oct 22, 2009 1:15 PM: or maybe it was just my use of the third party literary form that confused you.

Of course I knew is was you, Doh. lol!
Your style gives you away every time. You really need to change it a little bit when you change names. Lets face it when it comes to making real points you're are real neophyte. "

unknownjoe wrote on Oct 22, 2009 8:48 PM:

" Oh Susan, how very European of you. Keeping the choice land for yourself and giving us the rest. That's okay, we are mound builders and will truck in dirt like the Cougill's and build up our property. We can also channelize the river making for a perfect casino boat landing. Once we have built up our ground and provided for adequate drainage the sky's the limit. Unfortunately Susan the bad news is, The Bureau of Indian Affairs carefully regulates housing developments close to tribal lands so you will have to scrap your condos. But, the tribe can build a resort and adjacent golf course. We will make a killing; plus providing jobs for the surrounding area. I was gonna give you a job and a free pass to ladies night, but since you had to be greedy and take the choice land for yourself, I am afraid that it would be too much of a compromise to my principles. "

Bps wrote on Oct 22, 2009 9:22 PM:

" Bps wrote on Oct 22, 2009 1:15 PM:

Why has it taken 76 days and counting for President Obama to make a decision on McChrystal's request for adequate troops for the mission in Afghanistan?

Oh well, maybe one more try at a meaningful current event that you and the LCoO have continually dodged and lets see what you do
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Results:

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 3:13 PM:
Name-flame-war attempt with yours truly and dodged the question

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 5:11 PM:
Male derriere deviation with old buddy bob

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 6:13 PM:
Spewed forth meaningless old dirt on Dummy-bush

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 6:25 PM:
Rattled Neos cage

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 7:08 PM:
Tried to re-rattle my cage with meaningless name-flame yet again, a personal attack and dodged the question yet again.
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Yep, just about what most have come to expect from the leading loon liberal poster on the site, all fluff and no stuff.

76 days and the President cant be bothered to make a decision about such a time sensitive issue with such direct impact on the lives of our countrys sons and daughters engaged in the war and HP again would rather flitter about, attack fellow posters and post drivel.

Sorry you find my logic and facts so distasteful and apparently my questions to tuff to answer.

It is a shame they arent as meaningful as you feel your posts are.

You might want to seek some help on your Doh fixation as you seem to see him behind every corner and in all conservative posters.

Well, since my questions are beneath your self-proclaimed imposing intellect you have a good evening dazzling your cohort Mr. Dohbaugh. "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 22, 2009 11:01 PM:

" Shaun Waterman THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Senators diverted $2.6 billion in funds in a defense spending bill to pet projects largely at the expense of accounts that pay for fuel, ammunition and training for U.S. troops, including those fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an analysis.

Among the 778 such projects, known as earmarks, packed into the bill: $25 million for a new World War II museum at the University of New Orleans and $20 million to launch an educational institute named after the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat.

While earmarks are hardly new in Washington, "in 30 years on Capitol Hill, I never saw Congress mangle the defense budget as badly as this year," said Winslow Wheeler, a former Senate staffer who worked on defense funding and oversight for both Republicans and Democrats. He is now a senior fellow at the Center for Defense Information, an independent research organization.

Sen. Tom Coburn, Oklahoma Republican, called the transfer of funds from Pentagon operations and maintenance "a disgrace."

"The Senate is putting favorable headlines back home above our men and women fighting on the front lines," he said in a statement.

What's next? Surrender? That is the liberals way of thinking "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 23, 2009 12:35 AM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Oct 22, 2009 6:13 PM:
" In following the Bush practice of bailing out "too big to fail" companies, Obama made the same mistake Bush did, and that is not put some limitations on bonuses for Wall street executives. Like the Neo Con's before him, Obama failed to take into account the human greed factor. Companies that took bail out money should not be giving their executives millions in bonuses. "

I agree, they both messed up there big time. That's government thinking for you. "Surely they will use this money wisely, and not just take it for themselves." "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 23, 2009 7:51 AM:

" You don't need to worry Unknown Joe I have a Cherokee grandmother so I will pass muster. Also don't forget that the EPA does have restrictions on what even Indian Tribes can do to flood plain land also since the land is in CRP programs there is a little bit of a difficulty there. But I am sure you will find a way to get around everything so you can rape and pillage. "

unknownjoe wrote on Oct 24, 2009 12:08 AM:

" Dear Susan...Keep your land. It is yours either by the sweat of your brow or by birthright. However, you seem to forget your high minded ideals when something of yours is threatened. Even in a theoretical sense. Follow your own posts. You throw back at me ideas of how to keep your land just the way you want it, and that is the point isnt it. My posts have raised enough guile in you to the point of being insulting. I have a feeling that in the face of a real threat that you would stand up and fight and even give your own life to keep your land the way that you would want it. Here in lies the reason why there are people who are against legislated charity. Why should we work hard so others don't have to. Why should I allow the government to continue to take more and more away from me and give it to others who don't earn it. They already take enough. Does that mean I don't give of myself to help others in need. No, I give as much as I can to whom I think will make the best use of what I give. I do not however go around and blow my own horn to draw attention to the fact that I am giving. That cheapens the gift, in fact negates it as a true act of benevolence. Unfortunately what I see and read from you is just that. You blowing your own horn of gradiosity about how charitable and right minded you are. Face the unpleasant fact Susan that you are as hypocritical as you accuse others of being. Here is my challenge to you. Since the poor are always with us. Do something worthwhile with your land. Using it as a carbon sink really doesnt help your neighbor in the short run now does it. However, if you were to sell your land and give the money to pay someones Dr. bills and do it anonymously, then you would have really done something. Better yet, take your land and turn it into a garden where you grow produce to donate to the local food bank. You are a Master Gardener, use your land to teach people how to grow food so they can become less dependent on others and more self-sufficient. Until you do something like that, your posts are nothing but hypocrisy. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 24, 2009 12:43 PM:

" I agree, they both messed up there big time. That's government thinking for you. "Surely they will use this money wisely, and not just take it for themselves."

Thanks, jr. I was surprised that O'Reilly and Beck also agree. And hey, what's going on when I agree with those two? lol! "

Just a Soldier wrote on Oct 24, 2009 9:27 PM:

" Standing ovation for unknownjoe! "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Oct 25, 2009 11:30 AM:

" Just a Soldier wrote on Oct 24, 2009 9:27 PM:

"Standing ovation for unknownjoe!"

.......

I agree - well done, unknownjoe! "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 25, 2009 8:28 PM:

" You that unknownjoe, Idonknohim, but I like what he writes. "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Oct 26, 2009 3:43 PM:

" The silence falls....
LOL! "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 28, 2009 6:49 PM:

" Ms. Humphreys I have been reviewing these posts and I have to disagree with unknown joe and what he told you about you should donate half your land. You should sell all your land and give the money to the poor not just 50 acres. "