Disqus - Latest Comments for robert chapman

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Right to arms under scrutiny

robert chapman — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:00:40 -0000

It is hard to see how the conditional phrase In order to that begins the second amendment can be expanded as modern thinkers have to mean no limits.

It is hard to see how the Framers explicit use of the words "well regulated" can be tortured to mean anything else.

So-called Gun Rights activists submit to extraordinary regulation in pursuit of their favorite sport, hunting. This regulation includes actually wearing a legal document that marks them.

Without the his guns the young man who recently shot up Virginia Tech would be just another tragic and pathetic loser. Guns kill people.

It seems an extraordinary display of illogic that Gun Rights advocates can argue for strict constructionism while so clearly ignoring the language of the constitution, the customs and practices of the times and clear and present danger presented by unlicensed and unregulated firearms.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: It's time to crack down on nation's sanctuary cities

robert chapman — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 10:35:51 -0000

It should be noted that eight states have already enacted the drivers license provision proposed by NYS Governor Elliot Spitzer.

The provision- had it passed- would have brought NYS into compliance with federal regulations.

Whatever the merits of the dispute regarding drivers license issuance, conformity to federal law is not one of them.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Female ethics found wanting in Washington

robert chapman — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:56:14 -0000

Did this author consciously mean her implication that women are biologically more honest than men?

It is not women per se who we had hoped would change the world by their greater participation and representation in politics and government.

It was women's sympathy towards FEMINISM as a mass movement that we still believe will change politics and government.

Hopefully, feminists still remember that a dead baby is just as dead whether she was killed by a government's warplane as if she was killed by a suicide bomber.

Hopefully, feminists still remember that the only way to stop violence and assure security is through the administration of justice tempered with compassion.

Hopefully, we all remember that it is FEMINISM and not a wonderful blonde coif that makes women different in politics and government.

Robert Chapman
Lansing, NY

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: 28 killed in Mosul; bombers strike Baghdad market

robert chapman — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 11:05:53 -0000

This and other incidents like it, make clear to all that there is no coordination of the terrorist attacks in Iraq.

At a time when American public opinion is relaxed with the hope that the surge is working and moving toward acceptance of a mass withdrawal, how could any Arab strategist be so dumb as to stir up the hornet's nest?

It is clear that the violence in Iraq is just freelancers taking shots at one another.

The Bush/GOP assertion that the US presence makes any difference in Iraq or that our people there are protecting us from anything is balderdash.

To continue making our kids targets in Baghdad is an atrocity deserving punishment far more severe than losing an election.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: When presidential media pundits go wild

robert chapman — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:54:41 -0000

This article has the same quality of hyperness and superficiality that the author is commenting on.

Three quick thoughts on substantive topics regarding Senator Clinton.

May I suggest a column on the dynastic ramifications of Senator Clinton's candidacy so close after Bush, Jr.?

Wouldn't it be worthwhile to devote some critical attention to Bill's role and potential for disruption in a Clinton- femme Administration.

Finally, what about the implications of a woman President? Instead of personalizing it and associating this ground breaking with Hilary Clinton, can't the American press get its collective head around the political sociological ramifications of 44 being a woman?

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Bush seeks deep cuts in security

robert chapman — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 11:59:56 -0000

The President's obsession with Iraq is the central front in the War on Terrorism clearly have distorted his judgement.

The Administration's unwillingness to exert itself on domestic security shows again that we are sacrificing America for the sake of merely saving face in Iraq.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Our president is absolutely ‘incredible’

robert chapman — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:02:37 -0000

Bush is worse than incurious, Bush demands that the intelligence agencies support his preconceptions unless they can definitively disprove them.

This might be alright if Bush had a lot of independent sources of information.

But, given what the President says, one strongly suspects that the President is surrounded by sychophants- yes men- who feed his fantasies of knowlegability and grandeur without regard to American national security interests.

Living with Bush as President, Americans are experiencing what the people of ancient Rome experienced living under their corrupt Emperors.

Despite Bush's serious, frequent and numerous debacles and abuses of power, he still remains popular among the GOP rank and file.

It appears that we lack the character and will to correct the abuses of the Presidency.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Torture chambers revealed as troops push further into Iraq

robert chapman — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:20:41 -0000

Saddam was dead and gone and yet the torture and the abuse continue.

Can there be any doubt that the Invasion and Occupation are an exercise in pure futility?

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Belgium breaks up al-Qaida terror plot

robert chapman — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:09:31 -0000

Congratulations to the Belgians, the first country to effectively foil the post 9/11 al Qaada.

The Belgians foiled al Qaada without offending the Arabs or launching an assault on their local muslims.

The Belgians foiled al Qaada and aren't even on offense against terrorism.

Could it be that effective police work, low profile diplomatic channelling and international cooperation between police agencies are better means of combatting terrorism ?

Is it possible that the Bush/Giuliani/McCain big government approach of sending in the Marines just might not be the only way to defeat terrorism?

Would truly be unpatriotic and defeatist to do what works in defeating terrorism instead of playing offense?

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Giuliani tells GOP hopefuls to cease attacks

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:00:24 -0000

Giuliani's statement on investigating Bhutto's assasination reflects the white wash attitude of the GOP leadership on the Bhutto assasination.

Iindependent publications throughout South Asia are printing reasonable suspicions that Islamist elements in the Pakistani military are behind the assasination.

If the Pakistani Army is behind the Bhutto assasination they will cover it up. Only the independence gained by a respected outsider can overcome an army whitewash.

Conversely, if the Army is not involved the only credibility such a finding will have in South Asia will be if it comes from an independent outsider.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Much debate over Fox News GOP limit

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:21:36 -0000

From the description of the candidate and audience attendees given above, I must applaud Fox.

It is time that someone put a hook around the necks of the third tier candidates.

The Fox decision to base audience membership on interest in politics rather political seniority is absolute genius. Let's hear a real audience response instead of a partisan cadre.

As usual, a Party Chair is standing in the way of the expression of vox populi.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Much debate over Fox News GOP limit

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:24:39 -0000

If we permit Fox News Channel executives the power "to limit a Sunday forum the state GOP party is co-sponsoring to five presidential candidates" based on polls, then this country really is in trouble.

If the government or the parties are allowed to dictate to organizations like Fox News who and what they will broadcast, we are in WAY BIGGER TROUBLE!!!!!!!

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Much debate over Fox News GOP limit

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:27:01 -0000

Just face it, Ron Paul is a weenie spouting crack pot ideas.

The reason people think he has more than 5% support is because every crack pot is drawn to him like a full moon.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Much debate over Fox News GOP limit

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:29:31 -0000

Ron Paul and a message of Peace?

Come on where has he been for the past five years.

Chuck Hagel is the only Republican willing to buck the Party on Iraq.

If Ron Paul opposed the Iraq War, he kept it well hidden until he knew which way the wind was blowing.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Much debate over Fox News GOP limit

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:33:15 -0000

It is very interesting to read about all Live Free or Die types demanding the right to dictate to a private company like Fox how they should run their business.

Do you believe in free enterprise and private ownership or not?

Why can't Ron Paul spend all those millions you are sending him TO CAMPAIGN?

If he did that effectively and had a message that was remotely attractive to the American public he would be on the invited list.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Much debate over Fox News GOP limit

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:37:17 -0000

FOUL-

When Huckabee's favorables were in the cellar, Tommy Thompson,. Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo and Dr. Paul were all there on stage beside him.

Huckabee is pulling away because he has a record of accomplishment, executive experience, and a message that resonates with the public.

The GOP needs to start worrying about nominating someone who will not hurt the down ticket candidates in the South and West.

Huckabee is the man in terms of experience, policy, character, and politics.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Much debate over Fox News GOP limit

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:40:22 -0000

Ron Paul can raise funds- there is no denying that.

But the American people are sick to death of having funds shove unpredictable, shallow and unprepared candidates down our throats and into office.

The rejection of Ron Paul by the 91% supporting other candidates is a sign of the disgust we the people feel over the expanded role of money in politics.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Much debate over Fox News GOP limit

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:45:59 -0000

The Fox broadcast is emanating from NH, but it is fair to say that it is for the benefit of the national audience.

If there is a NH resident who has not been innundated by campaigners by now he must be in a coma.

As Ron points out the people of NH have a privilege in meeting the candidates face to face that the other states envy.

The people of NH can make their decisions based on actual face to face comparisons of the candidates.

It is what makes their unrepresentative and skewed sample valid.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Much debate over Fox News GOP limit

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:49:44 -0000

The problem with the Paul solution to the monetary crisis is that tight money deflates prices and stifles economic growth and innovation.

If there is only so much money in circulation, the population has to cut a limited pie. If there is innovation, it is starved for funds, because the previous pie holders are loathe to share.

Dr. Paul's monetary plan is the straight path to Malthusian economics and the strangulation of innovation and growth.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Will Arizona's immigration law really work?

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:56:19 -0000

The Federal govt has been unable to address the problem of undocumented workers.

Arizona, a state on the border with the Mexican State of Sonora and a pathway for undocumented workers is leading the way with an effective enforcement method.

Punish the people who knowingly hire undocumented workers. Even without citing the statute, it is clear to readers that hiring undocumented workers is a violation of federal law.

Arizona has decided to put teeth into the disgracefully lax federal enforcement of our immigration law.

Faced with these penalties, employers will stop hiring undocumented workers.

Without the prospect of jobs, people will stop coming here to work.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Will Arizona's immigration law really work?

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:05:39 -0000

If dishes go unwashed and grass goes uncut, industry will petition the government for a guest worker program.

A successful guest worker program will not be a path to citizenship or provide the way to permanent residency.

It will allow people to come here and work and receive the due protection of our laws while they are here working productively.

A successful guest worker program will have the means to recruit competent, honest and trustworthy people in their countries of origin, bond them and attach them to productive employment in the USA.

We already have such an agreement with Poland and other former Communist countries. Despite these countries inefficient and monumentally corrupt practices, these programs are successful and offer a point of progress overseas.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: In new year, Bush faces old battles

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:16:00 -0000

Bush has been effective in disguising social control measures as reforms. No Child Left Behind, (NCLB), and the tax cuts are two prominent examples.

High stakes standardized testing demands that students and teachers submit to a centralized schedule and curriculum.

The damage to local control, to the curriculum and to the ability of teachers to teach kids rather than teaching the test is obvious.

American kids' performance on international competency tests has continued to drop through the entire period that NCLB has been in effect.

Thanks to the Bush tax cuts, the middle class pay taxes for their share of the Bush big government, while the rich loan funds and receive interest.

The Bush tax cut is one of the most blatant examples of robbing Peter to pay Paul in recorded history.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: In new year, Bush faces old battles

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:18:56 -0000

President Bush pocket vetoed the Defense appropriations during the Congress' New Year's recess.

This is the support for the troops that we expect from the Bush Administration.

Remember how they sent 130,000 troops into Iraq to conduct an Occupation that required three times that number.

The President's willingness to expose our troops to danger to score political points is reprehensible.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Don't get too excited about Iowa results

robert chapman — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:19:41 -0000

Barak Obama deserves the heartiest congratulations for a hard fought and clean victory in Iowa.

But the best candidate for the Democrats in 08 is Hillary Clinton.

Her personal story remains untold. As a wife and attorney, she provided the emotional and financial support Bill needed to establish himself as the dominant figure in Democratic politics.

In mid-life she experienced a searingly humiliating experience. An experience caused entirely by her husband's misconduct. She was not overcome by it.

Instead, she forgave Bill and set out to establish her independence.

She entered politics and won two high level elections in the most politically competitive environment in the country.

Her victories are based on a record of accomplishment and caring.

Hillary Clinton has proven she can translate the yearning for change into the policy that will transform the yearning into progress.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Bush issues warning to Iran

robert chapman — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:43:27 -0000

Bush is really looking for a PR one two punch here.

Campaigning in Ramallah and Jerusalem for credibility as a peace maker while posturing as our protector against the Iranians, Bush is trying to lull us into thinking he knows what he is doing.

The problem is that Bush could all sorts of secret deals that will come back to hurt us worse than the trifecta of losing wars- Iraq, Afghanistan & Pakistan- already has.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Bush tells world Iran is dangerous

robert chapman — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:31:36 -0000

America's involvement in the debacle of Iraq under Bush demonstrates incontrovertibly that rushing into a needless war is a much greater danger to this country than delaying action until "it is too late."

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Misplaced hope can be very dangerous

robert chapman — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:13:31 -0000

Misplaced hope certainly can be dangerous- look where compassionate conservatism got us.

What sets Obama apart and justifies the hopefulness that we are investing in him is his record of constructive community involvement.

Obama worked the streets and neighborhoods of Chicago to bring relief to displaced workers as a young man. He had nothing but his brains, his determination and his resourcefulness.

As a State Senator he built bi-partisan coalitions and achieved things.

In the Senate he has been a voice of reason on foreign policy, the only candidate with a record both of consistency AND common semse on Iraq.

Barak Obama is not superman, ask his wife Michelle, but he IS a decent, smart and talented person who can make the Oval Office work for peace and the well-being of the American people.

That is good reason for hope.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Misplaced hope can be very dangerous

robert chapman — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:15:36 -0000

After six years of GW Bush's incompetent Global War On Terror, about the only people who ARE NOT afraid of us are the terrorists.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Misplaced hope can be very dangerous

robert chapman — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:18:34 -0000

New York City and Washington, two liberal strongholds were the targets of the terrorist attack.

Liberals do not HOPE that the terrorists will not attack again.

Liberals demand a President and foreign policy that will protect us.

Instead of the conservative diversionary attacks against countries without weapoms of mass destruction or ties to the 9/11 terrorists.

Re: Nashuatelegraph.com: Misplaced hope can be very dangerous

robert chapman — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 08:08:17 -0000

Please read the entire second amendment before firing off. The founders were interested in a well regulated militia.

The NRA version of the meaning of the amendment does violence to the language of the Constitution and ignores the Framers' intent.

Re: N.C. sample plate fails vulgarity test

robert chapman — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:53:57 -0000

At over $ 4 per gallon for regular WTF is on all our lips every time we tank up.

It is time to stop fooling around and get after the speculators.

If John McCain wants to have AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT on the oil futures trading, he should announce his full support for regulating them and hitting them with an excess profits tax.

Re: Candidate says he won't send unsolicited mail

robert chapman — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:02:31 -0000

Another attack by the GOP on sound government.

The Frank, the right to send postage free is a constitutional duty established by the Founders to allow the Representatives to communicate with the citizenry.

Leave it to the party who policies brought us $ 4/ gallon gasoline to attack the frank as a money saving move.

Re: McCain mulling over a one-term campaign?

robert chapman — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:15:11 -0000

If McCain's age is not an issue, then why is he talking about running as a one term President?

If McCain enters office as a lame duck, how can he be anything but Bush III?

Voting for John McCain is voting for a continuation of the failed policies of the status quo.

Re: US soldiers in Iraq mark 4th of July

robert chapman — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:19:01 -0000

Americans have now celebrated more fourth of July's at war with Iraq than they did for the duration of the Civil War or of WWII.

We keep sending troops there while the GOP keeps telling us victory is at hand.

Re: Obama's Mideast visit stirs controversy

robert chapman — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:49:26 -0000

The military leader's expression of disagreement with Senator Obama is another sign that the Iraq War is being run for the benefit of the military rather than for national security reasons.

The military brass did not tell President Bush that his plan was unsupportable, they saluted and got us engaged.

The military brass figure that once we are engaged, they will always get more men, more money and more time.

It is time to break the cycle, get the troops home and reconfigure the US military as a fprce designed to defend US interests.

We can no longer afford trying to establish military hegemony in the middle east.

Re: US, Iraq close to withdrawal deal

robert chapman — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:00:17 -0000

The President has repeatedly said no timetables.

After 5,000 American KIA, tens of thousands maimed, and untold hundreds of thousands of Iraqis killed and maimed,iIt is clear that he is going to stay in Iraq until the GOP is victorious IN THE NEXT ELECTION!!!!!!!

Re: Bush wraps up Asian trip on high note

robert chapman — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:28:52 -0000

Just like in August 2001, George Bush refuses to let world events intrude on his vacation.

Re: Afghan militants kill 10 French, strike at US Attacks suggest bolder assaults

robert chapman — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:44:17 -0000

We can only recall those halcyon days in 03 and 04 when the President bragged about Coalition successes in routing the Taliban and rebuilding Afghanistan.

These headlines and stories are the aftermath of the "successful" foreign policy that Senators McCain and Lieberman vociferously and stoutly support

Neither McCain nor Lieberman would know victory if they fell over it, it is impossible that either of those bunglers could lead us to one in Iraq, Afghanistan, Georgia or anywhere else.

Re: Saddleback Church hosts a very civil forum

robert chapman — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:48:47 -0000

This quote from George Orwell will put the "opposing evil" question into perspective.

"As I write, highly civilized human beings are flying overhead trying to kill me. They do not feel any enmity against me as an individual, nor I against them. They are only doing their duty, as the saying goes. Most of them, I have no doubt, are kind-hearted law-abiding men who would never dream of committing murder in private life. On the other hand, if one of them succeeds in blowing me to pieces with a well-placed bomb, he will never sleep any worse for it. He is serving his country, which has the power to absolve him from evil: George Orwell London. UK. 1941

Re: McCain criticizes Obama's VP choice

robert chapman — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:08:10 -0000

By McCain's logic, he MUST pick Mitt Romney, his chief rival for the nomination.

Re: Obama faces big challenges after convention

robert chapman — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:06:33 -0000

Democratic nominee Barack Obama certainly faces a daunting task in convincing Americans that he should be elected President.

Leading up the nomination Senator Obama has been Harvard's #1 law student, a constitutional law professor at a prestigious university and a state and national legislator.

In the "real" world Barack Obama has been a successful author and a neighborhood organizer who helped hundreds of economically displaced workers restore their ability to earn a living in post-industrial America.

Does American law and the American constitution provide us the means to restore economic vitality and equity in this country?

Do Obama's roots and connections with the neighborhood oriented not for profits and community work organizations provide the ideas, methods and people to change our country for the better?

After the Bush experiment with top down conservative government intrusiveness into our schools, libraries, businesses and bedrooms I say it is time to change.

It is time for Washington to work on empowering people and localities with the tools needed for effective and beneficial change.

John McCain and Sarah Palin stand for more government, more intrusion and more limitations on fundamental freedoms like control of our bodies, our minds and our families.

We cannot take the risk of finding out what four more years of Republican fundamentalism will do to our society.

Obama/Biden is the only sensible choice for 08.

Re: Obama, Clinton take sharp aim at middle

robert chapman — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:30:03 -0000

The economic growth that this writer attributes to the Bush Administration simply hasn't happened.

GDP growth is caused by the increase in the amount of dollars circulated in the economy, not by increased productivity or exchange of goods and services.

The rise in GDP reflects the dollar's loss of purchasing power, not an economic expansion. This loss of purchasing power, or stagflation, is caused by the massive growth in governmental spending and debt that have occurred as a result of Bush/GOP policies.

The Bush policy of tax breaks for the rich is hollowing out the economy and directing capital away from fundamental domestic investment into conspicuous consumption and foreign investment.

Unless this cycle is broken and the government recaptures the revenue lost through the Bush tax cuts, cuts defense spending and redirects funds toward investment in green industries and enterprises our economic decline will deepen and accelerate.

Re: Talks fail; Boeing Co. machinists strike

robert chapman — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:49:53 -0000

Some details would be nice.

What are the rates of pay of the machinest's?

What are they being raised to?

What givebacks is Boeing asking in return for the raise?

The NT just hasn'r reported the news in this instance.

Re: McCain-Palin to flush big-spending GOP ways

robert chapman — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:01:02 -0000

Gov. Palin has done her best to join the GOP big-spenders club. In her effort to muscle up the Alaskan transport net she has supported massive federal earmarks for a bridge connecting Wassillia to Anchorage.

When Gov. Palin reaches Washington, she won't be shaking them up, instead the good Governor will be shaking them down.

Re: McCain distances himself from Bush

robert chapman — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:36:29 -0000

This headline demonstrates John McCain's ability to make unpopular but correct decisions.

McCain is running away from his Party's incumbent President whom he supported in 95% of his registered Senatorial voters why?

So much for John McCain sticking to guns and making the tough but unpopular decision.

Re: View of the race A.S.P. – After Sarah Palin

robert chapman — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:49:24 -0000

Gov. Palin can easily be imagined saying Charlton Heston's famous quote about taking a gun from his cold dead grip.

As such, the Governor is the perfect spokesman for the GOP right. They are enthusiastically backing her.

What about the 2/3 of us who are not Republicans?

Unless we want to see continuity of GOP ideas- four more years of the Bush-Cheney philosophy- we must reject Palin.

Re: McCain camp engaging in Big Lie politics

robert chapman — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:12:01 -0000

The watchword for Senator McCain in this campaign should be, "I opposed it before I favored it."

Banking deregulation is the latest of the Senator's numerous flip=flops.

For twenty some odd years as a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution, Senator McCain has staunchly supported deregulation in the finance industry.

Now, he and Governor Palin are telling the American people that they will undo this work and regulate the financiers.

A conversion or cynical political manuvering?

Either way, as President John McCain will be no less erratic and incompetent than President Bush.

Re: Great Depression threat overstated

robert chapman — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:39:06 -0000

This article is a side-splittingly hilarious example of the free market fundamentalism that has led to the market melt down and the current recession.

One factor is correlated so overwhelmingly with the foreclosures that it may well be the underlying cause.

That factor is Adjustable Rate Mortgages and other variants of creative financing. The foreclosure epidemics are associated with 2 to 3 fold increases in mortgage holders' escrow payments due to increases in their interest rates.

Since many sub prime mortgage holders are already living perilously close to the bone, the increased escrow payments pushed them off the cliff.

The reason that the ARM rates are so dangerous is that usury laws were repealed during the seventies allowing the mortgage companies to charge unsustainably high interest rates.

Usury laws formerly forbade lenders from charging double digit rates of interest. They were based on ethical concepts that lenders have a responsibility not to gouge borrowers.

The free market fundamentalists believe that protecting borrowers from interest rate rape is too much interference in the market..

The current Wall Street meltdown and the recession that is coming in 2009 are proof that free market fundamentalism's virtues are dangerous to our financial and out moral health.

Re: Palin scores political hits, but will attacks backfire on McCain?

robert chapman — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:41:10 -0000

It is entirely fair for Gov. Palin to change the subject and bring up different things in the Presidential campaign.

It is also fair to ask what her recent attacks on Barack Obama's relationship with 60s activist David Ayers shows us about Gov. Palin.

First- Palin was effective in the Vice Presidential debate when she chided Sen Biden for dwelling on the past and rehashing the mistakes of the Bush Administration.

What possible justification can Palin have for bringing up events that occured four decades ago- while refusing to discuss the record of the Bush Administration.

Second- Gov. Palin claims that Sen. Obama's relationship with Mr. Ayres destroys the notion that Obama stands for change we can believe in.

Mr. Ayres has changed. He has gone from a bomb-throwing radical to a serious reformer and solid citizen.
I guess Gov. Palin missed the part in the Gospel when Jesus spoke about the joy in heaven over reformed sinners.

I think that changing lives as illustrated in Mr. Ayres case is change we can believe in.

Sarah Palin can fight out the sixties if she wants to, but I think she would better off sticking to what she said at the Vice Presidential and looking forward and talking about our shared future. That is a good lesson for her to learn from Barack Obama.

Re: Step 1: Republicans need to clean house

robert chapman — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:33:39 -0000

Mr. Murdock speaks the language of totalitarianism very well. His idealogical fanaticism is exactly what ruined the GOP.

The GOP needs to get back to the language of democracy if it is to remain competitive in electoral politics.

The dogmatism and centralized mind control that Mr. Murdock's article articulates are simply unacceptable.

Re: Step 1: Republicans need to clean house

robert chapman — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:39:33 -0000

Mr. Murdock makes the gratitous remark about spending like a Democrat after rightly pointing out President Bush increased the federal govt's portion of the GDP from 18 to 22 percent.

Numbers don't lie, President Carter halved the federal deficit during his term in office- President Clinton eliminated it altogether and left us with a smaller federal government and surplusses.

The BIG SPENDERS and the champions of the deficit clearly are the REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVES.

Re: Palin looks to keep Democrats in check

robert chapman — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:56:48 -0000

If Palin wants to keep someone in check she should start with convicted felon, Ted Stevens.

If Palin is unwilling to take him on in an effective manner, she is unsuited for public trust.

Re: Bush secures help on economy

robert chapman — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:55:14 -0000

US President GW Bush is probably the most reviled man on the planet.

His policies of unmitigated greed and brutal repression have destroyed the work of past administrations in building America's international reputation.

This story of nostalgia is yet another sign of the true bias of the US press: toward the right.

Re: Will Obama be pragmatic in energy policy?

robert chapman — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:46:57 -0000

Energy policy is very constrained by physical and economic laws that are not subject to the political process.

Oh course, President Obama will be sensible and prudent in his energy policy.

Prudence, conservation and concern for the future have been lacking in past and current US energy policy.

These are the attributes that the new Administration will bring to bear.

Re: If Citicorp deserves bailout, why not GM?

robert chapman — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:33:23 -0000

I am unwilling to argue the merits of the Citi-Corp bailout. Reich has already made a good case against it.

That we bailed out Citi-Corp does not mean that we should compound the error by bailing out GM.

Unlike Citi-Corp, GM has tangible assets that another company could use to make cars profitably.

If GM fails, Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, VW and even Ford could buy the profitable plants GM uses to make vehicles that people will buy. The proceeds from the sale of these assets would go the to GM equity holders.

The continuation of the healthy GM plants and the improved management the new owners would bring would assure the supply of vehicles for consumers and plenty of business for GM suppliers and other downstream businesses.

It is impossible to support GM and Chrysler with government funds while Toyota, Honda, VW and others make better cars at half the cost.

GM and Chrysler are poorly managed dinosaurs that deserve to fail. Bailing them out would merely prove that the free-enterprise system is merely a myth used to buy consumer compliance to the greed, waste and mismanagement of corportations and big Labor.

Re: Blackwater lawyers accuse government

robert chapman — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:18:44 -0000

Are the Blackwater lawyers serious? How do they think this statement helps their clients?

They are displaying precisely the above the law conduct and attitude that got Blackwater into hot water in the first place.

The Blackwater attornies' job is to present exculpatory evidence on behalf of their clients, not to legislate from the defense table.

It is clear that attitudes of irresponsibility and unaccountability regarding the use of deadly force have taken deep root on the conservative side of the American political spectrum.

Re: Phone jam suspect called a victim

robert chapman — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:17:44 -0000

I have visited enough criminal proceedings to generalize about defense attornies who claim that their clients are the victims of vindictive prosecutions: the facts of the case are so overwhelmingly against them that they seek to distract juries with appeals to resentment and prejudice.

Re: Obama has an economic plan, but will it work?

robert chapman — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:50:16 -0000

The rap on infrastructure projects as an economic boon has been that they can be too slow to work – at least six or nine months to kick in.

Apparently the editor missed the comment earlier in this article that President Obama is looking for shovel ready projects. Construction employment has been stagnant or declining for the past three years, since it is seasonal the planning must take place now, or it won't happen.

Construction workers are used to earning seasonally and then spending throughout the year, getting them financially healthy again is a good start to economic recovery.

The financial and retail types are going to have a hard time for awhile now. Their earnings depend on a lot of money flowing rapidly through the economy, it is unlikely that the public will go back to the free-wheeling spending.

The future health of the economy depends on our NOT RESTORING the deficit driven Bush economy.

Economic expansion should focus on retro-fitting our infra-structure to be energy efficient, building a sustainable electrical grid, and retooling our industries and transport to be energy efficient and competitive in the global market place.

Re: Kennedy explains Senate bid

robert chapman — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:50:13 -0000

Mrs. Schlossberg-Kennedy is an unknown, but from what she has done and said in the brief eleven days since she expressed her interest in serving in the Senate, there is little reason to think that she has the ability to serve well in the Senate.

Mrs. Schlossberg-Kennedy has been seen state-wide on TV with the Rev. Al Sharpton at her side. Al Sharpton's presence on a dias always makes people sit up and take notice. A great many of us remember how he destroyed the careers of a half dozen young firefighters and police officers on the utterly malicious and deceitful accusations of a young woman who falsely accused of abducting and raping her. That Mrs. Schlossberg-Kennedy should introduce herself to us by a close association with the Reverend Al Sharpton is a sign that she will be a divisive and factional presence in NYS politics.

Mrs. Schlossberg-Kennedy credits her mother for giving her the courage to run. Excuse me? There is no election for this seat, it is an appointment. Mrs. Schlossberg-Kennedy's imprecision is not the hallmark of careful, well-trained and skillful attorney- and inevitably leads one to question whether she also suffers from Bush/McCain syndrome- the condition of a famous offspring seeking higher office on the basis of a famous parent's achievement.

The seat will be up for election in 2010, I think Governor Patterson should appoint someone with more obvious qualifications to serve the remainder of the term and if Mrs. Schlossberg-Kennedy is really interested she can run then.

Re: Diplomats seek truce as deaths rise

robert chapman — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:52:06 -0000

Hamas' leadership and its behavior since winning the Palestinian elections has been deeply disappointing.

Despite the electoral support of almost 2/3 of the Palestinian voters, Hamas has never shown the basic requirement of a legitimate government: willingness to let its neighbors and its own people live in peace.

I am referring to Hamas' dedication to the destruction of the State of Israel and its mobilization of its own people for this evil end.

Whatever humanitarian and governmental functions Hamas has undertaken have been subordinated to the goal of total war against Israel. This in the face of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and ongoing Israeli- Palestinian Authority negotiations to develop a two-state peace treaty.

The regrettable and terrible loss of property and civilian lives in the current conflict clearly stems from the Hamas decision to deploy its forces in heavily populated areas and cynically use its population as a shield from IDF.

It is a sad statement of cravenness and depravity on the part of Hamas that their armed wing depends on the proximity of defenseless non-combatants for safety. This stands on its head any notion that Hamas is a protector of Palestinians.

One can only hope that public opinion, rightfully repulsed by the bloody pictures of wounded children, will powerfully push Hamas toward a more conciliatory role with Israel and other neighboring countries.

Robert Chapman

Re: Destruction of Hamas only solution

robert chapman — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:38:34 -0000

Cal Thomas article is an example of the worst fight to last Israeli school of diplomacy.

Cal Thomas overheated rhetoric is redolent of the hell-fire and brimstone that has trapped US forces in the quagmire of Iraq.

It is clear that Hamas' militancy is a danger to Israel.

It is also clear that Hamas' militancy and willingness to use Palestinean civilians as human shields has destroyed its legitimacy as a protector of the Palestineans.

These are sufficient reasons to demand that Hamas renounce its military wing and surrender its arms.

But like the Sein Fein in a parallel situation, Hamas articulates legitimate concerns of the Palestineans.

Like Sein Fein's rejection of the IRA provos, Hamas should renounce violence and turn its efforts to the furhterance of Palestinean dignity in their own state and peaceful co-existence with all of their neighbors.

Re: Destruction of Hamas only solution

robert chapman — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:42:17 -0000

"We aren't fighting you because we want something from you. We're fighting you because we want you dead."

Genghis, are you sure you aren't quoting Goldfinger when he had Bond on the buzz saw?

Re: Cheney: No apology needed from Bush

robert chapman — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:38:07 -0000

I agree with the Vice President: GW Bush is incapable of remorse, any apology from him would insincere anyway.

Re: Probe of Bush administration hardly worth it

robert chapman — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:58:31 -0000

Richard Nixon was pardoned without a trial and the damage he did persists until today.

Bush Administration officials such as Cheney and Rumsfeld who perpetrated crimes by institutionalizing torture should be brought to trial.

America cannot afford to be silent again in the face of Presidential criminality.

Robert Chapman
Lansing, NY

Re: Obama contrasts sharply with Bush

robert chapman — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:18:21 -0000

It is a relief to lose President Bush who thought arrogance, greed and cowardice constituted moral clarity.

Good-bye President Bush.

Re: Rep wants death penalty expansion

robert chapman — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:41:17 -0000

Great idea, while he is at it Burridge might also want to introduce a bill restoring caning in the public schools.

Caning will provide a serious deterrent to classroom misbehavior.

Re: Obama can do even more to reach across the aisle

robert chapman — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:01:47 -0000

Mr. Kondrake misses a serious point in his argument that President Obama should offer concession to Congressional GOP conferences.

The point being that the policies offered by the Republicans stem from the policies that caused the current recession.

The recession stems from the federal government crowding private investors out of the credit markets.

This stems from the GOP President and Congress' decision to fight a war while enacting massive tax cuts.

The GOP is applying the same method to President Obama's stimulus package. Encumber massive financial obligations while reducing revenue.

The President should continue to resist the Repbulicans.

It is up to us voters to move the GOP into post-partisanship.

Re: Cartoonists tread lightly when drawing Obama

robert chapman — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:49:41 -0000

a New York Post cartoon featured a bloody chimpanzee – intentionally or unintentionally evoking racist images of the past.

After the Post's nonapology, how can we leave the word unintentional in a description of the stimulus cartoon?

The biggest fear haunting the nation at this time is that some deranged racist will try to immortalize himself by assasinating the President.

Shame on the New York Post for illustrating that fantasy. There should have been a lot more protestors at their building and the protest should spread to modes affecting thieir sales and distribution.

Re: Cartoonists tread lightly when drawing Obama

robert chapman — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:50:26 -0000

The New York Post cartoon is not free speech, it is hate speech.

Re: Administration bent on rewarding failure

robert chapman — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:22:49 -0000

Mr. Thomas needs to get the wax out his ears. President Obama said it better, but I will say it again, the housing bailout it only going to save people from losing their homes.

Mr. Thomas may be sceptical of ever bigger government, but it is highly hypocritical of him to raise this objection regarding foreclosures while ignoring the greater danger of governmental intervnetion stemming from marriage protection laws which he supports.

Mr. Thomas may be sceptical of the governments' ability to discern victimized home owners from speculatiors. Again Mr. Thomas is showing that he is biased and not offfering constructive criticism- Mr. Thomas was silent during the go go housing market of the Bush Administration when speculation was encouraged by government policy.

Mr. Thomas failed to oppose the policies that created this mess and in this article is obstructing the only policies that can get us out.

Mr. Thomas has been asleep at the switch. He has failed to catigate people who want to tell us what we can do in our bedrooms and he gave uncritical support to the administration that encouraged massive speculation in residential real estate.

Mr. Thomas should take a seat, put his feet up and let us clean up the mess that following policies he supports has created.

Re: No 'please,' but a bit of pepper spray

robert chapman — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:06:24 -0000

American customs are always- and I know the rules against generalizing- American customs agents are always rude. This is just a case in which they added a little extra touch of rudeness.

Re: No 'please,' but a bit of pepper spray

robert chapman — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:07:56 -0000

The idiot is the customes agent who thinks he is above the law.

We can only hope INS loses in the unlikely event they are sued.

Re: Republicans have forgotten who they are

robert chapman — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:10:12 -0000

Cal Thomas' contention that the Republicans have forgotten who they are is bogus.

The Republicans are who they have always been. Events have overtaken them and the public, having tried conservatism, now recognizes it as ineffectual and supreficial.

The longer the Republicans spend trying to re-assert their, "brand," the longer they will be irrelevant and ineffectual in helping to solve the serious problems confronting us.

Re: Republicans have forgotten who they are

robert chapman — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:16:39 -0000

I disagree with Stremsky's premise entirely.

It is not right to treat different types of income differently when it comes to taxation.

All forms of income should be equally subject to taxes.

This would go a long way toward making taxes fair and assuring that EVERYONE pays a fair share.

Re: Congress has chance to make budget better

robert chapman — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 17:03:16 -0000

Ms. Rivlin has shown why tax reform is so badly needed in our country. The following shows how current tax policy distorts the entire economy.

It would be preferable to convert deductions to credits, so that all taxpayers get the same benefit from a given dollar of, say, mortgage interest paid. Differential subsidies to upper-income homeowners are not only unfair but encourage the building of more McMansions.

Rather than tax credits for mortgage interest wouldn't it be smarter to cap the deductible amonunts?

Such a measure would eliminate the tax incentive for MacMansions, continue to provide an incentive and aid for middle class home ownership and protect the treasury from the massive expenditures associated with credits.

Re: Can the president's 24/7 media blitz really work?

robert chapman — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:25:39 -0000

The President is on his marathon message meeting for two major reasons.
First the public media have become so fractured that "circuit riding" is the only way to communicate to all of the people.

The days that AP, the NYT or the networks could reach the mass of opinion leaders, let alone the public are over.

To be a national leader, one has to go out and find the outlets that will reach the public and the opinion leaders of the various niches into which we have sub-dividied.

A second major reason that the President has to go out and spread his message is the media's unwillingness to do its homework and present the story on depression and the breakl doawn of capitalism.

The AIG bonus story shows the media's myopia.

Do all companies pay bonuses whether or not they make money? I think the public suspects that they do. GM, AIG, Citi all have failed and lost billions in doing so... yet the bosses get multi-million dollar compensation packages.

Where is the accountability? Workers work hard, make money for the bosses and then the business gets sold and the workers lose out. Now we see that even when the companies lose billions the bosses responsible still get millions.

The media are unable to connect the dots.

Why, because they too are beholden to the bosses and just won't show them in a bad light.

Without Obama out on the road, we workers would have no one telling our side of the story.

Re: Texas Gov. Perry hit on 'secession' talk

robert chapman — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:38:03 -0000

In speaking up in favor of secession, Texas Governor Rick Perry shows that his tenure as Governor of the Lone Star State is so lackluster that he has nothing else to say.

Re: GOP in desperate need of libertarian infusion

robert chapman — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:30:49 -0000

Coulter went as far as promising she would campaign for Hillary Rodham Clinton if McCain became the party's nominee.

Yeah and did she follow through on that?

NO, the idea that the public figures of the GOP stand for anything is laughable.

Lopez is free to take the GOP as far into lotus land as he wants.

But the GOP will continue to lose until it engages the people by basing its responses to our problems in the real world.

America is looking for a choice, not a rant.

Re: Obama should halt Dems’ ‘torture’ frenzy

robert chapman — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:00:51 -0000

Morton Kondrake seems to conflate humanitarian concern over American agents torturing civilians and pows with partisan passion.

The issues regarding the Bush torture memos and policies on torturing non-combatants and pows in the Global War on Terror are complex, but one clear principle comes out.

Under the Bybee criteria the line between what constitutes the crime of torture and what constitutes legitimate military action is too fuzzy for men operating in the field to know whether or not theior actions are legal and just.

As warfare degenerates more and more into ambiguous struggles between uniformed forces and forces whose main strength lies in their ability to blend into the crowds, it becomes important to lay out clear principles and codes of conduct.

Soldiers have to know what the limits are and officers have to be sure that the orders they give are legal.

The conditions of combat just are too complex for soldiers to be able to make the sorts of fine distinctions the Bush Administration memos demanded.

The code of conduct for the military must be so clear that young soldiers operating in combat know it without thinking.

Hairsplitting debates of the sort that Mr. Kondrake proposes fuzz the lines.

Fuzzing the code of conduct is a direct threat to soldiers' safety and the security of the Republic.

Fuzzing the code of conduct and confusing our forces about their duty to protect civilians and pows dehumanizes us further in the eyes of the world and adds a perverse incentive to do us harm.

It is vitally important the US uphold the international standards and the standards of the US Code of Military Justice and not allow the honor of forces to be besmirched by questionably brutal treatment of people in our control.

Re: For the Supreme Court,let’s try to keep it real

robert chapman — Sun, 10 May 2009 12:45:07 -0000

It is refreshing to read an editorialist with his feet on the ground, instead of the doctrinaire conservatives one usually sees on these pages.

Neither Roberts, Alioto, Scalia or Thomas are strict constructionists in any meaningful sense of the term.

None of these four conservative paladins has shown respect for the law: all of them legislate from the bench imposing on the rest of us their idiosyncratic and elitist views of social relations.

Scalia and Thomas have used their court perches to cash in on the lecture circuit and on books, Alioto, in his lecture circuit remarks has shown zero respect for his position and has made many gaffes.

If these justices, Roberts, Scalia, Thomas and Aliioto are the conservative anodyne to judicial activism, we can only view it as yet more evdidence that conservatism is nothing more than an attempt to change the rules in favor of those who already have the most power and influence in society.

Re: Obama’s weakened condition in full view

robert chapman — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:06:14 -0000

Cal Thomas, really has to get over bashing President Obama and environmnetalists and start paying attention to facts.

The EU signed off on Kyoto, Gremany is investing over six trillion Euro in green technoloty and retrofitting.

France is a leader in recycling.

If, and despite Thomas' charactertization of the European reporting as disinformation, IF, Obama is having trouble in Europe it is because they think the US approach to environtalism is still to weak.

Thomas is the one practicing disinformation on environmental issues.

Re: Obama’s weakened condition in full view

robert chapman — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:36:01 -0000

It is nice to see that my response got Genghis to focus on the issue at hand.

Genghis clearly does not understand the sciene involved in the climate debate.

The issue for human survival in the near term is whether the CO2 emissions are warming the ociean enough to create a heat sink that will cause the weather to be more dynamic and unpredictably destructive.

The heat has already built up to the point that it will change long-term patterns of glaciation that affect water supply for agriculture.

China has responded with a massive dam building program that will allow them to capture the run-off in reservoirs that was previously releases slowly as glacial melt.

Genghis can keep playing his word games and complain about bad science not being taken seriously, but serious people will respond and will take action.

As Gore has shown, one can do well by doing good.

Re: 2 senators told deals were sweetened

robert chapman — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:10:38 -0000

Referring to Dodd, the investigator asked:

"And do you know if during the course of your communications" with the senator or his wife "that you ever had an opportunity to share with them if they were getting special VIP treatment?"

"Yes, yes," Feinberg replied.

Like father, like son.

Re: Senate group omits Dem health goals

robert chapman — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:16:30 -0000

The above article fails to identify the "core" Democratic health care provisions that the Senate "jettisoned."

One suspects this means single-payor. Single payor is supported by a vocal group of Democratic Representatives, prominently, Dennis Kucinich.

President Obama did not campaign as a proponent of single-payor, and other Democrats, those who supported his and Senator Clinton's campaigns understand and share that view.

It is not accurate to designate single-payor as a core Democratic provision.

Re: Sarkozy falls, gets a wakeup call

robert chapman — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:19:50 -0000

Best wishes to President Sarkozy for a speedy and complete recovery.

We hope the President has a good and restful vacation and returns to work afterwards with his customary vim and vigor.

Re: Ruling leaves state with big budget hole

robert chapman — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:25:02 -0000

Even without knowing all the details, it appears that Gov, Lynch has over-stepped his power here.

Joint Underwrting AUTHORITY- using the term authority to specify the entity controlling these funds clearly indicates that it is independent of the State and that this money is to be buffered from the Executive and the Legislature.

The raid on the JUA is clearly illegal and should not be tolerated.

Re: Ruling leaves state with big budget hole

robert chapman — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:48:22 -0000

Once again the Gov showes why he should not be re-elected, not only being a lier he's also a thief.

I thought the rules of this blog prohibited personal attacks. It is hard to see how referring to the Governor as a liar and a thief is permissable.

It is equally hard to see how it is justified. Governor Lynch did not allocate funds for his personal use. At worst he dipped into funds intended for a specific purpose for general fund allocations.

One must give Governor Lynch credit politically for trying to keep down taxes.

Re: No, red states aren’t better than blue states

robert chapman — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:37:43 -0000

This is a worthwhile article.

At a time when corporate media rules the roost and simply drowns out thoughtful and insightful articles that do not toe the company line, it is important to publish pieces that analyze and debunk the corporate myths.

Kudos to the Telegraph & Mr. Harrrop.

Re: A lynch-mob mentality stirs health-care debate

robert chapman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:34:06 -0000

I receive an e-mail bulletin, “Media Matters,” which tracks the false statements made in the media.

This morning, “Media Matters” reported forty separate debunkings of the death panel stories that the Tea-Baggers keep circulating.

The death panels in question refer to one of the Health Care Reform Bills provision of counseling services for terminal patients.

The Right continually make the false claim that this provision is intended to counsel patients to accept euthanasia.

Other than the patent falsity and offensiveness of this accusation, the issue of good medical care for terminal patients is being lost.

When a person, of any age, faces a terminal illness top flight psychiatric is absolutely essential. A big part of the process of dying with dignity is accepting the loss of one’s own life and making the determination to die with as little fear and bitterness as possible. Unless one has skillful, sensitive and experienced psychiatric care, this process may not proceed as quickly as the biological one that brings on death.

I have attended several people at their deaths, and since they were in hospice, seen the preparations of others. The clergy are important in this process, but they are simply unqualified to offer the assistance and treatment that the psychiatrist can provide.

As usual, the liberal position is a nuanced and balanced position based on sensitivity to the needs of the weak, and experience with an actual problem, in this case, end of life care. Conversely, the conservative position is based on falsehood and prejudice.

I find it excrutiatingly frustrating that the Right Wing, Right to Life elements are willing to sacrifice common sense, the rights of terminally ill patients to die with dignity and good medical practice merely to repeat their canards and incite their partisans.

The false claims that end of life counseling is intended to promote euthanasia is yet another example of the cruelty and inhumanity toward the living that has become the trademark of the Right to Life movement.

Re: A lynch-mob mentality stirs health-care debate

robert chapman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:39:42 -0000

Genghis Khan lives in world of other extreme fantasies. He thinks making a movie about killing Bush is same as supporting air assaults that drop daisy cutters on defenseless villages.

Re: A lynch-mob mentality stirs health-care debate

robert chapman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:51:36 -0000

That's the language. Not even close to the lies they are repeating, almost chanting, to trick people in to opposing something that is in their best interest. That's the hallmark of the modern-day Republican party.

SNLRNashuan, or whatever, the "language" you describe is language that is typically addressed to critically ill and terminally ill patients NOW.

Health care proxy- someone to make medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated.

DNR- Do Not Resuscitate- this is a voluntary and affirmative statement by the patient that he or she refuses to be kept in a vegetative state.

Mr, Nashuan, you language that I cited at the beginning with its chant of be afraid shows that what President Obama has said about important policy decisions coming down to the battle between fear and hope is true. You are clearly one of the fear mongers.

I repeat it is cruel to pressure people with scare tactics, as you are doing, when they are trying to make important decisions.

Re: A lynch-mob mentality stirs health-care debate

robert chapman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:10:07 -0000

I just looked at the Investors Bulletin article that Amherst linked.

The number is 45mm, not 47mm. I am sure that in this recession the number has jumped considerably, too.

Interestingly, the IBD reveals that 34% of hispanics have no health insurance and reveals that a large and indeterminate number of uninsured people are illegals.

Since mobs are associated with lynchings and pogroms, these statistics are germane to the subject at hand. If one out three hispanics is uninsured, and this is far higher than for any other ethnic category in the IBD story- doesn't it raise some suspicsion of unlawful discrimination either in writing the policies or in employment?

As far as ilegals, wouldn't it be better to insure them and have them contribute to the premium pool than just to eat the emergency room costs when they get sick?

Re: A lynch-mob mentality stirs health-care debate

robert chapman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:26:10 -0000

Sajwert, thanks for your response.

Your observation that preparing for with dignity begins far before our final crisis should be taken to heart.

But somehow, I think it will be different when it happens, than how we think of it now in our good health.

Top notch psychiatric care is needed to process one's demise.

Re: Governor’s affair rankles state’s GOP

robert chapman — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:47:26 -0000

Kudos to the SC legislators who appear to be taking the bull by the horns and demanding that Governor Sanford be accountable for his actions.

Re: ‘Liar Liar’ not just a Hollywood movie

robert chapman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:46:00 -0000

To Lastdaysofrome- if you had actually read about the events you are referring to, you would know that Rome fell because it destroyed its version of the middle class to enrich the mighty and the powerful.

The GOP conservatives, in their slavish devotion to the rich are accomplishing the same thing in this country today.

Re: Sarah Palin's Resignation Catches Media Off Guard - mediabistro.com: FishbowlNY

robert chapman — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:47:32 -0000

There is a simple reason that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's decision to resign caught the media by surprise: no one would have expected such flakiness- even from her.

Sarah is a flake- she earned the designation by resigning her office with no explanation in mid-term

Re: ‘Liar Liar’ not just a Hollywood movie

robert chapman — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:09:12 -0000

NOTFOOLED is a misnomer- should self-deluded.

Cal Thomas' article is illogical and slanted.

Objectivity entails approaching an issue with an open mind and deciding based on facts.

Thomas just the opposite, he contorts the facts illogically to support his preconceptions.

This is the hallmark of American consrvatism and the main reason it has failed so miserably when applied to real world problems.

Re: ‘Liar Liar’ not just a Hollywood movie

robert chapman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:40:35 -0000

Bush lied, people died,” said the bumper sticker. No one apologized (much less repented) for that sentiment

Mr. Thomas is making two fundamental errors:
the words quoted above are from a bumpers sticker; no one, and particularly no member of Congress called Bush a liar during a joint session of congress. Secondly, Bush lied repeatedly about the causes of the war, the progress of the war and the outcome of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan .

Mr. Thomas sophistry goes on to declare that one law has an effect caused by another law.

Finally, there is a deep moral issue at stake that Mr. Thomas avoids. Pres. GW Bush dishonestly led us into a destructive and unnecessary war.

Barack Obama is truthfully and patiently trying to build a political coalition to provide health care for poor and middle class Americans.

Mr. Thomas is indeed fortunate that there is no outward sign signifying liars. Such a thing would end his journalistic career.

Re: Press Corps Treats Presidents Bush, Obama Differently

robert chapman — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:33:15 -0000

I couldn't get the video to work, so I don't know what your message is.

But what we have to remember about the press and Bush is that when Bush lied about the connection between the al Qaada attack and Iraq, the press provided an amen corner.

People like Hans Blix and Scott Ritter who knew the situation on the ground in Iraq were not covered while people like Dick Cheney who simply makes things up/

Re: What Women Want: Identity Politics

robert chapman — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:12:08 -0000

If there is such a thing as women's identity politics, it is embodied in the demand that women be treated with respect in politics and business.

This does not mean that the secretary should not be expected to serve coffee, it means openness to the idea that a well-qualified man could be a secretary, too.

Respect for women in politics means that issues that concern women: the cost of living, education, jobs, economic equity, amd decent affordable housing receive the same priority as weapons systems, telecommunications, and legal strategies protecting corporations.

On issues regarding the cost of living, education, jobs, economic equity and housing Sarah Palin is on the wrong side. As a Republican politician Palin supports the GOP policies that have shifted the tax burden ever more onto the shoulders of the middle class and resulted in the stagflation we are now experiencing. Sarah Palin has a very mediocre track record on education as the Governor of Alaska, following rather than leading legislative measures to improve schooling for Alaskan natives and children with handicaps. Sarah Palin lied about her opposition to the Bridge to Nowhere and has not shown interest in anything that does not target corporate or state control of job growth in Alaska. Sarah Palin's idea of economic equity is that she accepts rather than requests $150,000 worth of clothing.

In her robust championship of large public works projects like the Bridge to Nowhere and the Alaska gas pipeline, Governor Palin has demonstrated that she is a booster of government funded projects that primarily benefit corporate, big business interests. Governor Palin consistently resists any suggestions to use projects such as these to alleviate Alaska's glaring economic inequalities. If you fit the profile to get hired by big business, Gov. Palin has something for you. If you do not fit this profile, Gov. Palin will help business crush you.

There are tens of millions of loyal GOP women who will vote for Sarah Palin if she is nominated by the GOP in 2012. They will vote for her because she is the Republican standard bearer, even while professing their pride in the party for nominating a woman.

But if gender identity politics means anything other than what gonads a candidate is carrying, Sarah Palin is poison on women's issues.

Re: Censure: Good Enough for Sanford, Not Good Enough for Clinton

robert chapman — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:35:39 -0000

It is clear that GOP comments about the sanctity of the family and the importance of the family structure take a poor second place to political considerations.

The SC GOP committee clearly believe that the GOP rank and file are unoffended by Sanford's behavior.

This is in direct contrast to the actions of Democrats in NY and In NJ who demanded that popular and effective Democratic Governors leave office immediately after sexual improprieties were made public.

But then, the Democrats willingness to act on matters of principle has always distinguished them from the Republicans who forget their principles as soon as the campaign season ends..

Re: More on comments

robert chapman — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:09:33 -0000

The GOP spend-o-rama which has gained tempo during McCain's tenure places the "gov't boot" right back on the taxpayers' necks.

Thanks to McCain, Palin and their GOP colleagues, we must not only foot the bills for useless weapons systems, bridges to nowhere, government extragavance, and endless, needless wars, WE MUST PAY THE INTEREST on the money they are borrowing to finance the party.

Anyone claiming that McCain-Palin are fiscally frugal can only be providing comic relief.

Re: More on comments

robert chapman — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:13:08 -0000

Please note that in the NT as im most established media outlets, the conservative, pro-GOP, pro McCain-Palin side comes from the PAID political writer, ie, the press.

The voices against the Washington conservative establishment are vox populi.

Re: The REAL Rudy: Command Center

robert chapman — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 08:44:43 -0000

It is very hard not be cynical and bitter toward the country, leaders and people who abandoned us on that terrible September day in 2001.

At the beginning of the emergency period that arose in the aftermath of the attack, people gave blood, construction workers came to Manhattan and country dedicated itself to bringing the evil doers to justice or bringing justice to the evil doers.

Then Giuliani and GW Bush realized what great photo ops the rubble and rescue attempts at ground zero offered them.

Very soon instead of uniting a grieving nation and sympathetic world in a Global War on Terrorism, Bush and Giuliani turned the whole thing into a political treasure hunt aimed at Iraq's oil supplies.

The fact remains that after being told that there was a terror plot against us, Bush went on vacation instead of shaking the trees and making agencies cough up actionable intelligence.

The fact remains, that not one American did anything to defend us when the terrorists attacked.

The fact remains that instead of fighting against terrorists Bush and Giuliani mislead us and took us into an optional war that has seriously degraded our ability to deal with the terrorists.

Bush and Giuliani are both phonies and their support comes from gullible people who believe everything they see on the TV news.

Re: ‘Liar Liar’ not just a Hollywood movie

robert chapman — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:25:32 -0000

These goes Lisa singing her Hillary song....

Do the conservatives have anything to say?

Conservative commentary is reduced to lame insults and boorish interuptions.

Re: ‘Peace through strength’ still best policy

robert chapman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:04:09 -0000

Peace through strength is a slogan and not a policy.

I disagree with Thomas assumption that tyrants' are automatically our enemies. Thomas himself supported the Thieu regime in South Vietnam, a regime that any sensible person would cast into the dictatorship category.

Thomas does not seem to understand that the conflict he advocates is far more destructive to human life and damaging to civilization than the effects of the dictatorships he is urging us to fight.

It is unbelievable that in the US today, scurrilous war-mongers like Thomas can still get paid for writing such pernicious articles.

To the GOP conservatives, before you start screaming about Thomas' first amendment rights, the constitution only provides him the freedom to publish and write, it does not guarantee him compensation.

Re: ‘Peace through strength’ still best policy

robert chapman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:07:43 -0000

We know that Reagan made a deal with the Iranians. They did not retreat in fear, instead they bought him off.

Go back and read the testimony from Iran-Contra.

If that doesn't convince look at the joint diplomatic and military documents that the the Iranians published after Ronnie outlived his usefulness to them.

Re: ‘Peace through strength’ still best policy

robert chapman — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:06:24 -0000

Maximus is out of line in his reference to the other commentor as "Mr. Idiot Namecaller." Thomas gets paid for being called an idiot, and if he doesn't like it, he can stop writing articles.

The commentors shoudl adress each other respectfully, not in the manner that Maiximus does.

Re: Obama must keep Taliban in his sights

robert chapman — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:39:03 -0000

Kondrake is simply wrong. Taliban is not a threat to the US. Even if Afghanistan relapsed into the state it was in 2001, it is hard to conceive Taliban as a threat.

The 9/11 attacks were conceived in Malaysia, meetings to recruit, finance and plan it were held in Europe, and the terrorists were trained here in the US.

The world unquestionably would be a better place if Afghanistan were more like Switzerland.

Unfortunately, the Kondrake-McChrystal approach is making it more like Lebanon.