Disqus - Latest Comments for val

Re: http://www.misscouturable.com/2008/04/if-i-can-make-it-here.html

val — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:25:00 -0000

Hi there! I stumbled upon your blog when I googled "The Brandon Residence." I actually interned in New York City last summer with the designers Vena Cava, and absolutely loved it. I'm returning this summer to intern with Macy's Merchandising Group! I find your blog absolutely charming, entertaining and informative! I admire your drive. I also relate to you a lot because I am an Asian-American trying to make it in the world of fashion. Just remember, this internship can lead to SO many more opportunities. And New York has so many fun things that are free! There are movies Monday nights in Bryant Park, free yoga classes in the East Village, Good Morning America concerts...Ah, I'm excited to go back! You are extremely eloquent in your posts and I look forward to reading about your internship experience. Maybe we'll run into each other in the city! Good luck! Best, Val

Re: 2度目のSDカード修復

val — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:23:11 -0000

コメントありがとうございます。
データそのものの消失は…多分ないと思います。（思いつきスナップとかをするので覚えてないだけなのかもしれませんが :| ）
途切れたデータはEOSで撮影したデータにありました。

エラーまでの道は「Z300で常用」→「EOSでも使用」→「Z300で使おうと思って戻して電源ONしたら『カードが異常です』」でした。
なのでZ300で使用していた時にすでに何らかの不具合を抱えていたかもしれませんし、EOSでの使用が引き金になったのかもしれない、と言う状況です。

Re: 2度目のSDカード修復

val — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:49:55 -0000

washoさん、はじめまして。

今回私もSDカードが破損してこの記事を読み、ZARのお世話になりました。
ダメになった組み合わせはEX-Z300とA-DATAの4GBSDHCの組み合わせなのですが、
このSDHCをEOS Kiss用にも流用していたのがダメだったのかなぁ…と半ばあきらめながら
ZARをインストールしたところ、読み取れなくなったファイルの90％くらいが復旧しました！

このSDHCはしばらく保管して、EOS用とEX-Z300用に別のSDHCを買いに行こうと思います。
大変助かりました。ありがとうございます！！

Re: http://igorandandre.blogspot.com/2008/07/for-thoses-who-like-this-kind-of-stuff.html

val — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:52:00 -0000

This is amazing. Your work is phenomenal.

Re: http://igorandandre.blogspot.com/2008/09/taylor-swift.html

val — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:37:00 -0000

Wow you've captured her perfectly. I especially love the background. Very nice :]

Re: http://igorandandre.blogspot.com/2008/10/josette-and-elephant.html

val — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:10:00 -0000

Congratulations on the feature. I'm in love with the dresss/ your art. Keep up the good work!

Re: http://igorandandre.blogspot.com/2008/11/little-more.html

val — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:55:00 -0000

Wow that's a huge canvas. It looks amazing so far, keep it up

Re: http://igorandandre.blogspot.com/2008/12/busy-bee.html

val — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:10:00 -0000

Danny, I must say that you are a phenomenal artist. Congrats on the dazed and confuse piece. Keep up the amazing work.

Re: http://igorandandre.blogspot.com/2009/01/page-168.html

val — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:54:00 -0000

I love this, her expression is perfect. Another great work danny :)

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/08/black-men-are-not-factor-in-all-ir.html

val — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:45:17 -0000

Oh my goodness, where do a sistah start?

The idiot in that you tube video has some serious issues and I hope his wife sees that video and consider reassessing her options. He should not be allowed to procreate.

My husband flips out when he sees a sistah w/a white guy ON T.V.! He then draws his conculsions that there are more black women dating white men than the other way around. Yeah, he don't go out much, and when he do and I prove my point, it's all a coincidence.

This one of the reasons why I'm leaving his ass in addtion to the other sterotypical reasons such as:

Because I'm an electrician I'm butchy.

I gained weight(145 to 185 5'7" after 2 kids & diabetes), & never mind so did he by a wider margin, I'm too fat to have sex with.

I was born in the south therefore, I'm too loud compared to his ghettofied cousins, brothers & sisters.

Yeah I pretty much got in & stuck it out for the kids.

I found it amazing when I told my black male friends & soon-to-be-ex I have dated white guys in the past, they literally flipped out. How dare you, what brothas aint good enough, don't you know the history between you two? LOL

But they would graphiclly tell me about their experiences with white women like it was their obligation to have that experience and they really couldn't understand why in the hell I was offened on ALL FRONTS!

It's no wonder why we as a people of African descent can never get over this race problem we are having in America, because we won't get over our own internalized racism, classism, & sexism of each other. If anybody listen to the Doug Banks Show, could some inform them of this when they have their sterotypical topics of the day?

I told my kids that there is no shortage of men or women. You aren't obligated to no one but yourselves & each other, up to a point. I also told them if you don't love & respect yourself, don't expect from no one else.

That's why I'm a humanist.

Thank you for letting me rant. It seriously touched a nerve & it was something that needed to be said.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/08/black-men-are-not-factor-in-all-ir.html

val — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:48:26 -0000

Anonymous said...
I'm diabetic also and I never heard of diabetes causing weight gain; the opposite is closer to reality -- excess weight often brings about Type 2 diabetes.

------------------------------
Had gestational diabetes while preggo & now borderline diabetic due to the weight gain after the kids.

Re: http://alt-tab.org/?post/1468

val — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:22:44 -0000

les meules de foin du premier étage sont de Monet

Re: Brush Ya Shoulders Off. Indeed! (Updated with Remixes)

val — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:32:00 -0000

I would hesitate on mixing this video with Barack in it. Based on last night's ignorant questions to Barack and the weeks of guilty by association tactics and Barack having to explain away the verbage of all folks of color -- if we mix this video with Jay-Z using the terms pimp and ni**er it is yet another opportunity for these folks to spin this another way. To say -- see this is what you get when you elect a black man as a CIC.

I know it sounds crazy but ya never know. We don't want to open him up for anything. Just a thought. Unless you use the music and eliminate everything except the beat and the phrase brush your shoulders off.

Re: Back To Philly

val — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 23:20:00 -0000

Another interesting article. LOL

http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/04/19/hillarys-invisible-touch/

Re: Back To Philly

val — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 23:24:00 -0000

White Catholic Priest defends Rev Wright

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiSutcBArDU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBKeCIDGvwY&feature;=related

Re: Back To Philly

val — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:05:00 -0000

Ms Martin - I agree. When I heard the Pope speaking much of his speech was similar to the one Barack has been giving. I thought the same thing - Catholics have no choice but to se the similarities and having the Pope repeat pretty much the same verbage will help with Barack's campaign.

Re: Flipping the Script: WHY Can’t Hillary ‘ Tonya Harding’ Clinton CLOSE THE DEAL?

val — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:21:00 -0000

You know, after I heard the media spin after Tuesday I was so disgusted I pledged not to watch tv. But that is not an option because this is just too important. I feel the best way to counteract this crap is to donate to Barack's campaign. Money talks and bullshit walks.

I don't know the best way to encourage supporters to support Barack but I feel that if we were to donate to him before the end of April, only an idiot will hold to the perception that Barack can't win in November. Face it a 5 year old can beat McCain so the electable argument is a complete farce.

How can we encourage folks to donate to Barack. If we can help him raise another 10M before the end of month that is a decisive slap in the collective faces of the Clintons and the biased media.

Re: Daily Open Thread - TGIF

val — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:05:00 -0000

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/04/... HRC fundraiser defects to Obama Posted: Friday, April 25, 2008 2:18 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd

One of the things that both Dem campaigns are always nervous about is defectors. In particular, Clinton is more vulnerable to this problem since she's the candidate that is trailing. Well, NBC News has learned that a major fundraiser for Hillary Clinton, former Amb. to Chile Gabriel Guerra-Mondragon is leaving the campaign to join up Barack Obama's campaign. Officially dubbed a "Hillraiser," Guerra-Mondragon raised nearly $500,000 for Clinton's campaign, according to some estimates. He has been informing people inside Clintonworld this week in what's been described as some tough conversations. A formal announcement of a role for Guerra-Mondragon on Obama's national finance committee will be made next week. Guerra-Mondragon was appointed Amb. to Chile by Pres. Clinton in '94 and served until '98.

Among the reasons for Guerra-Mondragon to defect, according to one informed source, was he was uneasy with the tone of the Clinton campaign and was beginning to worry about what this would mean for the general election.

It's unclear if this defection will lead to others; the Clinton camp has been particularly effective at getting folks to keep their powder dry. For Obama, this comes at a time when his campaign is trying to re-convince insiders that the math indicates he has the nomination virtually wrapped up. In addition, Guerra-Mondragon's defection could serve as a tipping point with some key Hispanic Democratic leaders that Obama is ready to start making a bigger effort to court Hispanics.

Enjoy the weekend all!

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:09:00 -0000

I agree with NMP. This is bullcrap. Why should we hold our heads down on this. I COMPLETELY disagree with anonymous that the blame should be laid at Barack's feet and I suspect you are not a Barack supporter and you don't completely "get" the black experience.

Why should Barack take ownership of Wright's comment?

Why shouldn't the Pastor have the right to speak out against the people that attempted to demolish the man's 30 - 40 years of service to this country and his community because you don't like what he said in a sermon to his congregation?

Why shouldn't Pastor right defend himself?

Why should he wait until Barack completes the run for the Presidency?

This is bullshit and you know it.

If it wasn't Wright it would be something else. We know handing over the highest office in the land to a black man (even if he is half white) would not be an easy thing. It didn't matter what his experience were or his intellect or his background.

Anonymous talked about folks being

skeptical about his lack of experience and his professed superior judgment that he has the character and fortitude to make the right decisions no matter how difficult. I say BULLSHIT

What of Hillary's judgement to stay with Bill after multiple affairs, his lies to the American people and to her? What of her propensity to lie WITH A STRAIGHT FACE to the American people back to back without apologies until forced and it is a non-issue? What about her say and do anything to anyone as long as the results is to her advantage? What does that say about us as a people? I will tell you what it says to me -- it says you are all STUPID and deserve what you get.

Barack and Michelle will not suffer any hardship if this election is snatched from Barack. You know who will suffer? US the AMERICAN PEOPLE. All the people that for the first time thought they could make a difference and influence change in this election. The countries around this world are watching this election and for the first time in a long time thought of the US in a positive way and believed that it was in fact the land of the free and offered opportunities to ALL Americans.

We can't allow this crap to continue. We need to get together NOW and do something about this. We need to get the Black leaders to get involved. We need to get other minorities involved. We need all Americans of all races and colors who truly feel that it is time to tear down the barrier and double standards that exists between whites and other ethnic groups to stand with us. Because what is happening to Barack is certainly what will happen to all minorities who attempt to step across the line to get to what we thought as racial equality.

We need to slap them the heck back because I don't understand how even the black commentators are not speaking out against some of this crap that is happening in front of them. What can we do? Do we begin by calling the radio stations? Do we coordinate marches in Washington DC? Do we attempt to reach out the our leaders to address this issue today? The media is successfully drowning out the cries from the American people who are calling foul. An attack on Wright is an attack on ALL AMERICANS. Swiftboating Barack is the same as Swiftboating all minorities and we need a call of Action TODAY.

I know you are thinking. I am an angry black person. You bet your ass. We are not second class citizens. We need action now. If not for Barack . . . for all our children.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:21:00 -0000

Hey Anonymous - you just don't get it.

You said -- His inability to stand up to Wright, call into question his ability to stand up decisively and firmly and act with strong leadership. Instead he tries to play it 'cool' and shrug it off as a 'distraction.'

Again - the fact that you don't understand this indicates a) you do not understand the black experience and b) you clearly are not an Obama supporter.

Your arguments don't fly. We ain't buyin it.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:25:00 -0000

Clinton Criticizing Closure of Indiana Factory That Clinton Helped Close

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/clinton-criticizing-closu_b_98972.html

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:13:00 -0000

he seems more hurt and disappointed.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

val — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:05:00 -0000

I was disappointed that Obama made the decision to separate himself from Wright. I understand what is at stake but . . .

Personally I also feel that Wright has a right to say what he wants when he wants. But the media spin added a lot of fuel to the fire. Not sure how I feel about this. I have to let this stew a little bit.

Again -- very disappointed.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

val — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:07:00 -0000

Craig - Quite a few of the members of the Church mentioned they were taken aback by Wright's performance. Hopefully someone will reach out and talk to him before anything else happens.

I do know that the media will try to provoke the man into doing or saying something that can be ran on tv or online for a while.

Re: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright at the National Press Club

val — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:57:00 -0000

Baltogeek. I hear you on your comments and that is how I feel as well.

Baltogeek said --

Having your name dragged through the mud does make it about you.

It makes me wonder what support did Wright receive from Obama behind the scenes.

Because you can ask Wright to see the larger picture, the need to help Obama get into the White House, but how would any of us like to be the human sacrifice needed to ensure someone else's success.

I'm not naive enough to think that after being beaten down enough I wouldn't give a rat's ass at some point.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- One more day til the weekend

val — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:48:00 -0000

Joseph Andrew
On My Switch From Clinton to Obama

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-j-andrew/on-my-switch-from-clinton_b_99621.html

Watch MSNBC NOW. Joseph Andrew is on and he is great.

Re: Hillary Clinton’s Star-Crossed Weekend: Dead Horse, Fake Gun and "Elite" Facts

val — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:59:00 -0000

Hey Jack - you forgot one. Senator Clinton says in addition to her short term fix for the gas issue she will provide a credit of $10,000 to go toward citizens purchasing hybrid cars. MSNBC was running parts of her interview done sometime this morning. I don't recall which show she was on but it was done at the same place that Obama also did his interview.

Re: Hillary Clinton’s Star-Crossed Weekend: Dead Horse, Fake Gun and "Elite" Facts

val — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:46:00 -0000

Morning Joe. She was on the Morning Joe interview. They are replaying the interview again on MSNBC. She said -- In my plan I have a $10,000 credit to help people afford hybrid cars.

Re: GIVE CLINTON THE DELEGATES FROM FLORIDA? SH—-EET

val — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:11:00 -0000

Not only were they discussing giving her the lion's share of the Fl and MI delegates but the media was also pedaling the idea that Obama needs to not only buy her out by paying off her debt AND that she "earned" the right to be asked to be his Vice President. They had the gall to say two months ago she offered him the VP spot. Totally ignoring the fact that he was the front runner.

Re: JJP On News & Notes Today.

val — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:46:00 -0000

I have no issue interracial relationships and marriages. None at all. We are all chidren of God (although some may acknowledge him and some choose not to) so it is an non-issue for me.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:55:00 -0000

Rikyrah - yesterday on MSNBC one of Clinton's surrogates said they would release last month's fundraising money today. We will see if that happens.

I also agree - a 50/50 split is the only fair option. There were many people who did not vote because they were told their vote would not count. The DNC said they would MI and FL would be seated at the convention but with some penalties.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:50:00 -0000

You are preachin to the choir Rikyrah. I don't believe anything that is posted in the articles especially after Hillary announced she is staying in the race. I certainly don't believe the Huffington Post and the other media outlets proclaimation that Hillary will be out by June 15. Why June 15? What is expected to happen between now and 6 weeks from now that will change anything. I say - bullshit.

This is just a trick to get folks to step back and give HIllary some breathing room to do whatever she wants to do without the folks watching every move. My recommendation to Barack and the supporters would be -- watch your back.

This is where the backroom deals begin. I was especially concerned with Pelosi's statement House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, said Wednesday that the Democratic presidential race is not over yet and that it is still possible for Senator Hillary Clinton to win.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/07/pelosi-the-race-is-not-over/

Now with HIllary's proclamation that Barack is not winning over hardworking white Americans. I believe now is the time when we have to shout the loudest and protest the obvious divisive statement. She is now calling on all racists to vote against Obama and legitimizing it. Obama's campaign should respond to this. Kerry and the other's should respond to this.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:01:00 -0000

Earlier this morning - I was pushing for Hillary to drop out of the race but I thought things through and decided she SHOULD stay in. Let her grow broke. She will have to front her own money so let her go for it. She is not going to be the nominee. Barack should have his folks working to respond to any attacks from her but shouldn't waste any more real time addressing her. He should just go after McCain and prepare for the Nov election.

I am really feeling the "let her run" vibe now that so much of the media and others are telling Barack that he will "have to pay off her debts" to include her personal loan to her campaign. I just spent over 1 hour posting to blogs regarding Hillary's need to get in line with that reparations argument. I do not want one penny of my hard earned money going to that flagrant liar. Especially when she is as we speak "stoking the racial fire" with her "hard working white working class" innuendos.

Let her continue to run. Let them pay for whatever they want to pay for -- Go Barack - prepare to fight McCain.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:02:00 -0000

Ms Martin - I saw that too regarding Shrum. I also heard Pat Buchanan saying Hillary is right. Blacks always vote democratic so there is no need to worry about what they will do in the fall. He said blacks were voting for Barack because of his color. The only real vote that counts and has cause for concern is the white middle class vote. Shrum and Kerry had responses for that comment.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:07:00 -0000

Yes we should Ms Martin. I must say though when Buchanan made those comments Shrum or Kerry was not having it. You could practically see his white hood and Shrum especially was not having any part of it.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:09:00 -0000

My guess is D is a McCain supporter. You can tell by the tie in the pic. lol

Hi D - whassup?

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:15:00 -0000

D - how do you feel about McCain's opposition of Webb's GI bill?

WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has suggested he would oppose a bipartisan measure by Virginia Sen. Jim Webb to expand college tuition benefits for military veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

McCain told reporters Monday he was working on alternative legislation aimed at ensuring that troops do not leave the military earlier than planned to go to college.

McCain's new move comes as a blow to Webb, a freshman Democrat and former Navy secretary who had been quietly building bipartisan support for months.

Webb's GI Bill, a centerpiece of his 2006 campaign, would pay the college tuition of many military veterans who have served since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The amount of tuition paid would not exceed the cost of the most expensive state school in a veteran's home state, in most cases.

The current Montgomery GI Bill pays only a small fraction of the cost of college today.

http://www.dailypress.com/news/nationworld/dp-now-webbmccain.0415,0,5616790.story

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:41:00 -0000

Again, Welcome D -

I am attempting to understand what would draw you to McCain. Don't get me wrong I think McCain is sweet and he is a great American hero but when it comes to the real issues of this country i.e. economy, housing crises, the price of gas and food. . . I don't think he can address those issues successfully. So educate me. How do you feel about McCain's economic plan and his ability to get us out of the situation we are in (i.e. trillion dollars in debt, billions of dollars spent in the war in Iraq etc.) and what do you know about his plans to address the housing crises in this country, addressing the foreclosure issue and what do you think about him pushing the gas tax holiday over the last few weeks?

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:47:00 -0000

D - one more thing - when you read the bill that McCain is adopting -- doesn't it sound a bit like indentured servitude to you? The only way we will cover the cost of education for our veterans and their families is to lock them into extensive service for the country? Didn't they already earn it? What of the ones that have died. Will their relative still earn that right to go to school? And for the ones that are still serving if they are disabled, will they and their families still get the coverage or will it stop? I am guessing the latter based on McCain's comments. :-) We all know McCain has a penchant for telling the truth if someone isnt there to stop him. So I saw what Burr wrote in the article you provided but I am guessing it is more as McCain said -- McCain told reporters Monday he was working on alternative legislation aimed at ensuring that troops do not leave the military earlier than planned to go to college.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:57:00 -0000

I can't help it. I love slightly "senile" old men. They are cute to me. However, with a state of mind like McCain I wouldn't put them in charge of driving themselves to their doctor's appoint much less running the country. One has nothing to do with the other. C'mon, you never know what he is going to say next. i.e. the Iraq war was waged for oil. lolol I can't help it. sick I guess. But I do get a kick out of it.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:31:00 -0000

D - WHATTTTTTT You have got to be kidding me. I understand you are at work but when you get off you need to take off your belt and spank yourself. I can't believe you said the economy is not one of your concerns. Do you mind me asking just how old are you? Again, just want to understand. If the economy is not currently an issue for you it really should be. Look around people are getting laid off, folks are losing their jobs, did you know that the price of a 10 lb bag of off brand rice in the off brand grocery store is $18.00? Senior citizens are forced to eat dog food or to purchase staples and cannot afford any meat. They are closing down shelters because of lack of funding. People are losing their homes. Seniors can't retire with dignity but have to take jobs at walmart etc. just to make ends meet. The price of gas is increasing, oil is through the roof, taxes for the middle class is causing folks to take home less and less and sending your child to college is not an option. We can't afford to build/repair roads and our bridges . . .

Regarding making our country safe -- look at the crime rate where you currently live. Then look at it across the US. We are killing ourselves, young people (especially black people) are being locked up on the regular. How safe are we? We have more to fear from our fellow citizens than we do from folks overseas. Recognize that our hands are not clean. Some would argue that the USA are considered terrorists. Depends on your perceptions.

D -- I am happy you found this blog. I would love the opportunity to continue discussions with you because we could benefit from conversations with each other.

Also, wanting to ensure the military is not depleted is not a reason to subject our military to indentured servitude. That is like saying we want to make sure there are folks to pick the cotton and build the country so we will promise them if they work for XYX they will get 3 acres and a mule. It is wrong. The decision to serve in the military is an honorable one so we in turn should not try to "trick" them into getting what they have already earned. Right now we have disabled vets that have not received their benefits. Some of them are told they have to reimburse the military wages because they were released because they lost limbs, they did not serve the agreed upon term. So they owe them.

D -- think about it.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:43:00 -0000

D - one more. The gas tax holidays is not about just a few pennies. Their is no guarantee that the gas companies would pass the savings down to the consumers. However bigger than that is the fact that we would lose millions of dollars in that short period of time. This money goes toward transportation, roads etc. THOUSANDS of people would be laid off. No funding.

That is the larger picture. No need to worry about terrorism, jihadism and islamic extremeism because folks will be dropping like flies this summer when they can't afford to pay for air conditioning and they pass out from the heat. God knows many won't be able to afford the ambulance trip to the hospital, and some will be turned back because they can't afford healthcare.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:04:00 -0000

Here you go D
1. www.newswithviews.com/Devvy/kidd349.htm
<br...) 2007 neglect scandal

Main article: Walter Reed Army Medical Center neglect scandal

In February of 2007, The Washington Post published a series of investigative articles outlining cases of alleged neglect (physical deterioration, bureaucratic nightmares, etc) at WRAMC as reported by outpatient soldiers and their family members. A scandal and media furor quickly developed resulting in the firing of the WRAMC commanding general Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman [3], the resignation of Secretary of the Army Francis J. Harvey (reportedly at the request of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates [4]), the forced resignation of Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley, commander from 2002 to 2004[5], congressional committee hearings, and commentary from numerous politicians including President George W. Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney. Several independent governmental investigations are ongoing and the controversy has spread to other military health facilities and the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Reed_Army_Medical_Center_neglect_scandal

3) Google the suicide rate among veterans

4) Specific to McCain

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/04/07/mccain-against-va-funding/

There is more. You can research if you need to.

Regarding the democrats and the oil crises

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/energy/

Happy reading.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:27:00 -0000

One more D - You said -- We've tried isolationism and "waging peace"-and got Khobar Towers, the Cole bombing, and 9/11 in return.

I disagree.

S. You said the government takes in trillions of dollars (welcome McCain supporter) but that money is being spent fighting a war we we got into on a lie. The war costs an up to $9B PER MONTH. This is money that is desperately needed in our own country. More important is all the lives lost on this war that was based on a lie. And the American people has been doing without money for the last 5 years. Look at the economy. So no, we cannot afford being with out a trillion dollars for three months when that boils down to unemployed citizens with families, folks losing houses, unable to afford healthcare, feed their families and racking up debt because they don't have the money to make ends meet.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aairaqwarcost.htm

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/us.html

Economy - overview: The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $46,000. In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. US business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products. At the same time, they face higher barriers to enter their rivals' home markets than foreign firms face entering US markets. US firms are at or near the forefront in technological advances, especially in computers and in medical, aerospace, and military equipment; their advantage has narrowed since the end of World War II. The onrush of technology largely explains the gradual development of a "two-tier labor market" in which those at the bottom lack the education and the professional/technical skills of those at the top and, more and more, fail to get comparable pay raises, health insurance coverage, and other benefits. Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households. The response to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 showed the remarkable resilience of the economy. The war in March-April 2003 between a US-led coalition and Iraq, and the subsequent occupation of Iraq, required major shifts in national resources to the military. The rise in GDP in 2004-07 was undergirded by substantial gains in labor productivity. Hurricane Katrina caused extensive damage in the Gulf Coast region in August 2005, but had a small impact on overall GDP growth for the year. Soaring oil prices in 2005-2007 threatened inflation and unemployment, yet the economy continued to grow through year-end 2007. Imported oil accounts for about two-thirds of US consumption. Long-term problems include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure, rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, sizable trade and budget deficits, and stagnation of family income in the lower economic groups. The merchandise trade deficit reached a record $847 billion in 2007. Together, these problems caused a marked reduction in the value and status of the dollar worldwide in 2007.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:29:00 -0000

I am interested D. :-) We can disagree without being disagreeable. Great talking to you. Will check out your blog. bye.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:00:00 -0000

S. one more thing before I sign off. It is not about blaming anybody because we are all in this together. If we don't work together to figure out solutions and work to get it done (including the involvement of the people) we will be stuck in this same cycle forever. If we don't fix this as Americans -we are done and things will only get worse.

Regarding terrorism. . . it is not about Obama or us not being aware of terrorist activity but we can't live our lives based on the FEAR of terrorist activity. Common sense tells you take care of home. But need to get past the idea that we can walk into somebody's back yard any kind of way without the expectation that they will step back at you.

Of course we should fight against terrorism. Of course we should defend our country. But a good foreign policy includes diplomacy, stepping up economic pressures,forcing political isolation,using the tools available to the commander in chief PRIOR to calling for all out war.

More on Obama's foreign policy:http://www.barackobama.com/issues/foreignpolicy/

Anyway. Gotta run. Later.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:11:00 -0000

You have got to watch Hardball with Chris Matthews now. It is hysterical.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:42:00 -0000

On hardball Wolfson was explaining to Chris Matthews. Clinton's new math.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24529016#24528732

Re: Final Indiana Results

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:55:00 -0000

That is how we do it. Woo Hoooo!!!

Re: Rasmussen Calls the Democratic Race for Obama

val — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:43:00 -0000

Bill Clinton got into a words fight with a voter. The woman said she remembered that Hillary worked hard on a Health Care initiative before his administration prior to getting their votes and as soon as she stepped into the White House she did not deliver on the promise. lol Bill almost passed out. lol
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/09/bill-clintons-angry-confr_n_100972.html

Re: Obama Launches Vote For Change, A Massive 50-State Registration Drive

val — Sat, 10 May 2008 18:01:00 -0000

Obama is not allowed to use funds donated to his campaign to pay off Hillary's debt. He can however ask for democrats to send her some donations.

Personally I think what is $25M to someone that has $109M? Two more speeches from Bill and her debt is paid off.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: What’s Up, People?

val — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:05:00 -0000

Rikyrah - I live in Jack Johnson's area. He is an a**hole and we all know it. How in the heck he got folks to elect him is beyond me.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: What’s Up, People?

val — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:08:00 -0000

Jack Johnson is right up there with Tubb-Jones.

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:21:00 -0000

G'morning All --

Cole: Be Warned, Republicans

13 May 2008 10:56 pm

A fairly remarkable statement from the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Rep. Tom Cole, about tonight's special election in Mississippi. He's warning his incumbents and challengers: change or die.

“We are disappointed in tonight’s election results. Though the NRCC, RNC and Mississippi Republicans made a major effort to retain this seat, we came up short.

“Tonight’s election highlights two significant challenges Republicans must overcome this November. First, Republicans must be prepared to campaign against Democrat challengers who are running as conservatives, even as they try to join a liberal Democrat majority. Though the Democrats’ task will be more difficult in a November election, the fact is they have pulled off two special election victories with this strategy, and it should be a concern to all Republicans.

“Second, the political environment is such that voters remain pessimistic about the direction of the country and the Republican Party in general. Therefore, Republicans must undertake bold efforts to define a forward looking agenda that offers the kind of positive change voters are looking for. This is something we can do in cooperation with our Presidential nominee, but time is short.

“I encourage all Republican candidates, whether incumbents or challengers, to take stock of their campaigns and position themselves for challenging campaigns this fall by building the financial resources and grassroots networks that offer them the opportunity and ability to communicate, energize and turn out voters this election.”

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/05/cole_be_warned_republicans.php

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:12:00 -0000

D and Anonymous -- We all (media, pundits, dems and repub citizens)know that Obama will be the next President of the United States and it is a beautiful thing.

Until then - feel free to vent. We understand . . . change and losing is never easy. To ease your transition I attached a link to keep you up-to-date on Obama's stance on issues. http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

</br... an aside - Obama doesn't have a "white voter" problem as he is leading the democratic race. You don't think he is leading because of the black population do you? No he is getting the support of most Americans of all races, ages, and socio economic backgrounds. What Obama has is the knowledge that racists won't vote for him. This will not be an issue in the fall when Democrats unite behind our nominee because we realize we simply cannot afford another term of Bush/McCain in the White House. That knowledge alone based on facts surrounding real issues (economy, war, recession, housing crisis, job loss, price of gas/oil, global warming etc.)ensures the Repubs don't stand a chance in the fall.

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Speak your mind

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:28:00 -0000

B-Serious and Angela - I was there with you last week. lolol
However, I wouldn't worry about what Hillary is saying at this point or what posts she insists on attempting to move. It will not work. So her saying Barack has to meet the 2209 number or that FL and MI should be seated at without penalty is irrelevent. I watched MSNBC last night and the the it was clear that the pundits, Russert etc. mentally threw their hands up. YOU CAN'T REACH ANYONE IN HILLARYLAND!. You just can't. No amount of logic will make a difference so what should Barack do? The same thing he is doing now, preparing for the Nov fight with John McCain.

I now think it is fine if Hillary wants to pursue her right to stay in the race. It doesn't make any difference and she is spending her own money. Barack gained what . . 4 more super delegates today? Let Hillary do her thing . . eventually her balloon will start losing air and she will come down to the real world. As long as she does not go negative against Barack -- she can do this. More power to her.

We also have to think about the remaining states that REALLY want to vote. They want to participate in this process. That too is a plus. I have been reading a lot lately and folks are truly excited. In short . . . keep your head up. It will be over soon.

Blessings.

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:40:00 -0000

Anonymous - talk to me about issues. Otherwise you are just blowing smoke. I have 4 kids to feed, I take care of both parents as they are in their senior years and I have to make up the difference to cover their healthcare costs and medication. I still try to set aside a little something to help out the local charities. With increased property taxes, price of gas, etc. I need to know now who is going to be the one to help me do what I have to do and allow me to scrounge enough to save for my own retirement.

Talk issues with me. Tell me how a vote for McCain vs. Obama will benefit me. That is all I am saying.

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:33:00 -0000

Hi D

I gave you my personal situation and asked Anon or you to tell me how a vote for McCain vs. Obama will benefit me.

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:23:00 -0000

Anonymous - McCain will temporarily lifting the gas tax???? Do you know the negative effects that will have on the economy? What replacement jobs will he have for the thousands of folks that are laid off because of the gas tax initiative? How will he ensure that the oil/gas companies will pass the savings on to the public vs. increasing the price of gas because of supply and demand? Also, how will he replace funding generated from the gas tax that is used to care for roads/bridges?

Student loans were always accessible but based on the Bush/McCain's criteria

I don't qualify for any of it and neither will my kids. So this won't help me.

Re: McCain has called for doubling the personal exemption for dependents on income taxes to $7,000 from $3,500. Based on the criteria -- I don't qualify for this either. Per the guidelines I make too much.

You said -- The truest measure of prosperity in America is the success and financial security of those who earn wages and meet payrolls in this country," McCain said. "Many are waiting for their first homes . . . their first big break . . . their first shot at financial security. And helping them will be my first priority in setting the economic policies of this nation." advertisement

BULLSHIT. Did you not hear McCain? He does not believe in bail out for folks currently caught up in the housing crisis? He will not help our fellow citizens with their housing debt and foreclosure issues. Because of our financial issues a lot of people got laid off and got behind on their bills. He said it is not the governments responsibility. But it is perfectly okay for the government to use $9B a month on the Iraq war that was based on a lie.

McCain has no stance on the economy as he admittedly "does not understand it". Hence the "lift the gas tax" idea.

What does the following mean? McCain has proposed permanent repeal of the alternative minimum tax, which threatens to ensnare 25 million families.

Based on what you provided I am guessing this is a one time thing right? You said -- Other proposed spending reductions include saving $60 billion by "budget scrubbing," or ending pork-barrel projects; $15 billion by freezing all nonmandatory government spending for one year;and $30 billion by closing unspecified tax loopholes

So McCain pleged to save $105B based on his "economic" plan but expects to spend at minimum $108B PER YEAR on Iraq alone. Our country is currently at least 1 trillion dollars in debt. . . . how does this balance out?

They recently released the 2008-2009 budget for Maryland and the first thing cut is Education again. This means another year of increased class sizes, reduction in basic programs (i.e. art, music etc.) offered to kids, and they laid off teachers. This tops the list of what is considered "nonmandatory government spending". We are not even talking about after school programs that have been cut because of lack of funding, homeless shelters shutting down, etc.

McCain insists on voting against the new 21st Century GI Bill that would allow soldiers to receive free tuition for college. He says it is too generous and it will harm retention. However he has no problem signing another bill that restricts where the soldiers can attend college and reeks of "indentured servitude" to make sure folks don't leave the military to go to college.

Voting for McCain on the premise listed above is not in my best interest. Sorry. Love the conversation though. Appreciate the infomation.

Hi D -- whassup? How was your weekend?

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:36:00 -0000

Hi D - if the issues summary was not enough for you, download the Blueprint for Change document. You can also review Barack's videos on youtube. He has been talking about his plans in detail for over 15 months. You can access videos at http://youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom. He goes into detail on most of the issues. Check out the town hall sessions.

To get a better understanding of Obama, I recommend you read his books -- 1) The Audicity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream and 2) Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance. You borrow them from your local library.

Blessings

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:05:00 -0000

That last comment was from me D. I forgot to add my name.

D - I more than met your challenge. Read the 64 pages of the Blueprint for Change doc. It gives you the issues and provides detailed solutions.

If you want more information drop in any of the Barack Obama offices across the state.

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:11:00 -0000

LOLOLOL see -- you are so cute D. If you have read the Blue print for Change and understand his perspective on the issues and the solutions offered and still don't "get it" then I can't help you.

Vote for McCain as is your right. We will vote for the next President of the United States and work to move this country forward by addressing and attempt to resolve the core issues.

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:17:00 -0000

Good to see you finally smelled the coffee.

Go Barack 08

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Speak your mind

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:59:00 -0000

I wouldn't know. Rev Wright is not running for the President of the United States and is free to do whatever he sees fit. That is what makes this country great.

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Speak your mind

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:26:00 -0000

All - NARAL just endorsed Senator Obama for President and the Clinton supporters are pitching a ROYAL fit. They could use some positive posts right about now. It is REALLY bad. Get the word out if you can.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nancy-keenan/why-naral-pro-choice-amer_b_101708.html

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Speak your mind

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:30:00 -0000

Regarding the Obama Clinton fundrasing thing -- He cannot give Senator Clinton money donated to his campaign. That is the law. So don't worry your money cannot be transferred to her. The can ask him to ask his supporters to send her donations which is entirely voluntary or he can help her schedule some type of fundraiser on her behalf. Again -- he can ask his supporters to help her out. But he is not able to give her any money donated to him. I will see if I can find that specific rule and will post.

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Speak your mind

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:36:00 -0000

Good read.

1) John Edwards will endorse Barack Obama.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/14/john-edwards-endorsing-ob_n_101749.html

2) GOP Adviser: This is '94 in Reverse. We're Pathetic

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/14/gop-adviser-this-is-94-in_n_101756.html

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Speak your mind

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:12:00 -0000

Ok I found the guidance re. helping to pay off campaign debts for opponents. *Obama has not said he would do this btw. Media spin at this point.

Obama cannot under federal law assume direct responsibility for Clinton's debts because that would amount to an illegal contribution, far above contribution limits.

There are, however, a number of other alternatives. Obama could, for example, send out a solicitation in Clinton's behalf to his own donors and to other donor lists, asking for contributions to be directed to her campaign. He could, in addition, hold a joint fundraiser with the money

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Speak your mind

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:16:00 -0000

Truthseeker - last night her campaign manager alluded to the fact that it would probably go to the convention. So you are right on that.

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:54:00 -0000

Hi Anonymous. I appreciate the conversation.

Don't you see the issue with McCain's version of the GI Bill? In order to pay for 4 years of college you have to give the military 12 years of service. 12. Did you get that. In trade for 4 years of college you have to give 12 years of your life.

Does that sound remotely fair to you? If that individual was hurt in the military and could not serve, or was discharged or killed, would they still qualify for that plan? I don't think so.

Logging off all. Catch you tomorrow.

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Speak your mind

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:00:00 -0000

honey01. Yes I saw that. I didn't know whether to . . . umm let me let it go. I agree with you Chris Matthews blew me away. I didn't expect him of all people to be the voice of reason either.

Re: What Harold Myerson Said.

val — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:03:00 -0000

One more thing. Not only does McCain want 12 years in trade for 4 years college tuition but our military men and women would not be able to select the college of their choice.

Our military deserves the best we have to offer instead we are offering them table scraps.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:01:00 -0000

Hi Craig -- I watched Edwards endorse Obama yesterday and agree with your assessment. That is what I saw.

Re: Funny Sundays: Talib Kweli, Res & Chester French "Fall Back, Hillary" Video

val — Sun, 18 May 2008 11:11:00 -0000

Hi All - COMPLETELY off topic but I saw a commercial in the Maryland area advertising the new Obama Yes We Can and Change We Can Believe in Air Force One's tennis shoes. They are made by an 24 year old artist named Van20

I have to admit that I am a grown woman who is not usually caught up in this kind of thing but those kicks were BADDDDD I had to track these shoes down and ordered a few pairs for my kids . . . and awh awh I had to get a pair for awh myself. Just for you know awh awh testing purposes. yeah that's it. lol

Here is the link to the artist's site. Thought I would share. Scroll down to until you get to the Obama shoes. http://www.myspace.com/van20</br>

Re: Sunday Open Thread

val — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:25:00 -0000

I responded to this earlier and not sure what happened to my post so here I go again.

Anonymous said "As a black man secretly supporting Hilary Clinton" as this is some HUGE secret like "As a black man secretly on the downlow" . . . . This alone makes me believe Anonymous isn't who he says he is.

Anonymous - I am not falling for the "elitist" label you are attempting to tag to Obama. As a matter of fact he is just the opposite and believes in empowering the people to take back their government. He is pushing people to become involved in the process not only when electing their leadership and staying involved to make sure it works for them. He provides the tools and training to make this happen.

As an aside Blacks do not hate blacks that support the Clinton vs. Obama we just don't understand how people (especially minorities) can find the blatant divisive comments and actions from the Clinton's and their campaigns acceptable. If you are able to look past the proven negative baggage from the Clintons and look past the most recent mismanagement of her campaign (i.e. finances and oversight) then more power to you. Not sure what you expect to get blogging on this topic but if you need absolution I suppose you better served by visiting your local priest.

Re: Sunday Open Thread

val — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:31:00 -0000

Hi All - I saw a commercial in the Maryland area advertising the new Obama Yes We Can and Change We Can Believe in Air Force One's tennis shoes. They are made by a 24 year old artist named Van20

Here is the link to the artist's site. Thought I would share. Scroll down to until you get to the Obama shoes. I loved it and intend to order a few pairs. Thought I would help this artist by sharing the link and asking you to do the same if you like what he has to offer. http://www.myspace.com/van20</br>

Re: Sunday Open Thread

val — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:42:00 -0000

about those tennis shoes. they really look great.

Re: Sunday Open Thread

val — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:56:00 -0000

Hey Another anonymous - don't fall for the hype. Just reading the original note and the follow up response you know what he/she is trying to stir up. I would blow it off and talk about something else.

Don't let him/her get to you.

Re: Sunday Open Thread

val — Sun, 18 May 2008 15:21:00 -0000

Rikyrah - lololololololol see . . . I wasn't going there.
lololol

PRE -racebaiting, I just shrugged my shoulders.

POST-racebaiting, you are suspect Uncle Ruckus'.

PERIOD.

She RACEBAITS a Black Candidate for President of the United States from one end of this country to the other, and you say NOTHING?

Black folk are gonna take care of the Clinton Negroes.

Not a threat...just a statement of fact.

Re: Obama Draws Crowd of 75,000 in Oregon

val — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:09:00 -0000

Here is the abc clip when Obama told folks to "lay off my wife". I LOVE IT.
http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=4883537

Re: Obama Draws Crowd of 75,000 in Oregon

val — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:57:00 -0000

G'morning D

How about the fact that Cindy just this year stole a recipe directly from Rachel Ray's website and posted it on the McCain site and advertised it as her "family recipe" and when folks called her on it she and her husband said an intern did it?

All this is moot.

Obama would never go after McCain on a personal level because that is not who he is. But Repubs need to realize he will defend his family as he should. Attack him on the issues and his record because that is what he wants to do with McCain but he will issue a smack down if someone steps to his wife or kids. And that is how it should be.

Re: THAT’S THE WAY TO DEFEND YOUR WOMAN

val — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:43:00 -0000

Michelle said "for the first time in my adult life I am REALLY proud of my country" and then she went on to talk about the movement and how people are getting involved in a way that we havent in a long time. What is wrong with that statement? I think it is straight bullshit to think that the only way you can be considered a patriot is to wear blinders to the faults of the USA.

True patriotism is in loving your country despite it's faults. To accuse someone of being unpatriotic because they don't see the US as always perfect is sheer stupidity.

Re: Monday Open Thread - What’s Going On?

val — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:17:00 -0000

Hi D - you said "D. said...
Kitty,

We've never threatened to go after Iran "just because."

We took it a step further and bypassed the threat we went straight into war. Why? McCain said as recently as 2 weeks ago -- because of their oil.

And there you have it.

Re: Monday Open Thread - What’s Going On?

val — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:18:00 -0000

I stand corrected D and will take that back. I thought you said we did not threaten Iraq

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:46:00 -0000

O pechenga - I don't think Obama is "siding" with any one group, in fact he supports ALL people. So this becomes more complicated. I won't say I understand your history but as an African American with a history steeped in slavery, racial intolerance, etc. I can connect with some aspect of your discussion. I also recognize that there comes a time when even though I understand the treatment of blacks in history and the past struggles of my ancestors and even the in the face of some struggles faced today, I have to make a decision to forgive and actively make the effort to move forward in to promote change. I want to set aside past animosity as much as I can, not oblivious of the fact that there will be issues that come up, but I am ready to move toward the vision of "one America." I know I am not saying this the best way but . . .

Anyway - welcome to this blog. What is the link to yours? I always look for opportunities to learn about other cultures.

Re: New Poll: Democrats Supporting Democratic Nominee. Duh.

val — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:51:00 -0000

Isn't this amazing?

McKinnon To Step Aside From McCain Effort

Mark McKinnon, the lead media consultant for Sen. John McCain's (Ariz.) presidential bid, is stepping down from that role -- making good on a pledge he made last year not to work against Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) in the fall campaign.

"I just don't want to work against an Obama candidacy," McKinnon told Cox Washington bureau chief Ken Herman; electing Obama, he added, "would send a great message to the country and the world." McKinnon said at the time he would vote for McCain.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/05/mckinnon_to_step_aside_from_mc.html

Re: New Poll: Democrats Supporting Democratic Nominee. Duh.

val — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:31:00 -0000

White House denies story about attacking Iran

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Tuesday denied a published report in Israel that said President Bush intends to attack Iran before the end of his term in January.

A story in the Jerusalem Post quoted a "senior official" there as saying that Bush plans to attack Iran in the coming months. The story says the unidentified official claimed that a "senior member" of Bush's traveling entourage made the statement about attacking Iran in a closed meeting. Bush was in Israel last week.

The article also says the unnamed Bush official said that Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney "were of the opinion that military action were called for."

"An article in today's Jerusalem Post about the president's position on Iran that quotes unnamed sources — quoting unnamed sources — is not worth the paper it's written on," White House press secretary Dana Perino said in a statement.

"Let me respond by reaffirming the policy of the administration: We, along with our international allies who want peace in the Middle East, remain opposed to Iran's ambitions to obtain a nuclear weapon," Perino said. "To that end, we are working to bring tough diplomatic and economic pressure on the Iranians to get them to change their behavior and to halt their uranium enrichment program."

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Holla at us!!

val — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:04:00 -0000

This family is just beautiful. I am so proud of them. GO OBAMA!!!!

Re: The Onion Foresaw All This Years Ago

val — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:40:00 -0000

Craig - I agree with you. She needs to be shut down. Everyone/media/DNC is talking about giving her space to leave when she wants to. Shoot I thought "as long as she did nothing negative, let her finish the race" but she has lost all sense of reality and she needs to be shut down. Two days ago she cited Karl Rove as proof that she is the better candidate to go up against McCain and she believes it. She is gone over the deep end and is doing nothing to keep her supporters in check. They are planning all sorts of things to deliberately derail the democratic campaign.

I am going to start sending letters to the DNC again and and ask that they do something now. She has lost all sense of reality.

Re: Hillary Clinton LIES - SHE IS NOT AHEAD IN THE POPULAR VOTE

val — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:54:00 -0000

Bridgie - I would take it a step further (welcome all). You said - I just wanted to point out that what she's doing is actually *even worse* than just counting the MI/FL votes when she agreed not to. She's also not counting FOUR WHOLE STATES"

She took it even further. Her math on MI, FL numbers would assume that Obama receives 0 as in ZERO votes.

Someone better pull this woman away from the edge. She has lost it.

How about that.

Re: Hillary Clinton LIES - SHE IS NOT AHEAD IN THE POPULAR VOTE

val — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:40:00 -0000

Popular Vote Poison
How Hillary's latest math hurts the party.

Jonathan Alter

Newsweek Web Exclusive

Updated: 3:31 PM ET May 21, 2008

Give credit where it's due: Hillary Clinton has shown grit and determination in finishing out the race. She has proved herself a strong campaigner. And in the week since West Virginia, she has stopped the cheap shots that had marred her campaign this year.

But Clinton has continued with one claim that could have a pernicious effect on the Democrats' chances in November. While she knows that the nomination is determined by delegates, Hillary insists on saying at every opportunity that she is winning the popular vote. And she has now taken to touting the new HBO movie "Recount," which chronicles the Florida fiasco of eight years ago. Everyone can agree that the primary calendar needs reform. But popular-vote pandering is poison for Democrats. For a party scarred by the experience of 2000, when Al Gore received 500,000 more popular votes than George W. Bush but lost the presidency, this argument is sure to make it harder to unite and put bitter feelings aside.

Oh, and it's not true.

Let me go through the numbers without making your head spin.

After Kentucky and Oregon, Obama has an official popular vote lead of 449,486.

This does not include Iowa (where Obama first broke from the pack), Nevada (where Hillary won the popular vote narrowly), Maine (where Obama won easily) or Washington state (another strong Obama state). Why? Because these caucus states don't officially report their popular votes. But if we're going to truly count all the votes, official and nonofficial, as Hillary advocates, you can't very well not include caucus states.

Adding in the unofficial tally from caucus states, as estimated by realclearpolitics.com based on official caucus turnout and the number of local delegates selected at the precinct level, that gives Obama a lead of 559,708.

Now we come to Florida and Michigan, whose popular votes Hillary says should be counted. The argument for counting them is no better than for counting the caucus states (and maybe worse, considering that these states violated party rules by moving their primaries up on the calendar, and no one campaigned there). But for the sake of argument let's count 'em. That gives Hillary a lead of 63,373.

HILLARY WINS POPULAR VOTE!

Not so fast. If the Democratic National Committee completes its expected settlement on May 31, Florida and Michigan will each get half of their votes counted. Translated to popular votes, that would subtract about 325,000 votes from Hillary, putting Obama back into the lead.

Beyond not being official numbers, there's another problem with counting Michigan in these totals. Obama wasn't on the ballot there. You can say this was his own choice, but that doesn't change the fact that had he been on the Michigan ballot he would have received a lot of popular votes. How many?

Try 238,168. That's the number of Michiganders who voted for "uncommitted." Were they possibly genuinely abstaining? Maybe a few hundred of them at most. The rest were clearly Obama supporters who launched a grass-roots campaign. Everyone in Michigan knew on January 15 that a vote for "uncommitted" was a vote for Obama.

That means that by a generous definition of popular votes (and remember, Clinton wants to enfranchise as many people as possible in her count), Obama leads by about 166,000 votes.

With a big win in Puerto Rico, Clinton could possibly erase that margin (plus several thousand more that Obama is expected to net in Montana and South Dakota). She could then proclaim that with the help of Puerto Rican voters who cannot vote in a general election, she is the popular vote winner.

The shorthand many Clinton supporters are already taking into the summer is that she won the popular vote but had the nomination "taken away" (as Joy Behar said on "The View") by a man.

What a helpful message for uniting the Democratic Party.

If the Obama people have any sense, they will demand in their negotiations with the Clintonites that Hillary cease and desist in her specious claim to have won the most popular votes.

Given that more than 35 million voters took part in the Democratic primaries and caucuses, the math games on both sides look awfully silly. Everyone should agree to call it a tie.

URL: http://www.newsweek.com/id/138109</br>

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:53:00 -0000

Webb GI Bill Passes Senate, McCain Skips Vote

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-passes-senate_n_103091.html

the Webb GI Bill has passed the Senate:

Senate Republicans have broken with President Bush to help Democrats add support for veterans and the unemployed to a bill paying for another year of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:55:00 -0000

Superdelegates File Florida Lawsuit Against DNC
http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2008/05/19/daily33.html

Three prominent Broward County Democrats filed a federal lawsuit Thursday morning against the Democratic National Committee, seeking to force the committee to seat Florida's delegates at the upcoming presidential nomination convention.

The suit was filed by state Sen. Steven Geller, an attorney for Greenspoon Marder in Fort Lauderdale; Barbara Effman, president of the Democratic Club in Broward County; and Percy Johnson, a convention delegate.

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:58:00 -0000

Harold Ickes: Obama Should Get Zero Delegates In Michigan

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/05/22/1052820.aspx

These people have lost their minds. I know I will be at the DNC convention next week even if I am the only Obama supporter to show up for this one. Someone better do something and quick.

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:35:00 -0000

D and S - there will not be a Republican as president for at least another 8 years. I would suggest you get used to it.

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:36:00 -0000

From the NY Post http://www.nypost.com/seven/05232008/news/natio.... Tom Carper (D-Del.), a vice chair of the Democratic Leadership Council, said, "I'll encourage [Obama] to ask, and if he does, for her to say yes."

He added, "She would be a good president if something ever were to happen to him. She'll deliver a heck of a lot of women in a lot of states."

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:40:00 -0000

On MSNBC they reported that Clinton's people stated that the "OBAMA's camp" is behind the leaks into these VP stories as a ploy to trick people into thinking she is dropping out of the race.

Not sure if Hillary did not read all the articles citing her husband is pushing the idea along with some of the SD's that are backing her and a lot of her supporters.

Oh well.

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:42:00 -0000

Oh yes. MSNBC also reported that both Clinton and Obama reported that the rumors about talks about Clinton as the VP choice is false.

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:39:00 -0000

I feel the same way Craig - I am particularly concerned with the statement "something happening to him" I take that very seriously. Too many people are putting that idea to the forefront lately as if they know something we don't know. I just hope his body guards step up the protection and I have been lifting up some serious prayers for him and his family.

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:05:00 -0000

Would it make sense for me to start questioning the DNC about these claims? Just to put it out there and cite the names of the officials who are suggesting something will happen to him . . . maybe state in some way that they (DNC) address this issue and should step up efforts to do away with such talks from said officials because it sends the wrong message?

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:30:00 -0000

WaPo Calls McCain Earmark Plan Voodoo Economics

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/05/mccains_fantasy_war_on_earmark.html

McCain receives 4 pinocchios.

Obama/Webb 08

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:11:00 -0000

Something light -- pics of Obama's family tree.
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/popup?id=4223496&contentIndex;=1&start;=false&page;=1

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:18:00 -0000

Dear Hillary: How Can We Miss You If You Won't Go Away?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-eskow/dear-hillary-how-can-we-m_b_103268.html

Re: Clinton Staying in Race In Case Obama is Assassinated

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:23:00 -0000

Clinton, you invoked a political nightmare
Olbermann: Referencing RFK's assassination as a reason for staying in the race is unforgiveable

The text for Olbermann's comments is already available. The video clip is not ready as yet. Keith went off.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24797758/

Re: Clinton Staying in Race In Case Obama is Assassinated

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:43:00 -0000

Olbermann's Video now available.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24798368#24798368

Re: NO "DE FACTO" THIRD TERM FOR THE CLINTONS

val — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:44:00 -0000

Olbermann's video now available
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24798368#24798368

Re: Keith Olbermann’s Special Comment from Tonight

val — Sat, 24 May 2008 07:58:00 -0000

What in the world is in the minds of some of these die hard Clinton supporters?

I just logged into the Hillary blog section because I was curious on how the supporters would respond to her comments made yesterday. I just have to say these people are a huge contributor to Hillary losing her natural mind. Here are some of the comments.

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

True Americans and False Americans

I just heard Senator Clintons remarks on CNN and I am extremely ashamed at CNN and anyone who tries to defame Senator Clinton because of these remarks.

As far as I can see, the Senator was simply recalling the fact that many campaigns don't end before the convention period.

After this business, I will never vote for Obama and his spiteful friends, never, even if they gave me a million dollars.

by JKM at 5/23/2008 5:09:05 PM

I share your feelings, JKM

I just finished my messages to those CNN "know it alls" and questioned their rationale. Here's the link to say your piece, they need to hear from their audience:

http://www.cnn.com/feedback/cnntv/

Let us light our candles of wisdom and courage for Hillary, say a prayer for those who remain in the dark:

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=...

by Normita at 5/23/2008 7:31:49 PM

They are getting plenty of exercise...

All of this jumping to conclusions and running their mouths is getting on my last nerve. Not everything Senator Clinton says has an ulterior motive. Sometimes she is just stating facts.

If Senator Obama really is that sensitive he surely can't take the pressure of the Republican Machine. And shame on the news media for making mountains out of mole hills and trying to find something sinister in everything she says.

I am sick of the media's tactics and Obama's and his team's constant whining. They are all acting so immature and childish. Maybe they all need a time out. If this whining continues I think I'll SCREAM! Get over it and get back to business. Other leaders of the world will not play nice so if he can't stand the heat, he needs to get out and stay out of the kitchen. Let someone who can take it get in there and cook. Hillary we want you to stay in our kitchen.

Go Hillary Go!!!!!

Never Give Up!!!!!

by jam63 at 5/23/2008 9:47:56 PM

Re: Saturday, It’s A Saturday Open Thread

val — Sat, 24 May 2008 21:28:00 -0000

Hi All - I attached the information on May 31st RBC meeting in Washington DC directly below. Just in case anyone is interested in attending.

information on getting tickets into the meeting...

The DNC has just announced that you can register to attend the meeting starting at 10am on Tuesday, May 27th.

Online registration will open at 10:00AM on Tuesday, May 27.

A meeting of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee will take place at 9:30AM on May 31, 2008 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. This meeting is open to the public, however due to space constraints, guests are being asked to pre-register their attendance.

Meeting Registration

Guest credentials are limited to one (1) per person. In order to reserve a seat, please fill out the registration form at the bottom of the page. A confirmation message will be sent to the e-mail address indicated on the registration form. You must bring this confirmation e-mail, along with a photo ID, in order to pick up your guest credential.

Credentials must be picked up at registration tables located outside the meeting room between 8:00-9:30AM on May 31st in order to guarantee a seat. If reserved credentials are not picked up by 9:30 AM, they will be released and given out to other members of the public. Those with reserved guest credentials will be allowed to leave the meeting room, and return to their reserved seat.

Same Day Registration

If you are unable to pre-register, limited same day registration will be available. Same-day guest credentials will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis and are limited to one (1) per person. Individuals with a same day credential will be permitted into the meeting room as space permits.

Additional Information

In order to maintain the decorum of the meeting, banners, posters, signs, handouts, and noisemakers of any kind are strictly prohibited. Also, please be advised that the agenda for the meeting does not include time for questions from the general public.

For more information -

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/

Will repost on Tuesday morning to make sure the info is available to everyone.

Re: Saturday, It’s A Saturday Open Thread

val — Sat, 24 May 2008 21:36:00 -0000

Last week I mentioned that a few of Senator Clinton's super delegates were filing a lawsuit regarding seating all the Florida delegates.

Here is a link to the letter from Senator Steven Gellar. He sent it to the DNC RBC and wanted them to review during the May 31 meeting. I thought you would be interested. Pretty long but this is the tactic they intend to use.

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/geller%20letter.pdf

I will also repost this on next Tuesday to make sure it is available to folks who are away this weekend.

Re: Saturday, It’s A Saturday Open Thread

val — Sun, 25 May 2008 08:30:00 -0000

Not all the Kennedy's are so easy to "understand" Hillary's statements.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/05252008/news/nationalnews/kennedys_feel_bobby_socked_112469.htm

Kennedy's Feel Bobby-Socked.

May 25, 2008 --

Members of the Kennedy family are incensed over Hillary Rodham Clinton's invoking the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy to explain why she's staying in the race - and they think it could be the death knell of an increasingly desperate and sloppy campaign.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:46:00 -0000

God help us all.

Iraq Soldier Discusses His "Kills" (VIDEO)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/27/iraq-soldier-discusses-hi_n_103698.html

In the spring of 2007, a conference was held on the outskirts of Washington, DC. Entitled Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan, it hearkened back to the Winter Soldier testimonies held three decades ago during the Vietnam War. Of the testimonies we filmed, this one, by Iraq War vet Jon Michael Turner, was the most compelling and intense.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:22:00 -0000

Hi D - How are you?

I don't agree with you and am offended with you calling these soldiers liars. I choose to take these soldiers at their word because I see no benefit in them coming out to show what they did in Iraq, in fact, I can see them getting into deep crap because they are talking about it. To me the reason they are coming out is because they have a conscience and they can't condone what they did and want the American public to be aware of what happens behind the scenes when the camera's are gone in Iraq.

These guys wanted to make sure their story is visable to as much of America as possible because it is an important issue and one we should not overlook.

More stories are found here:http://newsproject.org/

Original Story:

Iraq Soldier Discusses His "Kills" (VIDEO)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/27/iraq-soldier-discusses-hi_n_103698.html

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:32:00 -0000

More on the soldiers to include audio archive, blogs etc.:
http://ivaw.org/wintersoldier

Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan featured testimony from U.S. veterans who served in those occupations, giving an accurate account of what is really happening day in and day out, on the ground.

This four-day event brought together veterans from across the country to testify about their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan - and present video and photographic evidence. In addition, panels of scholars, veterans, journalists, and other specialists gave context to the testimony. These panels covered everything from the history of the GI resistance movement to the fight for veterans' health benefits and support.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:42:00 -0000

D - these men talk about kicking in doors at the homes of innocent families and killing and raping women and some children. They talk about killing the men riding on their bikes on their way home to families for sport because they were bored. Shooting up the mosques because it is something to do and their leader awarding 4 day passes for anyone who kills someone/any Iraqi would do via a knife.

There is no benefit of the surge that would outweigh the killing of these innocent people just trying to make it through the day. I am not buying that.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:12:00 -0000

D - you said -- Most of the participants in the first "Winter Soldier" investigation have been proven to be liars

I disagreed with that statement. It is not one individual speaking out, or even two or ten. There is a huge number of people stepping forward and I accept their stories as truth. I don't need to hook them up to a lie detector and I do not need them to be put under oath. These are military men and women who served their country. It is not in their best interest to speak out against the war nor is it in their best interest to speak about the atrocities they have inflicted on innocent people.

War isn't pretty. I know that because my brother served in the Army for over 24 years. He has seen his share of wars, has all kinds of medals and recd. accolades regarding his service. He loved serving his country, the military was good to him but he did not sugarcoat his experiences. I have other family members men/women who have also served in the military. So, yes I believe these soldiers.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody

val — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:36:00 -0000

D - you said "It's people like you-who would accept anyone's word against the military as fact, without even seeing if it's true that make me wonder what the hell I served for while I was in uniform."

I am not sheep. I can't force me in a direction I don't want to go and I don't automatically become blind to everything around me and see only what you want me to see. I can make my own judgements based on what I see, know and hear. It is easy in this internet age to research information, educate yourself to get a comprehensive picture of a situation vs. a one sided view Bush/McCain/you would like me to see. I hear what you are saying I just don't agree with it.

BTW - I am not opposed to all wars just DUMB wars.

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:30:00 -0000

Hi D - I just want to say, I have noticed the change in your recent exchanges on this site over the last week or so. I like what I see. We are growing on you. :-) You still have your allegiances (McCain)and I ain't mad at you.
:-) You are genuinely "more open" to everything written on this board. Love your conversations man.

Everyone else we are almost at the finish line regarding the primary elections. Keep your heads up.

:-)

Blessings.

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:21:00 -0000

Hi Rikyrah - here is Donna Brazile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Znob6zUnIM

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:31:00 -0000

Not sure if this is what you are looking for but Sen. Levin destroys Harold Ickes' twisted logic on Michigan

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PewIXrzzazo

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:51:00 -0000

Here is the lead up to the Brazile comment. I like this version better.

Democrats Get Nasty At Meeting to Pick Nominee

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3_nlw2I6MoQ

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:54:00 -0000

D - you are right about Barack leaving the church. He mentioned it awhile back his main reason was if I remember correctly that he did not want to turn the church into a media circus. So it would be in the best interest for his church family and Barack.

If you want I can dig for that statement but I read it and understood it at the time.

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:55:00 -0000

Let me correct that statement he would not attend his home church but would eventually attend another UCC church.

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:09:00 -0000

andyfrombrooklyn - don't forget -- he has to apologize for running when he knew she wanted to be President and he should have waited his turn. (that was the favorite phrase found on Hillary's blog site).

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:17:00 -0000

Yep MSNBC just confirmed it. Barack resigned his membership at Trinity United Church.

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:41:00 -0000

andyfrombrooklyn - "he should apologise for being a tempting target of assassins."

ROTFLMAO

STOP IT!!!!!!

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:42:00 -0000

Pamela - I assume you are watching the response to the ruling. I agree with you. SOOOOO disrespectful.

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:51:00 -0000

Ok. Ickes turn. Here it comes . . . .

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:52:00 -0000

NO HE DID NOT COMPARE IT AGAIN TO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO SEAT 1/2 THE DELEGATES.

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:53:00 -0000

Somebody slap him and boot him out.

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 19:07:00 -0000

It is a waste of time and money. The rule was they would be disqualified if they broke the rules. They decided to break the rules. So the compromise was to seat completely but with 1/2. There is no need to extend this ridiculous drama . . . especially for 4 delegates to Obama seeing that he was not on the ballot. What they should do is cancel the compromise and seat NONE. Childish.

Re: DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting Open Thread

val — Sat, 31 May 2008 19:10:00 -0000

anonymous - BULLSHIT. Show me how an unknown like Obama could possible block a re-vote. Prove it. Besides - who was going to pay for it? You?

BULLSHIT. Her supporters made Hillary come off as ignorant.

Re: Monday Open Thread - It’s a New Week!

val — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:44:00 -0000

Hey Rikyrah - that picture is pretty scary. lol

Re: Monday Open Thread - It’s a New Week!

val — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:20:00 -0000

D - I read both articles and my answer is NO. Not worth it.

Here are a few articles of my own.

Marine 'lied' over Haditha deaths

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7426429.stm

The Iraq war: Counting the cost

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7304300.stm

Toxic world fallout from Iraq invasion.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7293689.stm

Excerpt:However, even if the war turns out to be "winnable", its critics dismiss any suggestion that it was "worth it".

Struggle for Iraq

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/middle_east/2002/conflict_with_iraq/default.stm

Re: Monday Open Thread - It’s a New Week!

val — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:03:00 -0000

Hi Truthseeker - I watched MSNBC tonight and they discussed the superdelegates trickle. It was said they want to let the primary run it's course so there would be nothing else for Hillary and her supporters to dispute.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: What’s Up, People?

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:52:00 -0000

what is up with the popular count shown on MSNBC in HIllary's favor. Where are those numbers coming from?

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: What’s Up, People?

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:55:00 -0000

Not that it matters but it is showing:
Obama: 17,425,810

Hillary: 17,428,541

I know the delegates is what counts but I really want to know where those numbers come from.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: What’s Up, People?

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:16:00 -0000

Thanks heartsandflowers. I agree that they should do something about that as well. It just gets to me that when Hillary repeats something multiple times, folks seem to adopt it as truth and start reporting on it even if it is a proven fallacy.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: What’s Up, People?

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:20:00 -0000

Pamela - I saw that woman and her teeth and I have to kneel in prayer for my thoughts. Anyway- these women are obnoxious. They come off as nagging wives. You have to pick her as vp, you have to pick her as vp, you have to pick her are vp, you have to pick her as vp. You know, most men at least most men of color do not like to be told that they have to do. In fact, most would do the opposite.

Re: Tuesday Open Thread: What’s Up, People?

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:21:00 -0000

just because you told them what they "have" to do.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:54:00 -0000

Congratulations All. America is beautiful. Just beautiful. I can tell my kids that in this country -- ANYTHING is truly possible for all people.

Blessings All. :-)

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:55:00 -0000

did you hear the discussion that the clinton people want Obama to publicly offer Hillary the VP spot? and the Obama people said only if she rejects it. This is getting ridiculous.

Also McCain is so pitiful, I had to hide my head under the blanket. He is so flagrant in his stupidity and he threw Bush and Cheney under the bus. lol Ya'll heard me say I kinda like McCain but I would have respected him more if he said, respect Bush, he is a friend and I stand by him but here is what I will do different as president.

Judge for yourself, I can't take it. His speech is so pitiful, folks don't know when to clap, boo, or make comments. His speech is simply put "jacked up."

It is so contrived it is bad. I can't take it. gotta switch channels.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:02:00 -0000

YEAHHHHHHH!!!! GO BARACK. HE GOT IT YALL!!!!!! FIRED UP! God is good.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:06:00 -0000

Ms. Martin - I think he released it just before HILLARY's speech so she has no choice but to acknowledge he is the nominee. Took back his night. So it is not about her VP demand anymore but that he is THE nominee.

Gotta get my glass of wine. BRB.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:20:00 -0000

did you hear that on msnbc? Hillary said she will not concede until she sits down with Barack. Howard said that Hillary's party wants Barack to offer her the VP spot and said she did not want it. The obama campaign said only if she rejects it. Now, Andrea Mitchell just said Hillary does want the VP spot.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:22:00 -0000

Hey bpm. I missed that and I am glad I did. LOLOLOLOL

Please that is straight bullshit and Harold needs to sit down and shut up. The man is clearly blind, deaf and dumb.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:32:00 -0000

Bill is walking ahead of Hillary onto the stage. lolol Go ahead Bill. Make your speech.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:34:00 -0000

Rikyrah - that is a great thought. It would be awesome if Al Gore would step up. Didn't think of that.

Hillary is taking a step toward Barack. Good for her.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:39:00 -0000

Yes she will?????? What in the heck?

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:41:00 -0000

I think she is trying to mend fences. Yep she is trying.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:44:00 -0000

Wait . . . . where is she going with this?

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:47:00 -0000

where is she going with this? Will she say I am going to run as an Independent? Did she just lie and say "she" sounded the alarm on the mortgage crises? Waitttt . . . something is seriously off here.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:50:00 -0000

But so what? she is not relevant. The media should just stop covering her. PERIOD

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:51:00 -0000

bpm - she is a lunatic. There would be no world left if she were president.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:05:00 -0000

Teacher - I agree. Obama should call her on it. I doubt the majority of democrats would not vote for him in the general.

She wants to stay in the limelight and she doesn't want to let it go. She is going to insist that she be VP and that she speak for the folks that voted for her. He needs to cut her lose now. Ignore her and move on. With the primaries over the media will move on.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:10:00 -0000

I love watching Barack and Michelle together.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:17:00 -0000

Barack lumped Hillary in with all the other candidates that he ran against. and then offered her props. That was the best tack to take.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:20:00 -0000

What role is he offering her? He talked about her being instrumental in universal healthcare.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:28:00 -0000

Do you notice that they panned the crowd at Hillary's and Barack's events but did not pan the crowd at McCain's? I wonder why that is. lololol

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:32:00 -0000

Barack is on fire tonight.

Re: Montana & South Dakota Primaries - Open Thread

val — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:49:00 -0000

"Val thats becuz there were only 15 people at Mccains event. And they were all on a fieldtrip from the nursing home!"

ROTFLMAO!! STOP IT!!!!! hahahahhahahaahaha I can't take it. lolololol

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Holla at us!!

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:08:00 -0000

Hey D -

What did you think about McCain's speech last night?

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Holla at us!!

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:28:00 -0000

Loved your post D. Honest and thoughtful.

I ain't mad at you. The fact that you took the time to analyze both candidates, reviewed their policies, and made your judgment based on your personal belief that you made the right choice. Then go for it.

What happened last night is a beautiful thing. We aren't there yet but we are moving forward. My kids can be anything they want to be if they work hard enough and God authorizes it. It is a beautiful thing. America is great and offers opportunities to all of us. We don't have to agree on everything but we can become open to understanding all sides. Follow your path man. If we put our fellow Americans first and work toward common goals, it is alright. Do your thing. Blessings to you and yours.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:01:00 -0000

Hi All -- Does McCain scare you when he hisses --
my frieeennnnnndddddsssssssss and then he does that twitch and wink.

Gives me goosebumps everytime. lol

I still like McCain though.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:05:00 -0000

D said "I listened to the speech over XM radio, and cringed the whole time. After the 3rd-4th "my friends, that's not change we can believe in" statement, I was really ready to turn it off."

ROTFLMAO. You didn't get a kick out of that? LOLOL Seriously, I agree. I was so embarassed for the man that I pulled the covers over my head multiple times and after a while I just couldn't take it and switched channels. lolol

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Holla at us!!

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:09:00 -0000

Michelle was Royalty Carribbean Lionesse. Royalty.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:18:00 -0000

Webb - ROTFLMAO

Re: JJP Back On NPR: Obama, Bo Diddley, Confederate Flag (with Audio)

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:39:00 -0000

right now on msnbc some guy is talking to Tamara about "if" Obama is the nominee she will support him and that there are a few more months until the Nov elections and anything can happen. Also that she said she would do whatever it takes to ensure a democrat is wins the election in the fall to include taking the VP spot "if" Obama is the nominee.

Re: JJP Back On NPR: Obama, Bo Diddley, Confederate Flag (with Audio)

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:40:00 -0000

I was so annoyed I forgot to say who the "she" is. The guy was talking about Hillary Clinton and tried to give reasons why Hillary did not congratulate Obama at the AIPAC convention when he congratulated her.

I should have said

right now on msnbc some guy is talking to Tamara about "if" Obama is the nominee Hillary will support him and that there are a few more months until the Nov elections and anything can happen. Also that Hillary said she would do whatever it takes to ensure a democrat is wins the election in the fall to include taking the VP spot "if" Obama is the nominee.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:48:00 -0000

S - folks couldn't get into the meat of the speech because you couldn't get past his "my frienddddsssss" and his twitch and "that's not change we can believe in".

I personally tuned out after the parts where he bashed both Bush and Cheney and was extremely clear that he was not telling the truth. He was clearly saying things that he did not believe. McCain also patronized Obama calling him a "young man" as if someone who is 46 years of age has not lived long enough to gain any knowledge or experience.

Even the spectators couldn't grasp what he was talking about. They did not know when to clap, boo or even respond.

There you have it.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:50:00 -0000

Anonymous - "Some will recall the similarities between Barack Obama’s “Just Words” speech and almost identical rhetoric from a previous David Axelrod client, Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts."

Poof begone with that noise.

Talk to us about policy issues that you do not agree with. Tout your candidates strength and back up off that superficial nonsense that will not put food on my table or pay my healthcare bill.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:03:00 -0000

McCain is giving another speech now and he is pretty bad today too . . . my guess is he is probably nervous because he got the reviews from last night's sessions from both democrat and republicans alike.

McCain believes he is doing the right things (I personally disagree with his policies) and he really believes he would be the best leader for this country. It would come off much better if he just said what he really thinks versus touting what other folks are telling him to say. And it wouldn't hurt if he admitted to his mistakes especially when he gets caught in a lie. It would only make him human.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:06:00 -0000

S - I meant he was lying about his feelings about Bush and Cheney.

He could have said -- I support Bush and Cheney, he is a good person and a good president/vp. They are not perfect -- none of us are but they are true Americans who have always believed in putting the country first. Now, here is how we differ. . . . .

It would have said more about his character than what he said last night.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:21:00 -0000

S - I will respond to your comments below.

"Just wait until the debates, he possesses a 'quiet intensity' that is compelling."

I don't know about all that. I have watched him in town hall meetings and he puts me to sleep or I tend to tune out. He changes his messages almost daily so . . .I don't know what the heck he believes outside of the fact that he would be fine with 100 years of war.

"Just wait until we see McCain in action at townhall meetings where he displays a relaxed, engaging command of the issues, delivered with humility and respect."

LOLOL ok. I want this man to tell me how he is going to bring down the price of gas, what stance on the housing crises (I heard his current plans and I REALLY hope he reconsiders it or many homeowners will be homeless), how he plans on fixing our current economic situation outside of cutting costs via earmarks and other less important governmental spending for the first year he is in office especially with us spending $9B a MONTH in Iraq alone.

"Obama is a young man."

The man is 46 year old. He is hardly a "young man."

"The issue of inexperience and judgment is central to this election." I am not going to go into Obama's experience. Because I have provided multiple links to the Senate showing his record. Instead I will ask you this -- what has Bush, Cheney, or even McCain offered either individually or collectively over the last 7/8 years with their vast experience outside 2 wars, negative reviews from other countries, and a recession? We aren't better off. We are worse off. So clearly their "experience" did not work. We HAVE to do something different.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:21:00 -0000

S - I am not going down this road with you again about Obama's record. We did that already weeks ago. Besides, what is the point? We all know that Democrats will vote for Obama and Republicans will vote for McCain. So where are we going with this???

I have said repeatedly that I like McCain. I do. However, I don't think given the current circumstances with our country (i.e. economy, housing crisis, war, etc), that McCain would be the best commander in chief at this time. National security isn’t enough for me to overlook all his other weaknesses. Truthfully, based on his multiple gaffes in the area he professes is his strong point (national security) I am not so sure he is a strong enough candidate based on that issue either.

My question was what has Bush, Cheney, or even McCain offered either individually or collectively over the last 7/8 years with their vast experience outside of 2 wars, negative reviews from other countries, and a recession? I will answer my own question. NOTHING. So . . . do I stay status quo or do I put my lot in with the newbie and become an active participant in the change I want to see? The policies under Bush, Cheney and McCain are not working so I choose the newbie.

We all know that the President whether that is McCain or Obama, will have advisors in all areas of government to help run the country. This includes military leaders who know the intricacies of war and national security issues. What I want from Obama/the President is the ability to be able to weed through all the "noise" for lack of a better term and make sound decisions to help us move this country forward. I believe Obama has the judgment and the temperament to run this country. He doesn't go off half cocked. He is not so stubborn or set in his ways where it is either my way or no way. He actually LISTENS and then makes his decisions. He is inclusive and encourages citizens to get involved no matter your party affiliation. He offers transparency in our government. I like that.

D - McCain clearly said he was fine with 100 years of war. I can't get past the imagery of him singing bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran. He also said he will "NEVER" surrender until we "win" the war in Iraq. I believe Iraq is an unwinnable war depending on how you look at it. He is straight stubborn and sees in black and white only with no grey areas. McCain does not understand that if something is simply not working, it might be a good idea to stop, assess where you are, and consider other options. That is not surrender, instead it is common sense. Besides our country is more than just national security. Here at home we have other issues that are kicking our collective as*es.

I like McCain as a person, but he is not the best person for the Presidency.

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Holla at us!!

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:34:00 -0000

D - I think it is a good idea to hold town hall meetings with Barack and McCain. McCain suggested it last year and Barack immediately responded that it was a good idea and if he were to become the nominee they should set it up. I don't know about travelling together by plane and bus though. That was a bit creepy.

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Holla at us!!

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:37:00 -0000

Regarding McCain's statement
“Leaders don’t hide from history, they make history,”

I believe Barack made history last night.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:43:00 -0000

Barack will do what is in his best interest. No matter who tries to pressure him.

We have to give him some credit. Barack will do what he feels like doing and not what a bunch of people throwing tantrums want him to do.

Barack will just keep going and will do his thing.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:46:00 -0000

D - ROTFLMAO. Thanks for the link to the new McCain site man.

All - if you have a minute click on D's link that was posted at 10:12 a.m. today. HAH

And yes, D - the image is familiar. Go Barack 08

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:54:00 -0000

D --

"And can you honestly say-in the face of the decrease in violence in Iraq, and the meaningful-though small-political gains that are being made there-that the current strategy in Iraq isn't working; that there needs to be yet another reassesment of our efforts there?"

Yes. We can't afford it. Period. Iraq needs to become more accountable for their country financially and otherwise. It is time for our people to begin the process of coming home. We have overstretched out military. We can't fend off any additional crisis elsewhere because we don't have the resources. So Yes, we need to reassess and make some changes.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:22:00 -0000

Condeleeza Rice - congratulate's Obama on receiving the dem nomination.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24971200#24971201

"We the people is beginning to mean all of us."

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Holla at us!!

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:27:00 -0000

It's on like hot buttered popcorn.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/04/lieberman-carries-mccains_n_105179.html

Excerpt

Furthermore, during a Senate vote Wednesday, Obama dragged Lieberman by the hand to a far corner of the Senate chamber and engaged in what appeared to reporters in the gallery as an intense, three-minute conversation.

While it was unclear what the two were discussing, the body language suggested that Obama was trying to convince Lieberman of something and his stance appeared slightly intimidating.

Using forceful, but not angry, hand gestures, Obama literally backed up Lieberman against the wall, leaned in very close at times, and appeared to be trying to dominate the conversation, as the two talked over each other in a few instances.

Re: JJP Back On NPR: Obama, Bo Diddley, Confederate Flag (with Audio)

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:12:00 -0000

Avid Clinton supporter -
Hilary Rosen "I am not a bargaining chip, I am a democrat".

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hilary-rosen/i-am-not-a-bargaining-chi_b_105133.html

Excerpt:

Senator Clinton's speech last night was a justifiably proud recitation of her accomplishments over the course of this campaign, but it did not end right. She didn't do what she should have done. As hard and as painful as it might have been, she should have conceded, congratulated, endorsed and committed to Barack Obama. Therefore the next 48 hours are now as important to the future reputation of Hillary Clinton as the last year and a half have been.

I am disappointed.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:23:00 -0000

D - it is so funny that the media is now picking up McCain's website change. You got it first man. Maybe you should be on McCain's committee to tell him what not to do. lol

McCain Rips Off Obama's Slogan And Logo

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/04/mccain-rips-off-obamas-sl_n_105266.html

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Holla at us!!

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:27:00 -0000

Watching MSNBC now. Hillary will announce that she is supporting Barack on Friday. Apparantly she got slapped by 23 of her top supporters. Said she was defiant.

NY Times Article:

http://nytimes.com/?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx;=1212622018-eDhqdW/FoxDa3AkiLhO1IQ

Re: JJP Back On NPR: Obama, Bo Diddley, Confederate Flag (with Audio)

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:39:00 -0000

23 top supporters told Hillary on the conference call today to drop out now.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/us/politics/04cnd-campaign.html?_r=1&hp;&oref;=slogin

Excerpt:

“We pledged to support her to the end,” said Representative Charles W. Rangel, a New York Democrat who has been a patron of Mrs. Clinton since she first ran for the Senate. “Our problem is not being able to determine when the hell the end is.”

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Holla at us!!

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:41:00 -0000

My favorite part in the NY Times article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/us/politics/04cnd-campaign.html?_r=1&hp;&oref;=slogin

Excerpt:

“We pledged to support her to the end,” said Representative Charles W. Rangel, a New York Democrat who has been a patron of Mrs. Clinton since she first ran for the Senate. “Our problem is not being able to determine when the hell the end is.”

Re: Barack and Michelle - Dap

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:48:00 -0000

"Hold on, I'm bout to put on some Blackstreet "Good Lovin'" after that photo. Suki suki. Damn, Quiet Storm in the White House."

Nita - I thought it but I didn't say it. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Re: Barack and Michelle - Dap

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:49:00 -0000

Obama's team just announced that Hillary is not a choice for VP pick.

- MSNBC

Re: Clinton to Finally Concede, Says New York Times

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:50:00 -0000

Obama's team just announced that Hillary is not a choice for VP pick.

- MSNBC

Re: Clinton to Finally Concede, Says New York Times

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:58:00 -0000

Hey Jack - you forgot to include my FAVORITE excerpt from this story. I posted it in two of the posts below but I have to post again it tickles me so bad. Sorry . . . can't help it. Okay here goes. Check out the last sentence.

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

“We pledged to support her to the end,” said Representative Charles W. Rangel, a New York Democrat who has been a patron of Mrs. Clinton since she first ran for the Senate. “Our problem is not being able to determine when the hell the end is.”

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

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/us/politics/04cnd-campaign.html?_r=1&hp;&oref;=slogin

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:17:00 -0000

D - this one is for you and S.

McCain's Day Marked By False Statements And Gaffes

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/04/mccains-day-marked-by-fal_n_105283.html

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:19:00 -0000

D & S -

Appearing at a press conference in Louisiana on Wednesday, McCain claimed that he had supported "every investigation" into the flawed response to Hurricane Katrina, when, in fact, he had twice voted against creating a commission to inspect the tragedy.

The remark immediately bounced around political circles and websites. After all it was just a few months ago when McCain defended those very votes on the back of his campaign bush, casting them as part of a broader campaign against wasteful spending.

"I'm proud of my support of American citizens regarding the taxpayers," the Senator said in April. "I will not vote for projects and programs and bills that are laden with pork-barrel projects that waste taxpayers' dollars."

The entire episode elicited a scathing rebuttal from the Obama camp.

"Whether he simply wasn't aware of his voting record again or he was intentionally misleading the people of Louisiana, John McCain certainly isn't offering us 'leadership you can believe in,'" wrote aide Hari Sevugan. To which, McCain's aides accused Obama of negative campaigning, saying the Senator wasn't familiar with the specific votes and had always supported Senate investigations, just not commissions.

Re: Speeches

val — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:21:00 -0000

Again for D and S

McCain acknowledged he was not aware that Obama had introduced a bill that called for international divestment from Iran.

Reporter: Are you familiar with his disinvestment bill?

McCain: No, I am not familiar with it at all. I do not know if it passed the senate or had any hearing or anything else. I had, so, literally thousands and thousands pieces of legislation are proposed every year. I know what he did. He voted against the Iranian revolutionary guard being declared a terrorist organization.

The admission could prove damaging for a variety of reasons. For starters, Obama's bill, which passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives, is currently being held up in the Senate by Republican Sen. Richard Shelby. More significantly, two McCain surrogates, Sen. Joseph Lieberman and Rep. Eric Cantor, are co-sponsors of Obama's measure despite, on Wednesday, ripping the Illinois Democrat for not having the experience to deal with Iran.

But a more worrisome issue for the McCain campaign may just be that a theme is emerging, both within the media and political circles, that the Arizona Republican has a penchant for playing lose with the facts. Indeed, last week, McCain lost crucial news cycles after he falsely claimed that force levels in Iraq had been drawn down to pre-surge levels and then, instead of admitting he misspoke, said the whole thing was a debate over verb tense. This, in turn, came after the Senator claimed, again falsely, that Iran was training al-Qaeda in Iraq, when in fact the two groups are religious and political adversaries.

Re: Speeches

val — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:48:00 -0000

D -- STOP IT!!!! ROTFLMAO.
hahahahahaahahahaha

It has been a bad day for McCain but it will get better I am sure. The trouble is McCain's folks are trying to force him into a mold that just does not fit. They need to let McCain be McCain and let the chips fall where it may. He is a good guy but they are stifling him and he comes off as fake. McCain's advisors are doing him a disservice. They need to trust the man's instinct and let him do his thing.

Although you know I still want Obama to win but . . . would prefer a fair fight.

Re: Speeches

val — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:00:00 -0000

S - come on now! This is not about the Huffington Post. Look at the facts itself. We are talking about what McCain said as far as his support for the Katrina he knew he voted against it. He also said Obama did not contribute substantially in anyway on Iran or Iraq. Lieberman could have helped the brother out. So it isn't about Huffington - instead it is about the man himself.

So don't make excuses like that for him. We aren't stupid. McCain is human and certainly is not perfect. We shouldn't expect him to be. I still like the man. Again, I say the problem is his advisors. They need to let the man run the campaign using his own instincts. Play on his strengths instead of trying to adopt ways that just does not work for him. Look, you can't know everything. You just can't. Which is why you surround yourself with experts in all areas. Now based on their input, McCain can make sound decisions. But they set him up everytime when he goes out there and says something in one venue and forgets what he said about the same subject in another. They are setting him up for failure.

I am so looking forward to this election it is very exciting. I want him to catch his stride. Then may the best man win.

Re: Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out

val — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:47:00 -0000

D and S - saw your notes to me from last night under the SPEECHES blog and responded to it. Take a look when you have a sec.

Re: McCain Invents A New Record On Katrina

val — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:55:00 -0000

D - he did say 100 years of war

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jujPbQxChIY

Is McCain's *100 YEARS IN IRAQ* Statement Fair Game?

Re: McCain Invents A New Record On Katrina

val — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:15:00 -0000

D - I deliberately included a link where the commentators were arguing both sides.

Yes he did say it. See the like includes the entire commentary. It is in context. Open ended 100 years is fine with him.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-VRAshmSdps

McCain on Iran

http://youtube.com/watch?v=o-zoPgv_nYg

Last from me on this one.

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:12:00 -0000

S - you are 100% right. Only Hillary Clinton can fix the situation with her supporters. It is her mess to clean up. Any intervention from Obama will only escalate hostility until she resolves it.

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:24:00 -0000

All - the road is going to get even steeper and more dangerous as we move closer toward the November election.

Barack asked that we:

'Please cover me with your prayers...cover me, Michelle, and my family with your prayers'. 'A blanket of prayer to cover us all, that is what I am asking of you. Pray for me'.

- A Prayer For Barack -

'Father, in the Name of Jesus, we lift up your son Barack Obama on our prayers. We thank you for a time such as this and for sending a man such as Barack to fulfill your work in our land. We blanket Barack, Michelle, and his family in our prayers, our love, our warm thoughts, our positive energy, and our spiritual forces. We ask that you cover him and his family with your precious blood. We stand resolute in prayer and in absolute power against any and all negative forces or spirit's of darkness, ignorance, and hatred that would seek to destroy Your handiwork. O Lord, Barack is Your Handiwork. And we praise, worship, and honor you for the great things you are doing and will do through his hands. In Jesus' Name ... Amen.'

Re: Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday

val — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:53:00 -0000

Apologies if anyone already posted. Interesting read:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/06/angry-clinton-supporters_n_105653.html

Excerpt:

They're mad as hell, and Hillary Clinton's supporters aren't going to take it anymore.

Some Clintonites are so mad about Barack Obama's Tuesday victory that they've launched a web site to build support to launch a lobbying group to support Republican John McCain.

"We're going to run campaign ads to defeat Obama," says Ed Hale, a 63-year-old rancher and a Clinton supporter from Wellington, Texas. "We have doctors, lawyers, CPAs, the blue bloods, and then we have rednecks like me. It's a very diversified organization."

The split illustrates the difficult task the Democratic party now faces in rallying the troops behind Obama. Open dissent within party ranks provides Republicans with openings to exploit.

Re: Wednesday Open Thread - Holla at us!!

val — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:04:00 -0000

D said - I wish the war really had been about oil; maybe I wouldn't be paying as much for gas as I do. Fact is, though, that it wasn't.

Your candidate McCain said it was. Twice.

Re: John McCain — Not Too Important for Troops to Come Home

val — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:19:00 -0000

Who has no Fundamental Understanding of the Surge?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/max-bergmann/who-has-no-fundamental-un_b_106493.html

Re: R. Kelly Found Not Guilty

val — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:08:00 -0000

"I'm counting down the moments it takes for someone to demand that Obama reject and denounce R. Kelly, being that they're both from Chicago."

lol stop it! lol

Re: Barack Obama’s Speech on Father’s Day

val — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:55:00 -0000

I don't have a problem with the speech. I think it is warranted and long overdue. Who better to give it than a black man (even if he is half white) who was raised without a father. So there is no better time than now. Obama touched upon fatherhood in a broader scope so in areas of his speech he touched on all fathers, however his focus in this setting was on the black community as his speech was given to a mostly black forum and spoke to those needs. He pointed out that there are great fathers, ones who stand up and take responsibility and who are active in the lives of their children. Then he turned his attention on the ones who needed it . . . the children without fathers. I have no problems with him calling a spade a spade. None at all. I understand the context of the speech and I understand and agree with it. I wouldn't change one word.

I hear the ones who say, well this is going to give "whites" the feeling that they have a pass at saying whatever they want to the black community. So what. Who cares what others think . . .One has nothing to do with the other and you don't have to accept negative statements if untrue. What is more important to me is that this speech could give dead beat fathers a wake up call to push them into taking a more active role in their children's lives. You never know . . . the child you reject may just be the next President of the United States.

Long overdue.

Re: Barack Obama’s Speech on Father’s Day

val — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:27:00 -0000

oh please.

I don't have a problem with it at all and I certainly do not interpret it as "Its like saying that you never heard someone ridicule young people for using the "n-word" garbege."

Apples and oranges. I don't see the connection. I really don't.

I say the same things to my nieces and nephews all the time. I say it to the folks in my neighborhood, to teens I mentor at my church and at teen community forums, I especially say it to the teen boys in my outreach program, and I say it when hanging out in groups with my adult friends. I don't have a problem with it. It is the truth.

This isn't the first time Obama talked about these issues and he didn't just say these things to blacks. Go to youtube or google his speeches on fatherhood and parenting. He says pretty much the same thing to ALL parents in all walks of life. This speech was more specific because it was tailored to the attendees. I have no problems with it.

Re: Barack Obama’s Speech on Father’s Day

val — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:31:00 -0000

Last response and then I have to go all.

Regarding:Anonymous said...

Where was all this self responsibility and family values during slavery when the slave masters were raping black girls and selling off their children and not allowing black men to be men? What about the women who couldn't recieve aide for this dependent children if there was a man in the house? Obama needs to get his history straight.

One word . . . BULLSHIT

Re: Michelle Obama to Co-Host ‘The View’

val — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 06:39:00 -0000

Why should she change? I say be yourself Michelle. The majority of Americans will appreciate that.

Re: The Thinking Man’s Take On: The Oscars

val — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:15 -0000

Very good article! I like that music and good films can go hand and hand so easily, and sometimes they mingle! (O...Saya is pure magic)

Too bad Bruce wasn't nominated for "The Wrestler," what? they can't have 4 or 5 songs nominated like they used to? Or did they HAVE TO nominate TWO Slumdog songs? I mean really... what the hell is up with the Slumdog Millionaire overkill.

Re: noodad » The Scam Called Kid Recital Videos

val — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 09:41:32 -0000

You know I just love parents who think that I am rich and living in a mansion somewhere because they pay me $40 a month in tuition. Little do you know that I make nothing off of the videos I sell, nothing of off the pictures that the photographer takes, and nothing off of the recital ticket sales. Actually I am lucky if I am not in the hole by the thousands after the recital is over.

I also just spent over $4,000 on my one and only \"vacation\" for the year, at a dance conference for teachers so that your little girl can benefit as much as possible from her dance classes.

I can speak for your daughter\'s teacher and say that I am not doing any of this to make money and I am definetly not doing it for you! I am doing it for your little girl who has an idiot for a father in hopes that she will somehow manage to come out of it a better person.

The above poster is right, get a clue before you go mouthing off about things when you really don\'t know what you are talking about.

Re: Pathetic Elisabeth Hasselbeck takes cheap shot at Michelle Obama

val — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:01:45 -0000

@ Bri
"Great"? Holy shit your an idiot...

Re: Manhattan Omnivore: Rakim to bless Nokia Theater!

val — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:37:00 -0000

That was a rockin' video. Great VISUAL Rap!!

Re: Electronic Shop illegal Sales Tactics Exposed!! BEWARE!

val — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:36:00 -0000

I think is better to shop at Sim Lim Square as the people there are still quite honest. Only the second storey, those shops that sell digital cameras, the sales person are quite rough.

Re: Alla fine lui muore

val — Wed, 24 May 2006 16:13:31 -0000

NON HAI CAPITO DANI!!!mi sono vista 7 puntate di lost di seguito ieri sera...lo sapevo io che dovevo vedermele i lunedi sui rai2...me lo gustavo di piu...coi dvd metto pure fast fwd per vedere il seguito!!! (by the way, ho finito le prime 9 puntate della 2nda serie...can i borrow the rest? PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!)

Re: 022129205730

val — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:04:17 -0000

die nummer gehört zur "deutschen Superchance", eine betrügerische Wettfirma.
Auf keinen Fall auf die einlassen!
Wenn ihr eine Fritzbox habt, dann sperrt diese Nummer.

Wer sich mehr damit beschäftigen möchte, hier der Link:

http://www.antispam.de/forum/archive/index.php/...
Caller: Deutsche Superchance Premium

Re: RIP Indie Rock

val — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:30:13 -0000

Yeah, I agree with Anderson, Indie started a bit before 1995, but looking at the big picture: Jeff is 100%. The term "Indie" must be retired. Good article! You really know what you're talking about.

Re: http://skintherabbit.blogspot.com/2006/01/sewage-sand-castles-and-she-said-yes.html

val — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 16:16:00 -0000

Congratulations, may you both have eternal happiness!
Btw, do we get to see a closeup of the ring?

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/07/kids-left-home-so-mom-could-drink.html

val — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:49:12 -0000

According to KSL.com, he's not in trouble becos she lied and said she had a babysitter. As her neighbor, i know she drank a lot even while pregnant. She said she was so excited about this baby?!

Re: http://thehappyhospitalist.blogspot.com/2007/11/dr-government-vs-littlol-sally.html

val — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:00:00 -0000

Population based rules should not be applied automatically to individuals. This is the problem with the government (or any major organization) making decisions for patients. Appropriate guidelines for the masses must be tailored to the individual by a doctor who understands the subtleties of their circumstances. People are too complicated for algorithms - and applying them uniformly (without double checking that they're the right thing to do in each case) is unethical in my opinion. The government cannot practice good medicine, no matter who's in power. It takes a conscientious human to apply science correctly in each case. That is the art of medicine, and no machine or complicated predictive equation can do it.

Re: Фотоаппарат в кармане - БлоGнот

val — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:36:31 -0000

взял себе такой же, пока всем доволен, исключительно стильная и удобная вещь, спасибо Грею за этот пост, так как он и сподвиг меня на выбор именно этой модели.

Re: http://www.searchengines.ru/blog/archives/009824.html

val — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:52:29 -0000

если уж вешаю такую бумажку - значит точно ксерокс спрашивают очень часто. но люди ленятся копейку заработать на этом. вот что странно.

Re: Загадки рекламы - БлоGнот

val — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:49:50 -0000

Рекламируются Австрийские авиалинии, Star Alliance member

Re: http://www.searchengines.ru/blog/archives/009866.html

val — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:08:03 -0000

узнаю Львов на фотке!

Re: http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/01/giveaway-igor.html

val — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:22:00 -0000

This film 'slipped under the radar' - didn't see it promoted much so would love to win this.

Re: http://withlovegabrielle.blogspot.com/2008/06/im-just-packing-for-cottage-and-decided.html

val — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:04:00 -0000

You look gorgeous! I love the dress :]

Re: http://withlovegabrielle.blogspot.com/2008/06/cold-and-rainy_19.html

val — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:42:00 -0000

You look fab, I adore the swing sweater.

Re: http://4littlemen.blogspot.com/2009/02/meeup-giveaway.html

val — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 09:05:00 -0000

Mocca Red is "calling my name!" My birthday is Monday....I might just have to by myself this present! <
valeri_audino@yahoo.com">BR/>
valeri_audino@yahoo.com

Re: HELP MY FRIEND : Jaden Duttine's Story

val — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:49:24 -0000

My family's hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. I wish for Jaydens recovery and for strength for your family. Miracles do happen.

Re: http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2008/11/ethel.html

val — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:42:00 -0000

Too bad the GPS wasn't working on the way to Hilton Head! I'm thinking it would have saved you at least an hour???

Love ya!!

Re: http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2008/11/letter.html

val — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:57:00 -0000

No tearing up here. Just some straight up crying.

I try to think of her as our own personal angel. I'm gonna need her more than anything come March.

Love ya...

Re: http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2008/10/happy-birthday-jen.html

val — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:55:00 -0000

What if your pregnant wife still wants the famous 1802 Bar & Grille Chicken Parm? Huh? Huh?

Because for some ungodly reason that sounds good right now. Perhaps it won't in an hour, but now it sounds good!

Have safe travels Deb!

Re: http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2008/09/wordless-wednesday-day-late.html

val — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:53:00 -0000

Thanks for the lovely pic. I'll remember that someday!

Re: MTN Nigeria MMS & GPRS now available

val — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:32:54 -0000

i want to be able to access the numerous mms that i receive from friends.I AM USING SIEMENSAND CF62T MY NUMBER IS 07037839509. FROM ASABA.