Disqus - Latest Comments for A. J.

Re: Still having Commenting Issues

A. J. — Thu, 13 Jan 2005 14:47:41 -0000

...There isn't much to fix really. Take FEMA out of the depths of Homeland Security and make it independent again. Put a REAL leader in charge (like James Lee Witt) who has a direct line to the President (like it was under Clinton). They can move in, take charge, and move out. No red tape, no bullshit.

Medicare will be fine as long as republicans stop chomping at the bit to cut it every chance they get in order to preserve tax cuts for the super wealthy.

Re: Halo 2 Stats System Beta Testers Needed

A. J. — Wed, 02 Mar 2005 23:02:46 -0000

If he resigns before Bush nominates a replacement for O'Connor, it will make things very interesting to say the least. If he has a chance to name two at a time, I'd be surprised if Gonzales was not one of them.

Re: New Halo 2 Game Variants

A. J. — Tue, 10 May 2005 11:32:54 -0000

She won't say who her source is. The judge thinks confinement will get her to say.

Re: New Halo 2 Game Variants

A. J. — Sat, 21 May 2005 16:16:47 -0000

Interesting discussion...If I may comment, as we have seen Bush just came out in defense of Gonzales. Is that a sign? I'm leaning against it because it seems too obvious, except I do believe Bush would put him on the court. They are good friends. The guy is only 50, and could be around a long time. If pro-lifers are upset about that prospect, they should know by now that Bush doesn't pay attention to popularity polls.

Re: New Halo 2 Game Variants

A. J. — Sat, 21 May 2005 16:51:41 -0000

When the Constitution came into existence, things like abortion and gay marriage were not on anyones mind... Ever wonder why we refer to it as a living document? Because society changes, and we are allowed to make interpretations based on an advancing society.

When it comes to faith and religion, whos faith and religion are we talking about? That's very important. The founding fathers may have been very religious, but they also believed your faith is private. Judges should rule based upon the Constitution, not their personal religious faith. Therefore, it shouldn't matter if the judge is a Christian, Muslim, Jew...or even atheist.

Re: Supreme Court Prediction

A. J. — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 03:39:13 -0000

Re: Jailtime for Reporters

A. J. — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 03:58:05 -0000

The reporters got their sources from somewhere, how else did they get the information? What is obvious now is that it was a high ranking White House official...Lets see that investigation instead of sending a couple of reporters to jail.

Re: What’s Wrong With That?

A. J. — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 04:16:19 -0000

Re: 229

A. J. — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 16:22:44 -0000

Why not treat these holidays as another day off??? These are times to celebrate and reflect. It doesn't matter how many flags line my neighborhood, because I already know what it means to live in this great nation.

Think about it, even if you stood outside and burned an American flag on Independance day or Memorial day, the fact that you are allowed to do such a thing is what this country is all about...Freedom. Anyone with any respect would never think of doing something like that. But it's an interesting thought given the fact that there is legislation in congress to ban the practice.

Re: Jailtime for Reporters

A. J. — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 19:54:52 -0000

She won't say who her source is. The judge thinks confinement will get her to say.

Re: Again…

A. J. — Thu, 07 Jul 2005 17:00:38 -0000

Mike, everyone is upset and disturbed by what happened this morning. If you want to take shots at liberals on this subject, you really have no ammunition. You're saying that if we hadn't attacked Iraq, we would be fighting terrorists on our streets. Britain is our closest ally with the second largest troop deployment in Iraq and that didn't stop terrorists from detonating six bombs in downtown London this morning.

Re: A High Court Twofer

A. J. — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 21:05:54 -0000

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 17:38:56 -0000

Hey Mike, someone blew Plames cover and if it wasn't a top White House official, why protect a liability?

No one denies Karl Rove spoke to reporter Matt Cooper, and talked about Ambassador Wilson going to Africa to insepct possible uranium sales prior to the Iraq war. It just so happens that five days prior Wilson said the administration was fixing intelligence to invade Iraq. It also JUST SO HAPPENS his wife is Valerie Plame, the covert CIA agent whos cover was blown shortly after that conversation...

So you tell me, what is the simplest answer here?

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 18:31:55 -0000

Oh I agree Rove is way too smart...But this has Rove written all over it. This is the guy who bugged his own office during a Texas campaign and then blamed the other side.

The idea that Judith Miller may be protecting herself is interesting. I hadn't thought about it that way before. But how would she know the name of a covert CIA agent? She got her information from somewhere. Someone who had access to all this is at the bottom of it.

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Wed, 13 Jul 2005 03:32:16 -0000

Mike...Lets not forget that the first person to write about Valerie Plame was Robert Novak. Now where is he in all this? He obviously already gave his source and that is why they went after these two reporters. They are putting a puzzle together.

Judith Miller is a non issue...Saying she is at the bottom of this is ridiculous.

There IS a source and it all points at Karl Rove. Did you seen the press briefings lately? The White House doesn't know what to say because they know they need to be very careful. If this was all Judith Millers fault, whats the point???

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Wed, 13 Jul 2005 17:01:01 -0000

The Rove issue is not falling apart...It's very simple you guys. A consensus is being built. The only explanation why Novak isn't caught up in this is because he gave his source a long time ago. They wanted these other reporters to reveal so they can put it together...

Judith Miller was on the inside with the WMD reporting, and she supported the Bush administration. She isn't going to let that go. She'll be out of jail soon and it's worth it.

Now if it isn't Karl Rove, the White House wouldn't be walking on egg shells. McClellen would have something to say. Roves lawyer even acknowledged that Rove spoke to Cooper about Valerie Plame but ''didn't mention her name''...only that she worked at the CIA and that she was Ambassador Wilsons wife. Well, a Google search can figure out what her name is. Seems awfully reckless to me if he truly didn't know who she was. Secondly, this all came right after Wilson accused the administration of fixing intelligence to invade Iraq...Thats no coincidence.

If Novak and Coopers sources conflicted, we would know about it. The heat is on the White House for a reason.

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Wed, 13 Jul 2005 18:46:23 -0000

Rove is the simplest answer and Republican hacks are going as far out on a limb to blame someone else. Judith Miller is not the source, she's not going to know the name of a covert CIA agent no matter how much inside information she got.

Saying Joe Wilson is the source is even more laughable.

Karl Rove already admitted talking to Matt Cooper about Valerie Plame, but his defense is he didn't say her name. He just put up a huge neon sign pointing at her.

Why go out way out of the way to blame someone else? Is it that unfathomable to you that Rove is the source?

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 16:32:20 -0000

Aaron, sounds good to me... I will compose it tonight as well and send it to you. This story is quite interesting.

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 16:40:21 -0000

btw... Ann Coulter is the last person I'd go to for facts. She certainly takes use of the English language better than most, but some of her quotes are so out there that it's strange people of ''moral'' stature would support her...

''We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity. We weren't punctilious about locating and punishing only Hitler and his top officers. We carpet-bombed German cities; we killed civilians. That's war. And this is war.''

Doesn't seem to be a very Christian thing to say.

''My only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times Building.'' (Ann Coulter in a New York Observer interview, 8/20/2002)

That one still amazes me. How can comments like that be defended?

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 17:41:24 -0000

That was a good read...thanks, very interesting.

In terms of the US being too nice, I'd have to disagree. After 9/11 the entire world rallied around us and President Bush had a near 90% approval rating. That includes hardcore liberals. Most of the world, and liberals in the US also approved of attacking Afghanistan. It wasn't until the drumbeat to war in Iraq that the mood shifted...

Now, we are seen as a big bully by much of the world and Bush is at an all time low in approval. At this point, we are stuck in Iraq. Our military is stretched, and it is costing hundreds of billions. The military has not met it's recruitment goal for months, and wounded soldiers are coming back to waiting lists in many states due to funding problems.

Afghanistan and Iraq were very seperate endeavors, and there is plenty of evidence that Iraq was on the table even before 9/11. But that is still speculation, I admit. The attacks on London cannot be used to rally support for fighting in the Middle East. The bombers in London were 'all British'...That's extremely troubling but should be a big wake up call to how we are handling the war on terror.

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 17:25:03 -0000

The investigation is not over... This is a very serious situation. Karl Rove shouldn't have been talking about Valerie Plame, period. She was a covert agent...She was a NOC, which means she would be vulnerable if caught overseas. But this isn't just about her. The entire cover company she worked for has been outed too. Every persron there is now at risk. Foriegn governments have probably run checks on everyone who ever came to their country working for that cover company which is called Brewster Jennings. The real Brewster Jennings founded Mobile Oil. The CIA had built up the fake firm and through it insinuated agents to keep an eye on not only WMD, but also ARAMCO, Saudi Arabia and their oil production and politics.

This is a major national security risk. Karl Rove shouldn't have discussed anything. The spin machine is in full gear and the talking points are out. They are blaming everyone from Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame themselves, to the media. I will respect whatever conclusion the special prosecutor comes out with, but this someone important gave out this secret information.

When it comes to Karl Rove and his comments about 9/11, my previous post could be used as a response to that. EVERYONE prepared for war after 9/11. We all supported attacing Afghanistan and going after Osama Bin Laden. BTW, what ever happened to that priority? Interesting that reports about the London bombing are saying the plan was hatched in Pakistan. It's also interesting that Pakistan is where Osama is widely believed to be hiding. We won't get him, because we are protecting Musharraf. If we snatch Osama, the people will turn on Pakistans government. If we let Pakistan do it, the same will happen.

Karl Rove is playing politics as usual by standing on the rubble of 9/11 and claiming Republicans were the only ones ready to fight...That's ridiculous.

Republicans shift their views about war depending on whos's President... Remember "No War for Monica" hmm where was the patriotism then? They were saying exacly what Dems are saying now and have always said. Here are some quotes:

http://www.thepoorman.net/2005/06/29/words-to-r...

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 16:36:35 -0000

The sad thing about this is that Republicans think it's funny. This was a serious threat to security and it's troubling that Rove was involved at all. Someone important gave out the information and it's still not proven that it wasn't Rove. It's Roves testimony against Matt Coopers and whatever Robert Novak said.

President Bushs approval rating have dipped into the mid 40s and have stayed there. It's not the MSM ( which is not liberal, thats a huge myth). The American people aren't stupid and the administration has only themselves to blame. Liberals have only pointed out what is wrong and that makes them "traitors" -

no WMD, no exit strategy, no Osama, no money, no troops etc...

Say what you will, but this administration is not sitting well with America and the Republican controlled Congress has one of the lowest approval ratings EVER!

All news is bad news for the Bush administration and that is why Foxnews is ready to declare war on Aruba because they have nothing better to talk about.

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Sun, 17 Jul 2005 06:57:16 -0000

It's politics. When Clinton was President the Republicans criticized every move he made... I agree that Democrats go on the attack when it comes to Bush, but that is what the opposing parties do when things aren't going well for the country.

BTW The Congress is ontrolled by Republicans, remember? Last time Congress had an approval rating as low as it does right now, the majority party was booted out. Every congressman has to run in 2006. If history is any indicator, it is likely to go back into Democrat control.

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Sun, 17 Jul 2005 18:45:45 -0000

I think people should say how they feel...But there are certain things that sound just plain ignorant. People aren't saying it because they feel that way, but because they can. Some people just want to shove things in other peoples faces by using language that will not win any arguments.

The people who claim political correctness should be thrown out the door still get just as offended as anyone else if you label them something that sounds negative or derogatory.

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Sun, 17 Jul 2005 22:26:12 -0000

Give an example of how political correctness goes too far...

I'll give some expamples of what political correctness is to me... Saying "mentally handicaped" instead of "retarded"...Or "flight attendant" rather than "stewardess". Those and other similar terms are completely exceptable to me because they are respectful and simply courteous. I'm sure you agree.

The first place I see political correctness going too far, if it even goes in this category... is eliminating competition in schools. This notion of making every kid feel the same as everyone else is the opposite of what a progressive society should be.

Re: Echocardiogram and Other Blather

A. J. — Sun, 17 Jul 2005 22:29:49 -0000

if you can get past my grammar in that last reply I'd love to read your thoughts on the subject haha

Re: White House Flip Flop

A. J. — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 18:30:08 -0000

This seems to be another case of generation gap. Flip-flops really are on the rise in terms of popular fashion. Like the article said, it's not uncommon for flip-flops to cost several hundred dollars by top designers. The girls also said they weren't wearing cheap beach flip flops either.

Besides, why should a young womens lacrosse team be expected to wear fancy high-heels anyway? They are more formal, they are classy, and this is the White House. OK. But this is July in DC and these are college sports girls. I don't blame them for going comfortable to meet the President.

Re: White House Flip Flop

A. J. — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 22:31:07 -0000

They showed pics of the flip flops on Countdown with Keith Olberman...They honestly didn't look that bad.

I do think it's informal, but not nearly as bad as it's being made out to be.

Re: White House Flip Flop

A. J. — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 03:47:39 -0000

Okay...heres a photo...They look fine, they are wearing nice summer dresses and heaven forbid some designer flip flops...

Besides, they probably saw the President all but 10 mins and does it look like he cares much?

http://www.foxnews.com/images/170294/0_21_07190...

Re: White House Flip Flop

A. J. — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 16:54:24 -0000

What's amazing is that this actually made news... The girls are all young, they probably didn't think twice about it. But I don't that reflects our culture in a negative way.

Re: Smoke and Even Moreso Mirrors

A. J. — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 00:05:41 -0000

Im sure Bush is working real hard to find the source of leaks. But that aside...

My perspective is this: I dont know much about Roberts either. But not many people do. Extreme conservative groups are not thrilled and neither are extreme liberal groups. Bush may have actually done something right for once. We all knew it was going to be a conservative. As a liberal I think the choice could've been a lot worse. This guy has litigated many times in front of the hight court, he seems like a decent person, and he's only 50.

All the Roe v. Wade talk is irritating...Liberals need to calm down, and conservatives need to stop salvating to get it overturned. I think it's unlikely anything is going to change anytime soon.

Assuming Roberts will be confirmed, it's a matter of 'wait and see'...They say the Supreme Court can change a judge. He could move far right, or go the way of Justice Souter after Bush Sr. appointed him.

Re: Cheney Resignation Imminent?

A. J. — Tue, 18 Oct 2005 20:04:16 -0000

I think the best thing for the GOP is to slowly distance themselves from Bush, especially the 2008 hopefuls. As a liberal, it would be interesting to see if Cheney actually does step down to be replaced by the next Presidential nominee - but who would want all the baggage of the Bush administration??

Re: Cheney Resignation Imminent?

A. J. — Thu, 20 Oct 2005 14:31:02 -0000

I hope the Republicans do put up Condi... If McCain or Guiliani decides to run, there is going to be a big fight. I would be comfortable with either one of the latter myself. They would have the best chances of beating Hillary...But Rice?? Bring it on!!

Re: Cheney Resignation Imminent?

A. J. — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 14:46:14 -0000

You're right...But that's why I said popular Republicans are backing away from this administration. McCain recently sponsered a bill that defines treatment of detainees and torture that was repeatedly threatened with veto by the White House. The Senate voted it into a larger bill by a huge majority anyway. Guiliani has been very quiet since the inauguration of Bush.

Far right conservatives finally took notice with the blatant cronyism taking place over Harriet Miers - They also ought to realize that Bush hasn't come thru on anything else for them. His faith based initiatives went unfunded, and he hasn't addressed abortion, stem cells, or gay marriage. Why did it take Harriet Miers for them to finally wake up to this fact: Bush is not a conservative... It's for the corporation, by the corporation. Even Condi Rice came from Chevron. This administration is about protecting their own interests and the interests of all their pals. With a few high level indictments possible by next week over the CIA leak case, it seems the Bush spin machine has finally spun out of control.

Re: Cheney Resignation Imminent?

A. J. — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 15:03:57 -0000

- and just a quick side note to my point, it seems the Bush trip today to California has angered state republicans including Governor Schwarzenegger. It's hilarious in fact.. Republicans in a liberal state are upset the President is visiting to pay tribute to Ronald Reagan and attend a fundraiser. Why? Because California is having a special election and the republicans don't want Bush screwing up their chances!

Re: Cheney Resignation Imminent?

A. J. — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 05:41:00 -0000

lol - well I'm just glad these kinds of stories are getting much needed attention, especially from the so-called ''liberal'' MSM.

This coming week should be incredibly interesting. Rove and Libby have been advised they may be in 'serious legal jeopardy' so reports the NYT. The fact that they are now turning on each other doesn't help their credibility either. I just hope Hurricane Wilma stears clear so she doesn't spoil all the fun!! j/k, I hope she stays away regardless.

We shall see.

Re: Cheney Resignation Imminent?

A. J. — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 15:28:27 -0000

Isn't it interesting all the 'leadership' attention Oprah has been recieving? She's on the Newsweek cover for that very subject... Oprah is the most powerful AND recognizable woman in America. If she wanted to run for President, ever, I think it would be very difficult for any opposition...except they could say she's not experienced enough. But honestly, how experienced are Senators or 1 & 1/2 term Governors of Texas before they become President? - compared to Oprah.

Re: Cheney Resignation Imminent?

A. J. — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 17:45:00 -0000

Oprah already has a huge advantage, but lack of experience is the best argument in which any opposition to an Oprah run would have. However, she is very experienced in my opinion. Oprah has such a broad understanding of almost any issue under the sun. If you've ever seen her on Larry King Live or anywhere else outside of the Oprah studio, her seriousness and intelligence really shine.

Harriet Miers is only proof that Bush has his own interests and the interests of all his corporate buddies at heart. She's his personal lawyer and it's nothing but blatant act of cronyism. She's been touted as the first woman this, and the first woman that in Texas law...But when you're the Bush family lawyer, it all comes down to billable hours.

Re: Cheney Resignation Imminent?

A. J. — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 18:45:29 -0000

I agree with you. But considering what's happened to medicare and FEMA lately it would be difficult to screw it up further!

Personally I don't care if Oprah runs or not, and I doubt she will. But if she does, she certainly has many advantages.

Re: Cheney Resignation Imminent?

A. J. — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 22:36:25 -0000

LOL I'm willing to bet even my dog could!

Re: Cheney Resignation Imminent?

A. J. — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 22:49:53 -0000

Re: Bush Drafts Samuel Alito for the SCOTUS

A. J. — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 02:38:06 -0000

Judge Alito is obviously very conservative, but I don't expect Bush to mominate a liberal or even a moderate. The thing that I find interesting is that he went from Harriet Miers to "Scalito."... It almost seems this whole thing was planned.

Conservatives are being played like a violin.

Re: Pajama Orgy

A. J. — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 17:56:29 -0000

What’s this for?

Re: Pajama Orgy

A. J. — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 17:57:55 -0000

On your preaching to the choir comment, I notice thatâ€™s much more common among conservative blogsâ€¦For example, I did a little experiment on FreeRepublic.comâ€¦ I heard that they will ban you as soon as they notice that you are not 100% lockstep with their ideasâ€¦

I signed up, and responded to a few posts. Because I was aware of what FreeRepublic is about, I made sure I didnâ€™t give myself away as a liberalâ€¦But I asked questions, and tried to open up a bit of debate on a few topics. My priveledge to post was revoked the following day.

I then signed up a second time and I was discovered within an hour of being a troll because I signed up from the same system. I signed up from a seperate system, and my tenure lasted about two days that time.

I was shockedâ€¦First of all, it says on their disclaimer that they welcome debate as long as itâ€™s civil. They also say they believe in free speech as long as itâ€™s not profane. They also comment that they are a â€œfamilyâ€ siteâ€¦.Fair enough, but I was shocked how quickly they barred me for not conforming to their every viewpoint. Plus, I noticed people there who used very profane language and posted sick picturesâ€¦But because they bash liberals, they get to stick around.

I suggest anyone to sign up at FreeRepublic.com and put â€œBushâ€ and â€œwrongâ€ in the same sentenceâ€¦Time how fast you are booted!

Re: Pajama Orgy

A. J. — Sat, 19 Nov 2005 20:27:04 -0000

I haven’t tried DU…They seem just as extreme as FR. Maybe I should see what happens just for fun =)

Re: State Department Kooks Back Muslims in Cartoon Controversy

A. J. — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 12:34:54 -0000

The cartoon is not the cause for the outrage and destruction displayed in many Arab countries even if their religion forbids depictions of their profit.

I think they are using the cartoon as an excuse to be outraged at the Western world, and show it.

In terms of the amputee cartoon, I have this to offer: Who said political cartoons have to funny? I don't think the amputee cartoon is funny at all. I think it's a sad truth. Our servicemen and women are on rotation after rotation. They aren't even fighting, but getting blown up at random.

Denying what's happening to our military and the way Rumsfeld is handling his job is shameful. If a cartoon puts it right in your face, maybe it's time to think about what it really means.

Re: State Department Kooks Back Muslims in Cartoon Controversy

A. J. — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 17:04:52 -0000

I meant was most of our soldiers are being killed by raodside bombs. I didn't say they are just "hanging out", and what I meant by not fighting is that they rarely engage the enemy in a conventional way....Like I said before, the amputee cartoon isn't supposed to be funny, it's just the TRUTH....

The attitude of Donald Rumsfeld was depicted quite well in it. He's the one to be angry at. Our troops STILL don't even have adequate body armor! People shouldn't get offended by the messenger, in this case the cartoonist.

In terms of free speech I totally agree with you but don't think there is duality in the media. We aren't reprinting the Muslim cartoons because we don't want to fuel the situation further... and really, there is no point.

About the outrage in the Islamic world, it's not a stretch to say that Muslim frustration with the West just reached a boiling point over those cartoons. It was the match to a powder keg. I'm not excusing the violence, just pointing out an observation.

Re: State Department Kooks Back Muslims in Cartoon Controversy

A. J. — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 15:25:14 -0000

Well, I don't see how previous administrations have anything to do with what is going on today when Republicans have controled Capitol Hill for the last half-decade.

Here is the problem I have with conservatives saying liberals bash Bush too much. Read these comments when Clinton went into Kosovo, and tell me they don't echo exactly what liberals are saying today:

"You think Vietnam was bad? Vietnam is nothing next to Kosovo."
-Tony Snow, Fox News 3/24/99

"Well, I just think it's a bad idea. What's going to happen is they're going to be over there for 10, 15, maybe 20 years"
-Joe Scarborough (R-FL)

"President Clinton is once again releasing American military might on a foreign country with an ill-defined objective and no exit strategy. He has yet to tell the Congress how much this operation will cost. And he has not informed our nation's armed forces about how long they will be away from home. These strikes do not make for a sound foreign policy."
-Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA)

"Explain to the mothers and fathers of American servicemen that may come home in body bags why their son or daughter have to give up their life?"
-Sean Hannity, Fox News, 4/6/99

"You can support the troops but not the president"
-Representative Tom Delay (R-TX)

"It is a remarkable spectacle to see the Clinton Administration and NATO taking over from the Soviet Union the role of sponsoring "wars of national liberation."
-Representative Helen Chenoweth (R-ID)

"Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is."
-Governor George W. Bush (R-TX)

The only difference is, we got in and out of Kosovo with very few casualties and the region is in far better shape today than it was. The same cannot be said about Iraq.

I just think that our soldiers are dying over there to hold off a civil war, not fight terrorism...
Reports now show that most of the insurgents are Iraqis anyway, not Al Qaida.

Bush himself said in 2000 that the U.S. military should not be used for "nation building." With a real terrorist threat and Al Qaida's leaders still free, Iran's government growing bolder, and Hamas winning elections - it seems much bigger problems have arisen while we've had our hands tied with Iraq for too long.

Re: State Department Kooks Back Muslims in Cartoon Controversy

A. J. — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 16:57:08 -0000

David -

Read my previous posts here, I think I've been very consistent and make a valid argument.

I did not contradict myself. All the conservative pundits in the last years of Clinton bashed him over and over again using the same comments liberals are using now...

The DIFFERENCE is, Clinton had a plan and it worked. It was over quickly, therefore, the comments didn't hold up and the predictions never surfaced. But direct those comments to Iraq, and they ring true based on what's happened.

By they way, there were U.S. ground troops in Kosovo. It was not just a bombing campaign. Liberals also didn't call conservatives unpatriotic or tell them to leave the country when they voiced their opposition to Clinton.

Quotes exist for a reason, I'm sorry if conservatives have selective memory.

Re: Just When You Thought Political Campaign Sites Were Boring

A. J. — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 17:51:19 -0000

There are many veterans running for Congress...What is interesting is all but one of them who served in Iraq recently are Democrats.

Even when you put all the veterans together from Vietnam to the the Gulf War who are running this year, the Democrats still outnumber the Republicans.

When Congressman John Murtha spoke out last November, he was speaking for a silent majority within the military ranks. A war hawk like that, who was a Marine for 30 years, doesn't just stand up and say what he said for nothing.

Re: Just When You Thought Political Campaign Sites Were Boring

A. J. — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 20:05:02 -0000

Because he's talked to people who are telling him, 'please say something because we can't.' If you want to talk about supporting the troops, not many people know better than Congressman Murtha. But if you'd rather listen to 5-deferment Cheney, go ahead.

That report about the military being "stretched" that surfaced a few weeks ago is a Pentagon report. It's not some outside party.

--->Andrew Krepinevich, a retired Army officer who wrote the report under a Pentagon contract, concluded that the Army cannot sustain the pace of troop deployments to Iraq long enough to break the back of the insurgency. He also suggested that the Pentagon's decision, announced in December, to begin reducing the force in Iraq this year was driven in part by a realization that the Army was overextended.

Re: Just When You Thought Political Campaign Sites Were Boring

A. J. — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 20:06:15 -0000

source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/...

Re: Just When You Thought Political Campaign Sites Were Boring

A. J. — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 20:26:44 -0000

Thanks for mentioning that Aaron...It's not having a plan that's the problem, it's not being in power to put plans to action. Of course all Democrats can do is blame Bush for because Bush and the Republicans are in control!...They won't listen anyway. Republicans won in '94 using the same tactics.

As for military spending, it was Dick Cheney who proposed all kinds of cuts in military spending after the Soviet collapse and before the first Gulf War ( when he was sec. of defense)...In times of relative peace things change. It's not fair to compare another time to what is happening in the present.

Re: Just When You Thought Political Campaign Sites Were Boring

A. J. — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 10:39:44 -0000

I think it's obvious Murtha came out on his own...He's not the type to bow to any political pressure.

In terms of Hillary running for President, there is a growing number of Democrats who don't want her to run. If Hillary did get the nod I would probably vote for her, it's not that I dislike her - I just think there is too much hype. Remember, everyone thought Howard Dean was going to take it until John Kerry came up from near the bottom.

I'd rather see Mark Warner, or Russ Feingold run myself. In fact a Mark Warner/Evan Bayh ticket would seal Virginia and make Indiana/Ohio incredibly competative...That to me is the smartest Dem ticket out there right now.

I believe the fight in the 2008 primary is going to be on the Republican side - especially if John McCain runs. Many moderate Democrats would be fine with McCain as President, but the far rightwing conservatives would take immediate issue with him.

Re: Open Dialog: How can we change a historical trend?

A. J. — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:01:43 -0000

America became what it is due to immigration. But the Mexico situation is out of control, but there's really no way to solve it. They could shut the border if they wanted to, but they won't. So many business owners rely on migrant workers, it's ridiculous.

A funny idea is to just make Mexico part of the U.S...and be done with it.

So much of American values is built upon hard work and responsibility. We're fighters too. It doesn't register with us that people in the world allow themselves to be taken advantage of or controlled. Vietnam is a good example. The normal Vietnamese people would help the American forces and then turn around and help the Vietcong. All they cared about was working the rice paddy. They didn't care who was in charge as long as their basic needs were met.

I guess my point is if people are not willing to stand up and make something of their country, who are we to step in and "help" them or force them?

Re: Open Dialog: How can we change a historical trend?

A. J. — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:57:25 -0000

"Thatâ€™s defeatist. There are solutions to the crisis, but you have to take an open honest look at them. Most arenâ€™t willing to do that yet, but the momentum IS building."

If they wanted to control the borders, they could. There's reasons why they won't get tough on the border. We do things with our own interests at heart first. For example, we wouldn't be "liberating" Iraq if Iraq had no natural resourses or strategic advantage.

"If we donâ€™t step in sooner, rather than later, it will simply cost us more. More money, more resources, more red tape. To be proactive is beneficial for us as well as them."

Stepping into Vietnam didn't do a thing, and it cost us a ton of life and resources. It remains to be seen what will happen in Iraq. One of the headlines today is the Iraq government is telling us to stay out of their affairs.

Re: Open Dialog: How can we change a historical trend?

A. J. — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 11:38:37 -0000

It's a joke because nobody wants to actually step up and do anything about it.

Telling me I have a "liberal nanny-state mentality" is over the top. Sure, liberals encourage a more social attitude but the other extreme is worse. There is no reason why the richest, most powerful country in the world has millions of kids without health care, elderly who can't afford prescription drugs, underpaid teachers, and the lowest minimum wage relative to cost of living since the 30s!...But we can plunge our country into debt spending hundreds of billions fighting a phony war in Iraq. This country is obsessed with money and we live to work instead of work to live.

I'd rather have a congress that I have a part in electing make the rules rather than corporations who only care about the bottom line. The whole lobbyist ordeal gave us a look at how much power big corporations have over a Republican controlled congress. Democrats aren't perfect, but since Republicans have had control lobbyist activities have skyrocketed...

That's just as bad, if not worse than your dreaded social programs that actually aim to help people rather than line the pockets of CEOs.

Re: Open Dialog: How can we change a historical trend?

A. J. — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 13:06:00 -0000

Exactly, where is everyone?? Nobody wants to part with their money, yet everyone complains how bad everything is.

What's so scary about the federal government? We elect them!....If everyone gave a damn, there wouldn't be anything wrong with the federal government. If people held the government accountable, we wouldn't have to worry where our tax dollars go. There is nothing scary about the government if people work to make it the govenrment they want it to be. Do you want a government that's elected by the people in control, or have major corporations be in control and crafting the rules for you to ultimately benefit them.

Re: Open Dialog: How can we change a historical trend?

A. J. — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 13:32:46 -0000

All I said was if everyone cared or paid attention things wouldn't be the way they are. The sad truth is, most people don't care until it effects them directly.

The government will never be perfect, no government is or ever will be. But I know what side I'm on...

If you want to talk about being real, then you are right on about America being the Empire...Getting real is knowing we have a President who believes in a unitary executive... That is much scarier than after school programs, food kitchens, or free health clinics that are paid for by tax dollars.

Re: Open Dialog: How can we change a historical trend?

A. J. — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 15:18:42 -0000

1 guy at the top - who is not a king.

You know what I mean...This administration thinks it can bypass law and bypass Congress simply because Bush has the title of President.

Re: Open Dialog: How can we change a historical trend?

A. J. — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 17:15:33 -0000

Checks and balances is what we need...We finally have Congress coming together opposing this port deal. (It's so obvious that people in the administration are benefiting personally because of their ties to this company)... It underscores how this administration operates. They are very secretive, engage in cronyism, and they conistantly go around Congress or give their own interpretation of existing law. That's what I meant by the President acting like he has more power than he actually does...Congress just needs a backbone and they are finally growing one.

Re: Let’s do some Bible math

A. J. — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 11:46:56 -0000

In terms of who was alive, and when, it's very interesting. Genesis is great because there are stories in cultures around the world that say much of the same thing... Personally, I think the Bible is taken far too literally. However, one thing is obvious - at some point in human history there was a worldwide catastrophe that displaced or effected most everyone. This would explain why so many cultures around the world share so many similarities in their beginnings, including sories of a single major disaster. There are several books that address the subject in great detail - most notably by Graham Hancock, author of "Figerprints of the Gods"... It's a great read if you're really serious about the topic of pre-history, and he goes into incredible detail. But like any research, you have to remain objective.

Re: It’s Hard Out Here For a Pimp

A. J. — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 12:08:31 -0000

Reese Witherspoon definitely looked amazing - but for my money I think what Felicity Huffman put herself thru to play a male transexual took more work than Witherspoon portraying June Carter.

If I had to give an award to Reese, it would have been for her role in "Election". =)

Re: Michael Chertoff is Not Gone

A. J. — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 12:27:40 -0000

What does it take?

It's all about the cronies, it's all about the photo-ops...Name one good thing this administration has done for this country since their re-election.

Re: It’s Hard Out Here For a Pimp

A. J. — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 14:50:18 -0000

"Crash" certainly lobbied. I mean, it was a great movie but racisim and the dynamics of it is nothing new..."You don't know what it's like to be black" "yes, I do" "no, you don't"

"Brokeback" will be remembered as a more important, groundbreaking film in the long run. Gay really is the new black in America, and it's sad.

Re: Life in our Solar System?

A. J. — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 11:45:14 -0000

That is interesting...I think a few lines that Jodie Foster had in "Contact" said it beautifully -

"There are 400 billion stars out there, just in our galaxy alone. If just one out of a million of those had planets, and just one in a million of those had life, and just one out of a million of those had intelligent life, there would be literally millions of civilizations out there."

And that's just in this galaxy alone - and we are on the outskirts of it. Not to mention there are billions upon billions of other galaxies, many much bigger than our ours.

Astronomers find other plantes outside our solar system by the wobble movement of other stars - that way they know there is a planet orbiting it. It's amazing we are able to calculate that, but these our basically our neighboring stars...We are not even scratching the surface. However, astronomers have found planets orbiting a number of stars considered "close by". Whether they are gas giants or rocky earthlike planets doesn't matter - the fact that most stars we check up on tend to have some sort of system is promising.

Re: Life in our Solar System?

A. J. — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 12:16:19 -0000

Jesse - How do you explain our planet then? There is soooo much room for possibility, if it happened here means it could easily happen elsewhere. Even Mars is a failed earthlike planet...

Heres something interesing from a physics website I read:

The Elements of Life

It is reasonable to assume that life, wherever it might begin, would form itself out of the most abundant elements available to it. This does not mean that life based on such rare elements as holmium or hafnium could not exist, only that it would be very unlikely. In nature there are 85 stable elements (from hydrogen to uranium) and just four of them - hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen - comprise more than 95% by weight of all living matter on Earth. Except for the gases helium and neon (which because of their inert nature do not form chemical compounds), these four elements are also the four most abundant elements in the universe. Curiously, they are not the four most abundant elements on Earth (these are oxygen, iron, silicon and magnesium). In other words, the composition of living matter resembles the composition of the stars more than the planet we live on! Perhaps it is not surprising, therefore, that several people have proposed theories to suggest that life arrived on Earth rather than originated here (among them Lord Kelvin, Nobel prizewinner Francis Crick, and astrophysicist Fred Hoyle).

Fascinating.

Re: Life in our Solar System?

A. J. — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 12:49:57 -0000

To believe that the earth was created in six days, and the whole planet was populated by incest thru Adam and Eve, AND at the same time dismiss the idea that other life exits in this huge universe IS pretty absurd...

But there is obviously some sort of higher, unexplained intelligence keeping the balance. I think the universe is too beautiful and perfect to think otherwise... God is much bigger than what any human being can write down in a book and call it "the word of God"... We shouldn't be afraid to open our minds and give "God" a little more credit.

Re: Life in our Solar System?

A. J. — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 12:58:36 -0000

Wow - very cool.

Re: Life in our Solar System?

A. J. — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 13:37:58 -0000

Well using Drudge as a source isn't saying much...

If any of the major news websites were carrying the story with a headline of "major announcement expected from NASA" I would be more let down...

But a geyser spewing liquid water on a moon orbiting the icy reaches of Saturn is pretty cool.

Re: The Course of Human Events

A. J. — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 12:13:58 -0000

It's far too familiar... We're so full of nationalism, patriotic symbolism and chant things like "freedom isn't free!" - as if we're trying desperately remind ourselves we live in America when we shouldn't have to.

Considering we will be attacked again in the future, it frightens me to think what powers the American people will allow the government to assume in it's wake out of fear.

Re: The Course of Human Events

A. J. — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 14:39:27 -0000

WOW - Sandra Day O'Conner apparently gave an incredible speech at Georgetown! She warns of the beginnings of a dictatorship in response to partisan anger toward to the judicial system. She apparently didn't allow her speech to be broadcast, but I hope someone has the audio of it somewhere....

http://www.pnionline.com/dnblog/attytood/archiv...

Re: Just can’t grasp the hype

A. J. — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 17:26:14 -0000

Since 'V for Vendetta" opens today, not many people besides critics have actually seen it yet...But so far it's achieving exactly what it hopes to - debate and controversy.

We need that always in this country. This movie is said to fall in line with "A Clockwork Orange" and "1984" using images and references that are very subjective in nature. But if 9/11 hadn't happened, no one would be squaking about this movie "promoting terrorism"... The same could have been said for "Clockwork" promoting rape.

Besides, is it really promoting "terrorism"?? I guess the terrorists on 9/11 did succeed if people are so freaked out about terrorism we are lowered to debating this movie!!... If anyone read the history what this movie is based on, besides a comic, it has its roots in the true story of Englishman Guy Falkes trying to blow up Parliment in the early 1600s. He wanted to do it because Britian was persecuting everyone that didn't conform to their brand of religion and way of life. If he had succeeded, he'd probably be seen as a freedom fighter today -- and he is in many ways.

Re: Just can’t grasp the hype

A. J. — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 17:42:14 -0000

Simply put - If someone blew up Saddam Hussein's palace, would they be a terrorist or a freedom fighter?

Re: Quote of the Day

A. J. — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 13:03:31 -0000

It's very stupid. I understand they want to reduce the risk of drunk driving, but I imagine there are more important matters the police should be dealing with than waiting around for someone to start making a fool of themselves in some bar.

Re: Absurd Polling Practices

A. J. — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 14:13:04 -0000

Polls can be manipulated just like anything else. That's why people shouldn't trust any individual poll. When you have 3-6 polls saying the same thing give or take a few percentage points, those should be taken more seriously.

Re: My Area is So Boring

A. J. — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 12:51:29 -0000

I guess I should feel lucky to live in San Francisco... It's easier to find Ethiopian than it is to find a Wendy's - and even if you wanted "fast food" you can easily find a place that uses free-range beef and baked fries.

Re: Tens of Thousands in the Streets

A. J. — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 15:13:19 -0000

I love your last line there in your message to the Mexican Govt.

What I can say is every Mexican worker I've seen on the job was much harder working than the average American. They aren't sitting on their asses... Even if they are using bogus SSC cards - the government sucks up their taxes and they see nothing obviously. I'm not saying it's right or wrong -- I pass them every day on the way to work standing on a street corner wanting a job. Far contrast from some fatass white trash mom with a "proud to be an American" sticker on her beat up car who pumps out another kid so she can collect more money off the government.

Re: Tens of Thousands in the Streets

A. J. — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 19:18:12 -0000

Yes they are illegals...so? SECURE THE BORDER!! My point is that they are here working and contributing - the vast majority anyway.

We shouldn't demonize the ones pouring over here illegally - because it's our own fault. Sean Hannity is spewing stuff like they are violating the sanctity of this country or some bullcrap as if they are all criminals.

I'm am all for getting tough on illegal immigration, but those people just want a better life. Can you blame them? They are not the enemy.

Re: Tens of Thousands in the Streets

A. J. — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 11:51:39 -0000

I agree with you guys... I'm not sympethetic to illegal immigrants, I just don't blame them either. Because it's our fault. Why should we be surprised at the mumber of illegals here? If a fraction of the time, money, and manpower that we spend in Iraq was spent on the border we could get something done about the problem.

This isn't a liberal or conservative issue. If it was, something would have been done about it. For example, my own grandfather owns a huge paint & drywall company out of Phoenix. He's a lifelong Republican and his company employs thousands. He admits that if he went thru and fired every single mexican that did not have, or was in the process of gaining citizenship - the company would probaby fall apart. He's not the only one. That is a huge reason why this has been ignored for so long and why it's the latest wedge issue in an election year - but notice how everyone shut up on Capitol Hill after a 500,000 strong protest in LA and others elsewhere. Immigration is not going to become what gay marriage was for the Republicans in 2004.

I think we should titghten security at our border, but like I said before, this problem is OUR PROBLEM. We let it happen and now we're blaming the Mexicans because we have an open border.

Re: Tens of Thousands in the Streets

A. J. — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 12:26:59 -0000

It will be a long and painful process, that's for sure. Because it's been going on for so long, and suddenly people act as if they are surprised.

Deporting all illegals immediately sounds like an easy solution, but take one look at the crowd that converged on downtown L.A. over the weekend, which was rather hastily planned I might add. As you mentioned, Aaron, what happened in Paris could easily happen in L.A. and spread to other cities.

We can't fix a problem that's been going on for decades overnight.

Re: Crossroads in American History

A. J. — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 17:30:07 -0000

Perhaps because we've realized what a big issue this is. Regardless of whether illegal immigrants deserve to stay here or not, what are we going to do? deport 10 million people? They are here, they are breeding, and they want to contribute to society. Let's make a way for that to happen. In the meantime, get serious about monitoring the border so we can control it.

I agree this is a crossroads in American society, or perhaps a cycle. But it's obvious a lot can change in a few short years. Once Bush is out, or if the balance of power shifts I think it will be very refreshing. Whether the next President is Democrat or Republican - I think a lot has been learned and hopefully won't be repeated.

Re: Crossroads in American History

A. J. — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 15:23:27 -0000

My comment was no tirade against Bush.

It's just time for some change in direction and policy in this country. Bush happens to be President, and things aren't going well. A change in leadership or a shift in power in Congress will be exactly what I said - refreshing. Whether those people make things better is yet to be seen, but I welcome the change.

Re: Crossroads in American History

A. J. — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 11:42:08 -0000

Hannity was talking about this yesterday as if this was the real picture of the entire crowd...In a crowd of 500,000 people there will always be extremists. I highly doubt these images represent the majority, but I certainly believe these groups were present.

It is scary to see extremist images, and to think they could be growing in number. I think the first step in controlling illegal immigration is not just going after the illegals themselves or closing the border, but going after big business that lobbies to keep the flow of cheap labor coming into this country. As long as there is enough workers flooding the market, wages and benefits can be kept at the bare minimum.

Something funny I heard, on the issue of a fence being built... Someone on the radio here locally said, "How are they going to build a fence along the border without Mexican workers?" Puts things into perspective.

Re: President Rice is Winning Folks Over

A. J. — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 12:02:39 -0000

I hope she does!!! What entertainment that will be watching her up against McCain and the rest during the primary! Not to mention if she takes the nomination and we go to the main event of Clinton vs. Rice...

Dick Morris just wants to see those two up against each other so bad he'll say anything... What I do find fascinating is people who think Rice could beat Hillary.

My prediction is this: If Rice is serious about running for President, Cheney will step down (citing health concerns perhaps) and she will be elevated to Vice President sometime before 2008. It will give her just the boost she needs to catapult her into the spotlight as a serious candidate and the first woman, black Vice President in history.

If that doesn't happen, I doubt she'll be able to compete with John McCain or the more social conservative Republicans when the time comes.

Re: President Rice is Winning Folks Over

A. J. — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 15:10:53 -0000

Are you serious Aaron? I know she's a doctor and she's probably brilliant, but what's so great about her? How does anyone really know where she really stands on most issues?

Re: President Rice is Winning Folks Over

A. J. — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 18:54:35 -0000

Cancelling the sex card will help Hillary more than it will help Rice.

Foreign affairs is important, but Hillary has more than Geroge W. Bush had before he became President. Even now, post 9/11, people are coming back to domestic issues as priorities.

Rice is black, but the fact that Republican pundits will say "Look, we are putting up a black person - we're not rascist" - that right there is rascist. And to be honest, I do think there is a lot of racsim out there like Mike said. There will not be an enthusiastic turnout from Southern/Midwestern Republicans for Condi Rice. If anything, many will turn out to vote against Hillary instead.

Re: President Rice is Winning Folks Over

A. J. — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 19:37:27 -0000

No, no...I was comparing Hillary to President Bush on the issue of foriegn policy. How much did Bush have before becoming President?

I'm laughing about the racism merry-go-round. I don't think you're rascist at all. Many African-Americans feel they are left out because they are poor...I think poor is a huge factor. Affirmative action and race-based initiatives are usually called for by African-Americans because they feel discriminated against. Obivously those aren't solutions - but it's a vicious cycle.

Democrats hand out more - but how do you pull yourself if it's handed to you?

Republicans want people to pull themselves up, but how can you if you are poor and have no services to start with?

Ending up at Wal-Mart is not my definition of "making it" in todays world.

Re: Guilty of Being in Congress While Black

A. J. — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 12:27:52 -0000

Well, the article is misleading...First it implies that McKinney herself said she was a victim of being in Congress while black. Then it goes on to quote her lawyer as making that statement - not McKinney herself.

I think the situation is very understandable. She walks in every day, probably in a hurry. She's probably not used to being stopped for any reason. Someone grabs her from behind and she reacts on instinct. She apologized later.

Re: Guilty of Being in Congress While Black

A. J. — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 15:46:52 -0000

I'm sure McKinney feels that way. But it raises the question... If this were a well known white representative who wasn't wearing his badge, would he have been approached and grabbed by the arm security? Who knows - because it's never happened.

Re: Guilty of Being in Congress While Black

A. J. — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 17:55:59 -0000

You're right, they had to stop her.

But I wasn't there and neither were you. So, who knows how forceful the officer was, or how she happened to hit him. I just think it's interesting that she's been in Congress for six terms and no one recognized her? One thing is for sure - her seat isn't going anywhere. Yahoo picked up the story and her district is loving her for this.

Re: Guilty of Being in Congress While Black

A. J. — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 11:28:57 -0000

Apparently she has a new hair style...Maybe that's why they didn't recognize her. According to one radio talk-show host (a conservative one - Neal Boortz out of Atlanta) she looks like a "ghetto-slut."

Re: Freaky Storms

A. J. — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 16:46:35 -0000

That picture is scary.

Everyone has been having odd weather...It has been raining here almost non-stop for weeks. We are getting hit with rain from Hawaii, and the NW.

Luckily I'll be in Phoenix this weekend -85 degrees and dry.

Re: This Country Can’t Survive Another Bush in the White House

A. J. — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 18:43:31 -0000

I've been thinking more of what you said about America being at a "crossroads" and I think that could apply here...Or perhaps it's more of a transformation period. I believe the Bush presidency is unique, I think we'll be better off in the long run because we've seen the disatrous effects of his policies.

I agree with you about the two-party system, but I disagree about Clinton being "run out of office" - he only left with one of the highest approval ratings for an outgoing President in history.

A McCain/Bush ticket is VERY scary. McCain is freaking me out more every day. Jon Stewart was great when he asked McCain if he was going to "crazy base world"...and McCain responded with, "I'm afraid so". But what makes McCain popular is his maverick appeal. If he starts shifting his views to please conservative primary voters (as he has been recently) he could lose that appeal very quickly.

Re: Your Honor, I Rest My Case.

A. J. — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 14:51:25 -0000

There are 11 million illegal immigrants here. Just because a few make headlines due to violent acts doesn't mean all of those illegals have "something to hide"... Most are just poor and figure if they can get here, and work here, why not? - I would if I was hopeless. Our open border is our own damn fault.

Deporting all the illegal immigrants is just a stupid idea. How is that going to happen? Those demonstrators are very close to taking a page from the French... And just to note, the French rioters got their way.

Re: Your Honor, I Rest My Case.

A. J. — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 16:53:50 -0000

Oh, perfect...Illegal aliens are now the scapegoats for why we have such high crime rates. What radio hack is spewing that?

As long as Bush is President no employer is going to face huge penaltties for hiring illegals. As long as illegals are flooding the market, wages and benefits can be kept down and unions will suffer. Sounds like a Republican dream come true to me.

Re: Your Honor, I Rest My Case.

A. J. — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 17:16:12 -0000

Bush is the President...He has nothing to do with the problem that's been going on for years and years. But with all the scare tactics of outside threats coming to get us apparently, why in the hell hasn't anything been done about the border in recent years? What about thinking in a "post 9/11 view of the world" as Karl Rove likes to call it??

Local governments have been stepping up. The governors of AZ and NM - both Democrats, declared states of emergency last Summer!!! But they were accused of political posturing.

If you have no problem in the government spending billions of dollars in some desert in the Middle East than whats the big deal about the federal government stepping in and putting our tax dollars to work on securing our own border??

Re: Your Honor, I Rest My Case.

A. J. — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 18:00:48 -0000

Exactly what facts did I miss? I wasn't trying to ruffle your feathers or anything.

I assumed as much about you as you did about me when you said I wanted a government "nanny state" not long ago.

Re: Profanity or Not? HELP!!!!!

A. J. — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 18:43:23 -0000

If she was upset about more vivid, graphic language that's one thing...but "damn" and "hell"? - that's ridiculous. What does she want you to say, "gosh darn it, golly gee?"

Re: On Tony “I Don’t Support the President, but I actually do” Snow

A. J. — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:05:45 -0000

It's going to take a lot more than Tony Snow to save a sinking ship.

Re: On Tony “I Don’t Support the President, but I actually do” Snow

A. J. — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:26:24 -0000

Since the 9/11 fog of fear is finally clearing, everyone has fractured and splintered off over so many different issues. That's been the problem for Democrats in recent years, but now it's hitting Republicans too. Regardless of how Tony Snow will spin things for the White House, it's going to be very interesting watching candidates position themselves in such a volitile political climate.

Re: California Joins Illinois in Calling for Bush Impeachment

A. J. — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 14:42:31 -0000

It's so ridiculous...Congress will not do anything as long as it remains in Republican hands. I'm glad some states are moving to raise the issue. Republicans went after Bill Clinton and Hillary from the time he stepped foot in office and called them everything from theives, rapist, and even murderers. What did they settle on and spend millions investigating? A blow job...Chanting "rule of law". Funny they turn a blind eye when the President walks all over the Constitution and threatens civil liberties, plus, there are too many reports that support he intentionally misled us on Iraq.

Re: California Joins Illinois in Calling for Bush Impeachment

A. J. — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 16:52:07 -0000

What I don't understand is these people who think they are so patriotic think we shouldn't even INVESTIGATE what Bush and his administration has been doing. How many millions were spent INVESTIGATING Clinton over an affair!? Now we have a President who is trampling the Consitution, eliminating civil liberties, making up the law as he goes along, and misled us into going to war in Iraq using 9/11 as a backdrop!

....And all these people who believe they are so patriotic are the first ones to give up their civil rights out of fear! During WWII the entire world was at stake as millions were dying and what did a real leader say?? "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." - FDR... Here's an older one - "They that can give up essential liberty for temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty" - Ben Franklin...

Taht's patriotism...Not blind support for George W. Bush.

Re: California Joins Illinois in Calling for Bush Impeachment

A. J. — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 17:10:25 -0000

He went around the secret FISA court and authorized warrentless wiretapping without their approval...They can wiretap, and then get retroactive approval, and they didn't even do that. So, who knows who they were spying on and for what reason. Ignoring FISA is a breach of the law, is it not? He's using "wartime" to justify doing anything he wants.

When you regurgitate all that stuff about giving up privacy because we are at risk of being attacked by terrorists is opening a door that shouldn't be opened.

Re: Let’s do some Bible math

A. J. — Tue, 30 May 2006 12:10:07 -0000

My birthday is June 6th!

I think if enough people believe the world is going to descend into chaos and end soon - it probably will. The masses frighten me more than any Bible prediction ever would.

Re: Let’s do some Bible math

A. J. — Tue, 30 May 2006 13:25:15 -0000

It seems interesting to me that the people who believe in the book of Revelation are the same people who are most accepting of government intrusion on privacy and the growth of corporate power (one world system). I say that because it is conservatives who tend to turn a blind eye as long as they think their faith and 'values' are adequately represented.

Now that the writing is on the wall, it's funny that people are angry about what they sat back and allowed to happen, or even voted for. I don't care what religion you adhere to whether you're in Iran or here in the U.S....Voting for people who proclaim their faith is what guides them is asking for trouble.

Re: Let’s do some Bible math

A. J. — Tue, 30 May 2006 14:39:09 -0000

The human race has risen from disaster many times. If a plague was wiping out 1/3 of the known population like it did in the Middle Ages, I imagine everyone would think that is the end of the world...I'm sure many at the time did. WWII was is a recent reminder of how easily the world can hang in the balance in the midst of global crisis.

I've said before that we are descendants of an intense religious stranglehold on Europe that last for centuries. They used the fear of God to control people. The church may not be in control anymore, but most people still fear God, or whatever force the word 'God' describes. The Bible says God created man in his own image...People take that quite literally but what if it means that the human race, including all of nature, are simply manifestations of God, the 'good' and 'bad' all combined?? Therefore, instead of saying that things are out of our control, perhaps God is simply working thru all of us and we do have the power and the will to make this world whatever we want it to be.

The reason we feel so lost and afraid is because we've voluntarily seperated ourselves from God, instead of believing that we are all a part of God experiencing life.

Re: President Rice is Winning Folks Over

A. J. — Wed, 31 May 2006 16:46:55 -0000

How is it that blacks and hispanics will join Republican ranks just for Condi? That sounds like because she is female and black, she suddenly has a base of support regardless of the issues...That's a form of racism right there.

Re: President Rice is Winning Folks Over

A. J. — Wed, 31 May 2006 19:04:50 -0000

I am curious how she would handle things apart from Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld. It would be something to see the first woman/black/lesbian President all in one.