Democratic Convention Watch: Open Thread

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Open Thread

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

What is McCain's latest "senior moment", what does Obama need to do to win in November or whatever else is on your mind.

And please be excellent to one another. We do not accept name calling or any attacks on our commenters. Any objectionable comments will be deleted. Try to be civil.

Thanks!

New Open Thread here
This one is now closed for comments.

4188 comments:

«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 4188 Newer› Newest»

Joshua said...: The freeloading BushMcCain wants to bask in Obama’s spotlight. BushMcCain is free to go on his townhall meetings every day, all by himself – along with the four people who want to see him. Obama should stick to his campaign of talking to Americans, 50 thousand at a time. It absolutely makes no sense to remove the Obama advantages and give BushMcCain free publicity and exposure.; June 13, 2008 4:14 PM
RobH said...: Bummer, Bummer. Bummer.
I am really sad right now.
He was an "anchor" in the biggest sense of the word.

This puts a LOT of stuff in perspective.; June 13, 2008 4:49 PM
JayW said...: You guys have to check out this game... it is actually pretty neat!!

http://www.miniclip.com/games/campaign-game/en/; June 13, 2008 5:54 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.; June 13, 2008 6:13 PM
Joshua said...: It is refreshing when a prominent personality slips and speaks the truth. Tom Brokaw, speaking about the death of Tim Russert, said: “When someone crossed him, Tim did not forgive and never forgot.” How is that for honesty?; June 13, 2008 7:50 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.; June 13, 2008 7:59 PM
Independent Voter said...: Stop - I told you, you must have been misdirected to this site. The one that you want is HERE

I'm that if you go there, you will fit right in with you Republican talking points. Now GROW THE HELL UP!; June 13, 2008 8:27 PM
Independent Voter said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; June 13, 2008 8:29 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; June 13, 2008 8:54 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Okay everyone the new Open Thread EV (electoral vote) contest has started :)

The closer the election is the easier to guess the winning number will be. So we will have a cut off date for number submissions of July 13th 11:59pm.

Guesses so far:

RobH - 317
Leah - 345

.; June 13, 2008 10:06 PM
apissedant said...: 322 EVs.
I wanted 317, but some inconsiderate person took my number, so I decided Obama will magically take WV.; June 13, 2008 11:54 PM
Aunt Jean said...: My thoughts and prayers go out to Tim Russert family. Jean; June 14, 2008 12:00 AM
Aunt Jean said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; June 14, 2008 12:12 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Hi everyone how is everybody tonight it was hot as hell today. I sweated my butt off. I burnt some old tree limbs and some grass cuttings for my mother.I'm sitting here in my ac and that is where I will be the rest of the night was going to go out but changed my mind. My bed looks to inviting LOL Jean; June 14, 2008 12:20 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Okay everyone a question for ya'll. Since there are just so many toss up states should we allow folks to be able to go ahead and guess the same EV numbers as other people?

We could end up having multiple winners but that would be okay, right?; June 14, 2008 12:42 AM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - that is too funny...WV that is. I think he'd have a better shot taking KY. LOL

-----

Aunt Jean, It was GORGEOUS here today....hehehehehe - you can ask Jean on that one, I'm sure she'll tell you the same thing.....I would say it was 75 here today with a slight sea breeze....LOL

-----

Leah, I'm not even going to try and guess because if I had it my way it would be 538! LOL; June 14, 2008 1:07 AM
suzihussein22 said...: Aunt Jean-Hi. It's getting kinda hot here too. Life happens. We're getting ready for my sister-in-law's wedding and my mom's not doing good, so my postings going to be pretty sporadic for the summer. God bless; June 14, 2008 1:11 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Open Thread Electoral Vote Contest

The closer the election is the easier to guess the winning number will be. So we will have a cut off date for number submissions of July 13th 11:59pm. Duplicate number guesses will be allowed since there are only so many combinations available.

Guesses so far:

RobH - 317 (1)
apissedant - 317 (2)
Leah - 345
Independent voter - 538 ;)

.; June 14, 2008 1:23 AM
Independent Voter said...: Leah, that was not a guess, just wishful thinking. LOL But hey, go ahead and put me down for it anyway.

LOL; June 14, 2008 1:38 AM
suzihussein22 said...: With Dems like this, who needs an enema-

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/13/tennessee-dem-suggests-obama-may-be-terrorist-connected/

Just trying to be punny...trying being the operative word.:)

This is what I'm dealing with too. I went back over Mrs. Obama's videos last weekend to tell some folks she never said she didn't like America. I've got my hands full in this part of the state.; June 14, 2008 1:42 AM
Independent Voter said...: This is so disturbing

Who in the hell would create a poster yet alone paste it on the internet.

I am so sick of this sick mofo's. Republican or Democrat, I don't care who the hell posted crap like this, they need to be hung up by their balls.; June 14, 2008 1:48 AM
Independent Voter said...: oops, I really should proof-read my work a little better, I'm just really pissed.

*this should have been "these" in my last post.; June 14, 2008 1:49 AM
Independent Voter said...: ss - I sent an e-mail to the Tennessee Democratic Party expressing my disgust with Mr. Hobbs - especially since he is supposed to be the Chairman of their organization.

Disgusting isn't it.; June 14, 2008 1:52 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: I think that there is going to be many nasty things coming in the future.

I also think that because of how so many people are acting and things that they are saying -- America does not deserve to have a person such as Senator Obama as President. Obama deserves much more better than what he is getting from the smearers!!!

But no one said that this would be an easy journey... I just wish it would be more civil and more respectful.; June 14, 2008 1:53 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: I am pretty sure that the political careers (as a democrat) of Dan Boren Jr. and Mr. Hobbs are not going to be going anywhere in the future and the DNC will probably try to boot them out of the party as soon as they can! :); June 14, 2008 1:57 AM
Beryl said...: Independent,
Emailing was a good thing to do.

I sent an email to Lincoln Davis also at this link:
https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml

You must use a zipcode in his area such as 38556

Hobbs is a real slim-ball.; June 14, 2008 1:57 AM
suzihussein22 said...: iv-I can't even begin to repeat what I thought about that. They say it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around, but how about a few less POS?; June 14, 2008 1:59 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Softspoken22

your mom will be in my prayers tonight. Sorry she's not doing well I know what it's like. Jean; June 14, 2008 2:11 AM
Independent Voter said...: Leah - I hear ya, I hope McCain doesn't jump in the sewer. I have the feeling he will. If he does I hope the DNC is willing to jump right in there with him so that Obama can stay above the fray. I also hope that moveon actually does there job better this election cycle to help top the smears.

Since McCain said he "couldn't control" what the 527's or the RNC does, I think it's going to get really nasty. Especially now that using the words "confused", "out of touch", and "losing his bearings" are considered to be ageist.

------

Beryl, that is why I just sent it to the Tennessee Dem Party. It wasn't Davis who said it, but Hobbs did.

----------

SS, like I said, they need to strung up by their balls.; June 14, 2008 2:12 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Independent voter-

Regarding the link of the photo you posted - the exhibit was shut down and the man was interrogated ....
_________

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=5765

The artist thought his racist views were protected under the Constitution because he was expressing himself through his art. Wrong. Not 30 minutes after Arboleda set up the gallery across the street from the New York Times building, police, feds and secret service swooped in to shut the art exhibit down. While police covered the offensive storefront window with brown paper, Arboleda was led away in handcuffs to be "interrogated".; June 14, 2008 2:26 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Here are more of what was on exhibit. It's a good thing it was shut down!!!

http://www.truthfighters.tv/blogcomment/?start=16&blog_id=175; June 14, 2008 2:30 AM
Independent Voter said...: Leah, thank you for posting that link. I hadn't gone beyond my initial disgust, not wanting to find out anything further about it.

Here's a quote out of the article "To prove himself as an equal opportunity offender, Arboleda also featured an Assassination of Hillary Clinton exhibit."

Unbelievable! The man has absolutely ZERO shame! What the F### is WRONG with people these days? And they call themselves "artists"? I don't think so. I hope the guy is charged, tried, found guilty and then hung up by his balls and become someone's playmate in the pen.; June 14, 2008 2:32 AM
suzihussein22 said...: Sounds like he better watch out for you or he'll really be missing his endowment.:(; June 14, 2008 2:38 AM
Independent Voter said...: LOL SS!!!!!!!!!; June 14, 2008 2:39 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: I worry for Senator Obama all the time. If he doesn't become president it seems as if he will have to still have secret service guys to protect him because there are too many crazy people out there that might do him and his family harm. It is sad that in 2008 there are still such hateful people in the USA.

It's sad that he had to turn his life so upside-down just to be able to do good things for America.; June 14, 2008 2:43 AM
Joshua said...: 1. There are some things you should never post on the internet. If you have anything specific, communicate with the secret service directly.

2. For those who further publicize smut, what’s the point in giving offensive speech more air time?; June 14, 2008 3:21 AM
suzihussein22 said...: iv-Just don't filet this filly.:); June 14, 2008 3:32 AM
Karen Anne said...: Anyone else think McCain is refusing to agree to a reasonable number of town hall/debate things because he now wants none of them, having realized how badly he'll look with his poor command of the facts and terribly unpopular policies?

I hope at least a few get scheduled and televised.; June 14, 2008 9:13 AM
UUbuntu said...: Leah -- thank your for that link. I wasn't aware of the exhibit.

1. That exhibit disgusted me.
2. Artistic expressions like this are why we have a first amendment.

I believe that it was protected expression and did not represent a threat to either candidate.

However, I do understand the reasons for shutting it down -- and it probably had little to do with what was inside those walls and everything to do with the word "assassination" that was so prominently displayed to the public. But while I understand it, I don't agree with it.

If the first amendment doesn't protect expression like this, then what's the point of the first amendment?

I'm over at Democratic Elections Forum (Richard's moderated discussion) where I started a thread on this.; June 14, 2008 9:17 AM
Meg said...: OK guys, my prediction is 300, low I know.

On some website which I can't remember I saw a list of 4 debates already scheduled. Is this true? Are there debates scheduled outside of the campaigns' negotiations? Apparently, McCain doesn't like the debate format. No surprise there.

I've been watching the coverage of Tim Russert. I'm surprised at how sad I am that he's gone. I think there are a few high-profile figures who really are authentic, who are not in it to make themselves look good. I guess that's why I like Obama. Call me naive, but I'd rather be naive than cynical.; June 14, 2008 10:25 AM
apissedant said...: Speech that insights violence is not protected. I am glad the link was posted, because we have to see the dirty side, so that we never forget that it is still there. Whenever we refuse to repeat the smut, we allow those people teetering on the edge of racism to claim that their statements aren't racist. They get to say that the confederate flag is about southern pride, and that the noose is just a joke. When someone like this puts them all together (although he didn't use the confederate flag), it allows everyone to see that these items are not independent. The noose is not a joke, and will always have racist thoughts and beliefs attached to it.

Remember that a secret service agent was recently placed on leave for hanging a noose in the secret service building. He wasn't fired because he called it a joke, and they let him get away with it. This is just another example of it most definitely not being a joke.; June 14, 2008 10:27 AM
Richard said...: After much consideration, I'm going to ask for 304 in the EV contest. If you're interested, you can check out the map of my predictions. I went back and forth on MO, but in the end I think Obama will take it.; June 14, 2008 12:03 PM
suzihussein22 said...: issedantpa-Ooh, that confederate flag. My husband used to reenact for the Union. He got all kinds of **** for refusing to be a confederate. If they really needed somebody, he would only do it as a Union prisoner of war. At least I can say TN was last to recede and first to come back.; June 14, 2008 12:05 PM
tmess2 said...: Hate doing early predictions, it requires being a psychic rather than working the numbers. For my June projection I will say 315 EVs for Obama.

I really want a chance to do a second contest with picks between September 12th and October 1st when the polls settle down and we are actually analyzing real numbers (including the actual state of the economy heading into the election).; June 14, 2008 12:12 PM
Oregon Dem said...: Leah:

I am feeling optimistic this fine sunny morning in Oregon - so I will take 332 for my EV in the contest. I get there by having Obama take VA and NC along with those that are just leaning his way at the moment (Ohio, Mich and New Mexico).; June 14, 2008 12:34 PM
suzihussein22 said...: It seems so long ago I was already checking out past Electoral College outcomes. My scenario came up with 298 EVs. Close counts in horseshoes too, eh? :D; June 14, 2008 1:08 PM
JayW said...: Well, since it is just a game...

I'll take 269.

Yup, that's right... 269 to 269 with it going to the House to be resolved.

Why not? Eerything else in this election season has been historic, why not this too?; June 14, 2008 2:09 PM
Emit R Detsaw said...: I'll take 429 EV for Obama if it is Obama vs McCain.

Back of my mind I see the republicans replacing McCain at their convention. Dude is completely unsuited to lead America for the next four years.; June 14, 2008 2:55 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Emit- Good point. I could easily see the GOP replacing McCain at the 11th hour. If that happens, my silly prediction shouldn't count.; June 14, 2008 3:07 PM
apissedant said...: I pick 539. I believe that Puerto Rico will be given an EV before November; June 14, 2008 3:35 PM
Independent Voter said...: Emit, I think the only way he wouldn't be the nominee (which I think he would be replaced by Romney) is if he falls over between now and then.

Seeing how easily he blows a gasket I could that actually happening, especially once he and Obama begins to really debate.

Is it me or has anyone else noticed that when he [McCain] is doing his prepared speeches via teleprompter, he talks to his audience as if they were a bunch of 1st graders? And then when he cracks what he thinks is a good joke he looks and sounds [that strange laugh..hehehehe] extremely sinister. It really gives me the creeps. Kind of reminds me of those "Stranger Danger" movies they made us sit through all throughout grade school.; June 14, 2008 3:38 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - ROFLMAO

Hillary did say she was going to push for it didn't she.

Why not just give that one to John McCain, at least he won't be able to say he lost all the EV's. LOL; June 14, 2008 3:40 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Open Thread Electoral Vote Contest

The closer the election is the easier to guess the winning number will be.
So we will have a cut off date for number submissions of July 13th 11:59pm.
Duplicate number guesses will be allowed since there are only so many combinations available.
The list reflects the number of EVs for Obama (vs. McCain).

Submissions so far:

Emma - 300
Richard - 304
tmess2 - 315
RobH - 317 (1)
apissedant - 317 (2)
JayW - 269
softspoken22 - 298
Oregon Dem - 332
Leah - 345
Emit R Detsaw - 429
Independent voter - 538

.
Anyone that submits an early guess will be allowed to ADD a second guess October 1st - 3rd. The early guess will be our main contest. The second guess will be considered a separate contest.; June 14, 2008 3:47 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: apissedant -

What is your real guess?

322 or 317 or 539 :); June 14, 2008 3:49 PM
Independent Voter said...: WOW!!!!!!!

John McCain is LOSING it! And this is the type of person John McCain hangs around. I wonder if McCain REALLY wants to go down the road of guilt by association anymore. I say go for John McCain, try it. More of these characters will be coming out, not to mention your calling your wife a "C".

WASHINGTON — Questions from the media prompted Republican John McCain to cancel a fundraiser at the home of a Texas oilman who once joked that women should give in while being raped.

The Texan, Republican Clayton "Claytie" Williams, made the joke during his failed 1990 campaign for governor against Democrat Ann Richards. Williams compared rape to the weather, saying, "As long as it's inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it." He also compared Richards to the cattle on his ranch, saying he would "head her and hoof her and drag her through the dirt."

You can read the rest here; June 14, 2008 4:14 PM
Independent Voter said...: Granholm: Obama to give full votes to Mich, Fla delegates

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm says she has gotten personal assurances from presidential candidate Barack Obama that he'll restore the full voting rights of Michigan and Florida's national convention delegates.

Granholm says Saturday during a conference call with reporters that Obama told her he plans to make sure delegates from both states get their full votes.; June 14, 2008 4:53 PM
Independent Voter said...: Here's a Touching story I think everyone could use. Ya, it's one of those YEARS later stories. I know it's a little lengthy but I think we could all use a "lift-me" up. :) Enjoy!

In 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from NorthwesternUniversity.

On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully.

He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his hunting knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away. Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.

Twenty years later, Peter was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teen aged son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Peter and his son Cameron were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.

Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant. Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder. The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter legs and slammed his stupid ass against the railing, killing him instantly.

Probably wasn't the same elephant.; June 14, 2008 5:18 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Independent voter-

Okay now to be fair and balanced we will have to find a good story about a 'donkey' :)

Hopefully one where the donkey kicks the elephant's butt ;)

Obama '08 - The leader of the donkey party and the next President of the United States of America!; June 14, 2008 5:42 PM
Independent Voter said...: Leah, LOL! Very true.

-----

And yes, that story was a joke.; June 14, 2008 5:50 PM
billyjay66 said...: independant voter about Texas oilman.

I remember that election and what a hoot it was to watch that guy shoot himself in the foot time after time. That guy seemed so old then I never dreamed he was still alive.

Unfortunately he was the only Republican man Ann Richards was able to beat. Had Clayton Williams won Shrub would have never become governor and in some alternate universe floating out there Al Gore may still be President!; June 14, 2008 6:16 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: I like the map at RCP. They are showing McCain leaning in Texas and not solid.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/maps/obama_vs_mccain/

I still think there is a chance that Obama will take Texas in the GE. Also I think Obama will take NV, CO, NM, OH, VA, and maybe NC, IN, MO.

After America sees Obama with McCain in the first debate I think that many of the leaning states will go solid for Obama.

.; June 14, 2008 6:29 PM
tmess2 said...: If Mitt Romney were to get the Republican nomination, 400 EVs for Obama would not be out of the question. You would have a tight three-way race across most of the South because some the folks who won't vote for an African-American to be President also won't vote for a Mormon to be President either.

You might actually see the Libertarian Party get its first electoral votes ever.; June 14, 2008 6:38 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Here is something to keep in mind on election night...

On the MSNBC show 'Tucker', Russert predicted the battleground states of the 2008 presidential election would be New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada, saying, "If Democrats can win three of those four, they can lose Ohio and Florida, and win the presidency."
______; June 14, 2008 6:45 PM
Independent Voter said...: So much for "the surge is working" and the Bush/McCain Administration paying people off to not fight against US forces.

BAGHDAD, June 13 -- The Bush administration's Iraq policy suffered two major setbacks Friday when Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki publicly rejected key U.S. terms for an ongoing military presence and anti-American Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called for a new militia offensive against U.S. forces.

Read the rest HERE; June 14, 2008 7:06 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: The U.S. is calling for 58 permanent bases in Iraq.

THAT IS just insane!!!

.; June 14, 2008 7:20 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
Cute story. I think Barack petitioning for Puerto Rico to get an EV would be hilarious. He should pick Sebelius as the VP, restore Florida and Michigan to full seating, turn all of his Michigan delegates into undecided, and submit a bill in Senate that would give Puerto Rico an EV.

Then we could all sit back with a bucket of popcorn and watch Hillary Clinton's head explode.

Leah,
I guess I'm going with 317. Unless there's a major positive shift between now and November, and the Republicans decide against properly funding their negative 527s this time around, I don't see Obama taking West Virginia. Honestly, I think bare bones, Obama gets 284. With a little work and a good VP selection, I can see him taking Ohio and Virginia, and take 317. If McCain continues being McCain, and Obama avoids mistakes, then we might get lucky and see a landslide. That's the one I'm hoping for, but I'm not counting on it. Republicans are really good at funding excessively terrible negative ads that distract from real issues and the truth. Americans are too good at buying into it.; June 14, 2008 8:09 PM
apissedant said...: Leah,
We have to replace all the bases we closed here in the states. We saved billions of dollars by closing all those bases, you didn't think the defense was going to give up those billions of dollars, did you?; June 14, 2008 8:12 PM
apissedant said...: Hey,
Can you give me a clue what Stop said that was bad enough for the moderators to actually delete his comments? They let people get away with a lot, so I assume he went a bit over the top.; June 14, 2008 8:13 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: apissedant -

Let's just, as they say, 'let sleeping dogs lie' - the point is that his/her propaganda posts are no longer here, so that is a good thing. My guess is that DCW did not want Obama smears on this website since it is a pro-democratic site.; June 14, 2008 8:27 PM
apissedant said...: Leah,
Thanks, I'll take your advice. He was getting very annoying and repetitive, just didn't know if he also increased his level of offensiveness. I should just be glad he's gone, you're right. ;); June 14, 2008 8:37 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant,

Agreed! don't get stop started again. LOL.....

As far as the story, I got chewed out on the Obama website by someone saying, that's a horrible story, why did you post that?

My response was, LIGHTEN UP! IT WAS A JOKE!; June 14, 2008 8:42 PM
Joshua said...: Independent
We are not amused.; June 14, 2008 10:24 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
I like stupid stories. I was amused.; June 14, 2008 10:44 PM
Independent Voter said...: Thanks p'd ant. Me too!; June 14, 2008 10:49 PM
Joshua said...: This is not a question of humor or lack thereof. Post-adolescents prefer heft. We definitely were not amused.; June 14, 2008 10:55 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Mike-

You really should define who the 'we' is that you are referring to or else use the word ' I '.

What happened, did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? :); June 14, 2008 11:03 PM
Joshua said...: Leah, you see, if not explained then you also are left out. We are not amused as in “royal” we.; June 14, 2008 11:23 PM
Joshua said...: Independent,
We just went through 18 months of bruising campaign. In that campaign one of the contestants made plans that included a hope that her opponent got assassinated. The future direction of the country depends on the outcome. The future of the inhabitants of this planet depends on the outcome. So, enlighten us. Where is the joke?; June 14, 2008 11:24 PM
Joshua said...: Leah,

We are not amused; June 14, 2008 11:32 PM
Independent Voter said...: Mike, the entire story is FICTIONAL! It is SATIRE!

Excuse me if you are not familiar with dark humor. But don't expect the rest of us to bow down to you because you don't find it amusing. Some of us DO have a sense of humor.; June 15, 2008 12:06 AM
Independent Voter said...: An example of dark humor oh enlightened one, would be the following:

Is there anything funny about divorce? I'm sure that most people would say absolutely not and I would have to agree with them. Well I for one laughed my ass off when I saw the movie "War of the Roses". I'm sure that most people who saw it did too.

Come down off your pedestal before you fall off.; June 15, 2008 12:17 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Mike
We just went through 18 months of bruising campaign. In that campaign one of the contestants made plans that included a hope that her opponent got assassinated.I know who you are talking about and you know good and well that is not what she meant. Leave it alone please. Jean; June 15, 2008 12:18 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Apissedant

I don't find this funny at all as a matter of fact I find it tacky.

Then we could all sit back with a bucket of popcorn and watch Hillary Clinton's head explode.

Jean; June 15, 2008 12:22 AM
Aunt Jean said...: To all Obama supporters it would be appreciated if you wouldn't start bashing Hillary again. I believe the media did enough of that. Jean; June 15, 2008 12:24 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: um, I liked the elephant story, but then, I like that sort of humor.; June 15, 2008 12:26 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Mike-

Since I am sure you are neither royalty or the Pope then you should not speak in the third person.

Also, no one on this thread appointed you to be the judge of what is funny and what is not. The elephant story was humorous. If you did not, then the best thing to do is just move on.

Now can we all get back to the fun stuff - politics ;); June 15, 2008 12:34 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: amen, Leah!

hey, it was finally pleasant-ish here today, the sun FINALLY came out and everything. Pacfic NW, here, it's been more than a tad chilly and very wet.; June 15, 2008 12:40 AM
Aunt Jean said...: I thought the elephant story was funny but I'm a little sad for the dumbass guy. LOL Jean; June 15, 2008 12:41 AM
Independent Voter said...: Hey Aunt Jean, how are you doing tonight?

I would like to ask, did you at least find the fictional elephant story amusing?

And thank you vicki, I too find dark humor funny.

And Mike, NO the story was NOT meant to be anything related to politics at all. It was simply a joke that I received through e-mail and I wanted to share it with the rest of my FRIENDS here on the thread.; June 15, 2008 12:48 AM
Independent Voter said...: LOL Jean!; June 15, 2008 12:48 AM
Independent Voter said...: Vicki,

Here in San Diego, and Jean (Not Aunt Jean) can attest to the fact that normally we don't have the best weather in May or June (May gray, June gloom), but I have to say, it has been absolutely gorgeous this year. At least it has been after 10am or so. Once the marine layer clears out, it has been really nice 75 sunny, nice sea breeze. Sorry Aunt Jean and Leah, I know how hot it must be there. I'm originally from Phoenix and I hated the summers.; June 15, 2008 12:51 AM
Joshua said...: Leah,
But,
We are!; June 15, 2008 12:56 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: It has been only a little over a week and already we can be sure that three possibles are no longer in the running...

1) Strickland said 'no way'
2) Warner today said he is running for Senator and will not take the VP job.
3) Rendell is out because of the Farrahkan video.

If it keeps up like this then in a month or two - only a couple of people will be left :); June 15, 2008 12:56 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: IV - Our marine layer hasn't been burning off - in fact, it's been leaky. The joke here is that the sun typically comes out on July 5th (or right after the fireworks are done). But this year has been exceptional, it's the coldest spring since something like 1894.

anyway, I got out and pulled dandelions, those beasts have gotten a head start on me this year.; June 15, 2008 12:57 AM
Independent Voter said...: Btw Aunt Jean, I'm sorry, I did make a reference as to Hillary pushing for the PR electoral votes. My apologies, it wasn't meant to be offensive. In a way, I do hope that she will push that idea forward. But at the same time, I think if she pushes for PR she should also push for other territories to have representation in the electoral college like Guam, and the US Virgin Islands, etc.

:); June 15, 2008 12:57 AM
Joshua said...: Independent, we are not talking about the same story, then. Which story did the posters at Obama’s site find not to be funny? The unfunny story deals with Michigan and full weight. We don’t find that story amusing.; June 15, 2008 1:00 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Independent voter-

It IS miserably hot here Houston. And it is only going to get worse before it gets better.

.; June 15, 2008 1:02 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Speaking of dumb humor, go here:
http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/quasim.htm

Mike

(Mike - some of us DO like dumb, sometimes even bordering on morbid, humor as a change of pace.); June 15, 2008 1:02 AM
Independent Voter said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; June 15, 2008 1:03 AM
Independent Voter said...: Mike in Maryland,

ROFLMAO!!!!!!! Anyone got a tissue?; June 15, 2008 1:09 AM
Independent Voter said...: Mike, None of us were finding the MI story funny. We were talking about the elephant story...that was the story that someone on the Obama website gave me hell about.....LOL

Sorry, you and I were definitely not talking about the same story. My apologies.; June 15, 2008 1:10 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Mike-

The elephant story was posted at:

June 14, 2008 5:18 PM

Perhaps YA'LL missed that one ;); June 15, 2008 1:11 AM
Joshua said...: Leah,

Thanks. I didn’t read that one. I thought it was too long and I skipped it. I just went back and looked at it again. And, again, my attention span is too short and I did not read it now either.

I was still smarting from Independent posting here yesterday the link to the smut and I still wish he hadn’t. Then I read his post of June 14, 2008 4:53 PM. We do not find that story amusing. Why don’t we just concede the primary to Hillary if we are going to start conceding away various aspects of the rules by which this primary was fought?

We really do not find it amusing. But thanks for showing us the story you found amusing. It might be. We don’t know.; June 15, 2008 1:24 AM
Joshua said...: Aunt Jean,

Sorry that I offended you with my comment regarding the Primary. It seems to me that you are able to remain a Democrat in spite of your candidate not winning. You are a bigger lady (that is a good thing) than the Clinton pledged delegate who announced yesterday that she would vote for McCain.; June 15, 2008 1:29 AM
Independent Voter said...: Mike - I was still smarting from Independent posting here yesterday the link to the smut and I still wish he hadn’t. Then I read his post of June 14, 2008 4:53 PM. We do not find that story amusing. Why don’t we just concede the primary to Hillary if we are going to start conceding away various aspects of the rules by which this primary was fought?

Mike, I think the reason he is willing to seat MI and FL in their entirety is because it has been accepted by superdelegates and the DNC that he will be the nominee, no matter what happens.

I don't find that funny, I think it is a great.

The post from yesterday, sorry. I personally feel that it falls into that category of "smear" tactics that people are using against our chosen candidate, and an example of what we can expect from the right wingers.; June 15, 2008 1:37 AM
Joshua said...: OK, Independent.

I still would rather that you did not further disseminate smear against Obama. I would prefer that you forward such to his campaign.

And for those worried about the safety of any candidate, do not discuss your fears etc here. We are all aware of our country’s history. Send any valid concerns to the secret service. Further talk does not make any positive contribution.

That is my preference. You may think that it amounts to hiding my head in the sand. No. I am a clear-eyed realist and I know the Republicans will sink to the sewer. That “artist” was not a Republican however. He was just a hater. That speech from him was beneath the level of any political discourse I would expect from Republican.; June 15, 2008 2:04 AM
Independent Voter said...: Mike,

First, what you are suggesting is not realism it is absurdity. If there is a smear or anything to the affect of a smear, I WILL make my fellow Obama supporters aware of it, just as I did the folks over at the Obama campaign. People need to be made aware of these types of things so they know what to be looking out for.

Many of us don't get out much, beyond school or work. For many people blogs and other sites on the internet is where we get our news. MSM hasn't covered that story at all, and many people don't know these types of things are going on and would therefore not know what to be looking out for. So as far as your "preference", that is simply "your" preference. As for myself, I appreciate when others post things here because it helps me keep informed of the good AND yes, the bad that is going on.; June 15, 2008 2:17 AM
Joshua said...: Independent, you are a grown-up and you will do what you will do. C’est la vie. Be advised that the proper treatment for obnoxious speech is shunning. Not giving it an echo chamber. Au revoir.; June 15, 2008 2:40 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Did I miss anyone???
____________________

Open Thread Electoral Vote Contest

The closer the election is the easier to guess the winning number will be.
So we will have a cut off date for number submissions of July 13th 11:59pm.
Duplicate number guesses will be allowed since there are only so many combinations available.
The list reflects the number of EVs for Obama (vs. McCain).

Submissions so far:

Emma - 300
Richard - 304
tmess2 - 315
RobH - 317 (1)
apissedant - 317 (2)
JayW - 269
softspoken22 - 298
Oregon Dem - 332
Leah - 345
Emit R Detsaw - 429
Independent voter - 538

Anyone that submits an early guess will be allowed to add (but not change) a second guess October 1st - 3rd. The early guess will be our main contest. The second guess will be considered a separate contest.
.; June 15, 2008 2:42 AM
Independent Voter said...: So Mr. Holier than thou, are you done on your soapbox?

You will be on my ignore list from here on out. I suggest you do the same with my posts. Especially since you decided to criticize a post for which your A.D.D. gets in the way of reading.

As for me, I look forward to hearing what negative crap comes out so that I will KNOW how to combat it when it comes up in conversations. THAT IS REALISM - staying INFORMED of EVERYTHING that is going on, the good AND the bad.

Goodbye to you TOO!!!!!!!!; June 15, 2008 3:03 AM
Peter said...: Arkansas within single digits. New Rasmussen poll have Obama only 9 points behind McCain. NO, I don`t think he can win here, but it could get competitive, which would be bad news for McCain due to Obamas money advantage. Last Rasmussen Poll had Obama 24 points behind. What we see now is the frustration effect weaken, and this is specially true in Arkansas. I think we can see further improvement if Clinton actually campaigns heavy for Obama. We could see a state like Arkansas within 5-6 points. This would mean that McCain need to focus more on Arkansas and perhapes forget other states like Iowa or Wisconsin where Obama have a good lead at the moment.

There are several states I`m waiting to see polls from now. Neither OH or FL have had polls taken after Clinton endorsed Obama. I am also interested to see if states like Indiana, Alaska, Montana and North Dakota could be competitive.; June 15, 2008 8:07 AM
Karen Anne said...: Leah Texas4Obama,

About the VP candidates announcing they won't accept, I have not seen Obama asking any of those people :-)

I just have my fingers crossed, not, please, Jim Webb. His article on why women shouldn't be in the military is nauseating, the worst sexism I have ever read and so demeaning in every way to women.

I see he's been married three times - where do these guys find women to marry them?; June 15, 2008 8:49 AM
Yamaka said...: Hello Democrats:

After 3 weeks of coast to coast travel, I am back in Houston.

My daughter likes her summer job at Goldman Sachs in NYC and my son has gone to S. Asia for his Cross-Cultural Learning, all paid for by Stanford U!

Life is good. Thank the Lord.

What's cooking up in this site these days?

As a moderate fiscal conservative leaning slightly Left as of today, I may have difference of opinion with most of you (the Far Left Liberal Ideologues!)!

That's the Nature of the Beast.

Please remember, only 20% of the Electorate is either Far Left or Far Right. The Middle is 60%: I am one of them. In order to win this Election the Candidate should get bulk of the Middle.

To get the nod of the Middle, Barack has to speak to them on:

Govt Waste
Responsible Governing
Efficient Governing
Minimal Taxation
National Security
Criminal Justice that worries about the Victims
Clean Air, Clear Water, Clean Safe Workplace etc.

I am surprised that Barack is still talking about SS Tax beyond the $102K Cap. This is very dangerous, IMO.

During recession, no one talks about tax hike. Mondale lost the GE because he "boldly" talked about it. Reagan said, "Here he goes again" with a grin, and won the WH with a landslide!

Barack should slowly move to the Center to win this Election, IMO.

Cheers.; June 15, 2008 10:02 AM
Meg said...: Yam:

How nice to have you back!! STOP got his posts booted and here you are!

When people have lost their jobs and can't afford gas, do you honestly think that "Efficient Governing" and "Criminal Justice that worries about the Victims" are weighing heavily on their minds?

I also question your math.

"Please remember, only 20% of the Electorate is either Far Left or Far Right. The Middle is 60%: I am one of them."

That's 80%. Where's the other 20? And where do you get these numbers anyway? You know, it's nigh impossible to believe what you say without any factual backup.

But anyway, welcome back. I'm happy to hear your kids are doing well. You actually have kids, don't you?; June 15, 2008 10:28 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: IMHO, the big big topic for this election is/will be: the economy!! especially if the price of gas (4.32 here yesterday) does NOT go down significanlty. A lot of folks are trying to figure out how to make ends meet, even in the summer when (theoretically) produce is cheaper and you don't need to heat your home. By next November, we should all be ready for someone who can offer us some sort of relief.; June 15, 2008 11:10 AM
JayW said...: I posted this a while ago but I only heard one response about it.

You should all check it out and give it a try, it is actually really entertaining.

http://www.miniclip.com/games/campaign-game/en/; June 15, 2008 11:28 AM
Independent Voter said...: JayW

Yes, you did post it a while ago. I'm not sure if you got a post I put up a couple days ago. I HATE YOU! Just kidding....I got hooked on beating the hell out of Rudy, Mitt, and Fred - that part just does not get old...hehehehehe; June 15, 2008 12:31 PM
Yamaka said...: "IMHO, the big big topic for this election is/will be: the economy!! especially if the price of gas (4.32 here yesterday) does NOT go down significanlty."

vicki:

You are right on the money.

As James Carville said in 1992 "It's Economy, Stupid", again.

My Two Cents on Oil Prices:

Pelosi and Reid's Congress should pass a bipartisan bill immediately which says,

"In order to achieve the Energy Security of this country, the US Govt is encouraging all share holder owned US Private Companies to explore and develop all forms of energy, including fossil fuel (Offshore exploration), solar (with high capacity durable battery technology), nuclear, wind and geothermal forms, consistent with the protection of the sanctity our Environment".

A passage of this Law will send a powerful message IMMEDIATELY to all the speculators in the Oil Market that the Energy Industry will increase the supply of energy very soon.

This will bring down the Oil price to about $90-$100 a barrel in about a month! This price level is very key to develop and sustain alternate forms of energy production and supply.

Of course, coupled with some level conservation, we can bring down the price at the pump considerably more.

_____________________________

emma:

Yes, as a teacher you can't figure out the simple math!:

20 + 20 + 60 = 100.

The US Electorate is distributed in a bell shaped curve: Far Left is 20%, Far Right is 20% and the Middle is 60%, IMO.

Nearly about 145 million people are working, and the unemployment rate is historically low at about 5%, although it is inching up because of the turmoil in the sub-prime lending/housing market.

We have lived through unemployment rate of nearly 10-15% before!

Do you know how to create jobs?

Encourage the small businesses and the risk takers by attractive tax incentives. They are the back bone of the job market, which is the essence of any vibrant economy.

"A Tax and Spend" mantra of the Liberal Left will drive the job creators away. Then, the economy will be in the toilet!

Think well and act fast.

:-); June 15, 2008 12:56 PM
Meg said...: Yam:

Yes, I am a teacher, and the problem is not my math. It's your English.
What you meant to say was: 20% is Far Left AND 20% is Far Right. Your use of "either...or" in the sentence was inaccurate, as are your statistics I guess. Where did you get these percentages?; June 15, 2008 1:10 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: someone unmentioned left out a key component: we out here in reader-land (the entire US) must also stop consuming energy at our current rate, we can't depend solely on the "supply" side of the equation. It's not difficult, and there are many easy ways to go about it.

I've started walking to the store if I only need a few items, for example. Because the grocery is a short trip, and the car never warms up (reaches it's full mileage potential), it drags down the overall vehicle mpg.

other tips on mileage, boring but oh-so-true: keep your tires properly inflated, drive the speed limit, and don't tailgate. Oh, and if you are headed out to, say, the hardware store, to buy a hammer and nails, think of what other stores along the way you might be passing by, and need stuff from.

other energy-saving tips: get an in-line heater for your water heater, if you have a gas heater (we do). Only run full loads of laundry and dishes. etc etc etc. like I said, boring, but they work.

just simple ways to work on the "demand" part of the equation. We have to work both, it's true. Although I would fight tooth and nail against nuclear energy. It's not harmless, and no matter what kind of reactor you build, you are going to have to figure out where to put the leftovers. And those leftovers (some of them) will be hot for millenia.; June 15, 2008 1:37 PM
Karen Anne said...: Vicki,

I'm just astonished at how my electric bill has dropped after changing to compact fluorescents and not turning on the lights when I don't really need them, like first thing in the morning. I'm using about 1/3 of the electricity I did before.

Now to work on my natural gas bill, which will be much harder.; June 15, 2008 2:10 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Karen Anne said: "Leah Texas4Obama,
About the VP candidates announcing they won't accept, I have not seen Obama asking any of those people :-)"
__________

Karen Anne -

As far as I know Senator Obama has not asked anyone as of yet. But the media has been talking about the various possibilities, people on the internet have been talking, and there is also a VP poll here on DCW. So with that in mind by posting who has come out and said that they vehemently refuse to accept is something interesting to keep up with.

And now John Edwards referring to the VP position has said:

"I'd take anything he asks me to think about seriously, but obviously this is something that I've done and it's not a job I'm seeking," Edwards told ABC News.; June 15, 2008 3:34 PM
apissedant said...: Well I'm glad to see I missed most of the fighting! I was supposed to be writing 5 papers on special education and inclusion, but I found John Grisham's new book too enticing. For any that like Grisham, I definitely recommend "The Appeal." By far the most depressing novel he has written, but also the most realistic.

Dave! Temper temper!

Aunt Jean,
CALM DOWN! It was a joke! I also make jokes about people I like, including myself! I did not wish for her death or anything bad, I just thought it would be funny to see what she would do if Obama gave her everything she wanted, 2 months after she wanted it.

Yam,
You're still dumb.

Emma,
Keep schooling him.

Jay and Dave,
I got addicted to that game too... and I joined the dark side. I made Fred Thompson POTUS. My opponent was Barack Obama. I will go to church and act for forgiveness sometime between now and my death. I'll have to wait 'til someone gets married or dies, because those are the only two occasions that can draw me into a church.; June 15, 2008 3:37 PM
magia said...: Just stopped in to see if any news, and imagine how much fun watching SOME of you get a clue about Mike in MD. His (now we know :) 'royal' hissy fits bespeak an ego that is almost unimaginable.

A little disappointed that you allow the comments that Hillary "planned" an Obama assassination, or something to that effect, to go unchallenged. But it's not an unexpected disappointment.; June 15, 2008 3:38 PM
magia said...: . . . and the elephant story/joke was pretty funny, even for moralist me, who won't make fun of horses or people dying (at least not in public.)

Ciao, bellissimi!; June 15, 2008 3:40 PM
Joshua said...: Good for you, Vicki and Karen!

We are all busy whining about the price of gas when gas is entirely optional. The price of gas is what we are willing to pay. You heard me right. WE SET THE PRICE OF GAS, not the oil companies. The buyer is always the person in control of the price. If enough Americans refuse to buy gas at $4 per gallon, the price will naturally come down. But as long as we line up with open wallets, the price will continue to rise.

So, instead of complaining, do something. First and foremost, don’t pay for $4. Park your car and walk as much as possible. It is easy for me to say since I am under no obligation to ever leave my house. But if you have to work for a living, work as close to home as possible. Consume less. That solves the problem.; June 15, 2008 3:43 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: magia said: "A little disappointed that you allow the comments that Hillary "planned" an Obama assassination, or something to that effect, to go unchallenged. But it's not an unexpected disappointment."
___________________

magia-

No one used the word 'planned' except for you. You can do a Control F and search for the word and you will not find it.

When referring to something some one said it is always a good idea to include the quote and who said it in your comment, because I cannot find the comment you are referring to.; June 15, 2008 3:45 PM
Joshua said...: I agree that Jim Webb is not suitable. It is not up to me. But were I to have a preference, it would not be him. A good VP would have to be a good attack dog, but also willing to play second fiddle. Jim’s ego is much too big and he has taken several offensive stances. The only thing I like about him is when he told Bush junior where to go.; June 15, 2008 3:47 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: magia said: "...even for moralist me, who won't make fun of horses or people dying (at least not in public.)"
_____________

magia-

No one has EVER made fun of people dying on this thread.; June 15, 2008 3:48 PM
Meg said...: I too am avoiding. Correcting essays has to be one of the worst ways to spend a Sunday.

Apissed: I read "The Appeal" and the end is, well it..... Is Grisham a Republican??

Independent: Great elephant story. I told it to my husband and my teenage daughter over brunch and she just kept asking "Is that a true story?" More laughter.

I concluded that Yam will simply not respond to questions about the facts. I think he posts his rants, walks away from the computer for 5 hours, and never worries about how we respond. It's more fun to nail him on his abuse of the English language.; June 15, 2008 3:50 PM
magia said...: Leah, this is for you:

Mike said...
Independent,
We just went through 18 months of bruising campaign. In that campaign one of the contestants made plans that included a hope that her opponent got assassinated. The future direction of the country depends on the outcome. The future of the inhabitants of this planet depends on the outcome. So, enlighten us. Where is the joke?

June 14, 2008 11:24 PM; June 15, 2008 3:54 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Mike-

Since you never have the need to leave your house - you are obviously out of touch with the rest of America that has to go to work for a living.

You must not have a clue about the lives of people that live in the suburbs that have to drive to work, drive to buy groceries, and take their children to school and events.

It is impossible for everyone to move within walking distance of work.

These days even most business districts are zoned as to not allow residential living like in the old days when people had apartments above their stores.

Mike - get real.

Gas is not a luxury is it a necessity to keep America working and our economy from collapsing. If 'everyone' stopped buying gas and stayed home we'd all die of starvation within a couple of months.; June 15, 2008 3:56 PM
magia said...: Leah,

Are you basing your claim that, "No one has EVER made fun of people dying on this thread." on another of your Control F searches? Is that assuming that there must be the exact, explicit words or the thought does not exist? Just wondering.

Not waiting for a reply, anyway. Like I said, ciao tutti!; June 15, 2008 4:00 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: magia posted a quote: "...In that campaign one of the contestants made plans that included a hope that her opponent got assassinated."
_______________________

magai-

'a hope' is much different than a 'plan'.

It is true that Hillary stayed in the race longer than she knew she should have based on her thoughts that 'something' could happen to Obama.

Something could be defined as meaning: some huge misstep, some huge scandal, even something regarding his 'health'.; June 15, 2008 4:03 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: magia said: "A little disappointed that you allow the comments that Hillary "planned" an Obama assassination, or something to that effect, to go unchallenged. But it's not an unexpected disappointment."
______________

magia -

So you see since NO ONE said Hillary 'planned' an Obama assassination... so that is why no one on this thread remarked on it. So there was no reason for you to be 'disappointed'.

It is easy for someone to take something out of context and spin it - and WE here on this thread are smart enough to recognize spin when we see it ;); June 15, 2008 4:08 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: magia said...
Just stopped in to see if any news, and imagine how much fun watching SOME of you get a clue about Mike in MD.

Magia,

You have just demonstrated how UNOBSERVANT you are.

I am Mike in Maryland. The other 'Mike' is the one who used the royal 'we'.

Now go back to the hole under your rock. I suspect that you share that hole with Yamaka/StopObamaNow. Am I right?

Mike; June 15, 2008 4:08 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: no, it's not possible for everyone to stop driving! retirees don't have to work, but many of them are at a point where they must use a car to transport groceries, etc. walking or riding a bike are no longer possible for them.

and if you have kids, there is no way on earth you could hope to do your grocery shopping via foot. Kids need heavy items (milk, etc), and a lot of it, too - that makes hand carrying stuff home virtually impossible.

I use my car for groceries about once a week - I get heavy items, and it runs us around $150 to $200 for two people. Laundry soap, milk, produce, eggs, cheese, yogurt, etc - all those are part of that one trip. The rest of the week, if I need a head of lettuce, that's the walking trips.

I do drive to work many days of the week - but I have my bike out and I expect that I will use it more over the summer.

I do have a small victory garden going - sugar pie punkins, tomatos, beets, and some other miscellaneous stuff - I doubt it will do much to keep the overall household expenses down, but it is fun to watch stuff grow.; June 15, 2008 4:10 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: magia said: -
Leah,

Are you basing your claim that, "No one has EVER made fun of people dying on this thread." on another of your Control F searches? Is that assuming that there must be the exact, explicit words or the thought does not exist? Just wondering."
_______________

magia -

No. I am basing my claim on the fact that I read EVERY comment on this thread (except Yamaka's and stop's) and I have never seen it done. If it had TRULY been done there would have been outrage by many people that post here on this thread and that did NOT happen.

Ciao!; June 15, 2008 4:13 PM
apissedant said...: emma,
NO WAY! Grisham is a total donkey, where would you have gotten the idea he is a donkey? There were rumors last time around about him running for George Allen's Senate seat as a democrat here in Virginia. It never materialized, and we ended up with Jim Webb instead. He is always complaining about corporations buying verdicts and candidates, how could he possibly be a Republican?
His book, "The Innocent Man" is a true story about people sentenced to death that didn't actually commit the crimes.; June 15, 2008 4:17 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: There were several articles online making a connection between Yves Saint Laurent and Hillary Clinton.

Just one of them:

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-et-ysl3-2008jun03,0,1265917.story

If you believe that 'my' comment weeks ago that referred to an era passing - was a joke then it is YOU that have a very strange sense of humor.

magia I will no longer waste me time on you since you seem to enjoy taking people's words out of context.; June 15, 2008 4:23 PM
apissedant said...: This thread has gotten ugly. I don't think I've seen Dave and Leah participate so strongly in the negativity before.; June 15, 2008 4:31 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: apissedant -

I am only rebutting the mis-statements of magia.

I am not a negative person.; June 15, 2008 4:35 PM
Joshua said...: Hello Mike in Maryland,

We were hoping that you would let that slight go unanswered.

Magia, yes, we are one person. You don’t like it? Tough. We would suggest you learn how to read since hope and plan are synonymous to you. That candidate even stated it at a press interview. She did not have to state it. It was apparent to us that she was hoping against hope. All avenues had been closed to her. They were closed before her opponent secured the majority of the elected delegates on May 20. And even after he got the requisite number of total delegates for the nomination, she announced a victory speech including 18 million votes. We know that her hopes are not dead yet. Even on January 21, 2009 she would still see herself as the head of the party.; June 15, 2008 4:36 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Regarding folks that have stated that they are not interesting in being VP:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080615/ap_on_el_pr/veepstakes

Obama '08; June 15, 2008 4:38 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "Do you know how to create jobs?

Encourage the small businesses and the risk takers by attractive tax incentives. They are the back bone of the job market, which is the essence of any vibrant economy.

"A Tax and Spend" mantra of the Liberal Left will drive the job creators away. Then, the economy will be in the toilet!"

Hello Yamaka:

I missed you. Welcome back - after nearly 3 weeks!

I totally agree with your statement above.

Most of the Liberal Gang in this thread have no clue as to how to create new jobs!

Give them the Econ 101 Lecture!

Problems with our schools?

Yes, many of the "teachers" have no clear comprehension of simple matters! Their world knowledge is only what this blog teaches them! They need to "read" a lot before going to the class and "teach" anything to our kids!! lol

These Far Left Liberals believe that whoever has an alternate view point MUST be Yamaka in disguise! Very funny!!

To me, they all sound very similar. Does this mean all these 20 plus participants are JUST one person? Weird.

Listen, go to aol.com and look at the Weekly Straw Poll: This week so far 113.2 K subscribers have voted: 56% favor McCain and 44% favor Obama. The trend is the same from the last week poll.

I believe this numbers because of the sample size of the polls all across the country. Weekly about 500 K participate.

Yam, keep writing. We need critical mass of moderate centrists of the fiscal conservative side here. You are one of the few Silent Majority!

The Vocal Minority is rattling the Country too much. Stop them.; June 15, 2008 4:43 PM
Independent Voter said...: magia, Just stopped in to see if any news, and imagine how much fun watching SOME of you get a clue about Mike in MD. His (now we know :) 'royal' hissy fits bespeak an ego that is almost unimaginable.

-----

Please understand, "Mike" and "Mike in Maryland" are two entirely different people. It was not Mike in Maryland that made those 'royal' comments.

~~~~~~~~~~~

p'd ant - Dave! Temper! Temper!

Ya I know! I'm human.

~~~~~~~~~~

emma LOL!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~

Leah It is impossible for everyone to move within walking distance of work.

Agreed 100%.

When gas got to the $2.50-3/gal mark here in San Diego, Bill and I got rid of the SUV traded it in for a civic hybrid (hated having to wait 6 months for it) and a motorcycle and most of my personal travels are done via public transportation. I love my Honda Magna - which gets about 48 mpg - I don't go crazy on it though. I have mid-terms this coming week, so we aren't really doing anything this weekend, but we will be going to Palm Springs next weekend as a "getaway" for the two of us. :) I can't wait!; June 15, 2008 4:46 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant, ya I have gone negative. My apologies, I will try to refrain from doing so in the future.

My bad. :(; June 15, 2008 4:47 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
No problems. We all get negative at times! I've just never seen either your or leah so passionately rebuking someone, and promising to ignore them. Especially when neither of the two people involved are Republican trolls.

Stop,
That poll is totally accurate! I already voted in it 3 times from 3 different states! Just like real elections!; June 15, 2008 5:05 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "The price of gas is what we are willing to pay. You heard me right. WE SET THE PRICE OF GAS, not the oil companies."

mike:

I agree with you.

However, there is also a "Future Risk premium" built into it.

On the Futures Market, if people believe that the supply is going to be sufficient to meet the demand, the Oil price stabilizes and even trend down. IMO, there is about $30 per barrel FSP now. This can be immediately removed if

1. Congress acts to increase the energy supply by legislation. Or

2. If consumers, like you said, conserve ENOUGH to increase the daily Inventory of Oil.

Free market works most of the time.

Sometimes, Speculators skew it to one way too much, which can be corrected by the Govt and/or the Consumers.

(Note: I did NOT say "skewer" as Obama said recently: Where was the English "teacher"? Teach Obama the difference between "Skew" and "Skewer!!"); June 15, 2008 5:05 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Mike said...
But if you have to work for a living, work as close to home as possible.

When I worked (I'm now retired), I lived 50 miles from my job.

Lots of driving?

No. I haven't owned a car for almost 30 years now.

Carpooling?

No.

I walked three blocks to the train station, rode the commuter train to DC's Union Station, hopped on the subway, then hopped on a bus that took me to within 150 feet of the front door of the office building. At night, I reversed my commute.

At home, I walk to the grocery store, pharmacy, bookstore, bar, etc. When I need to go to the doctor, I either walk to the doctor's office, walk to the subway and ride it to the office, or take a cab, depending on which doctor I need to see. Other times, depending on where I'm going, I might hop on the bus or the light rail. If I need to fly out of town, I hop on the light rail (light rail station is located at the train station) which takes me directly to the airport. Or I could take the train to many places since the train station is only 3 blocks away.

If I want to go to DC, I have a choice of commuter train, or I can take the light rail to the airport, hop on a bus that takes me to Greenbelt, and hop on the DC subway.

When I bought my house, I knew that I wouldn't be working forever. I planned on living in that house after I retired. I selected a neighborhood that gave me access to work AND access to the necessities of life after I retired.

My choice of residence might not work for everyone, but it works for me.

Mike; June 15, 2008 5:28 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "That poll is totally accurate! I already voted in it 3 times from 3 different states!"

apiss:

I am impressed.

How did you do 3 times from 3 different states from the SAME IP Address?

Enlighten me! I do once a week, period. I am curious. For a week, I cannot re-vote on my computer!

"Just like real elections!"

Meaning? I am lost on the joke or humor?; June 15, 2008 5:35 PM
Meg said...: Apissed:

I can't explain why I asked that question about Grisham without talking about how the book ends, which would be really rude. So, after you finish it let me know.

Stop:

Your criticizing Obama's use of English is something you probably should not do. I didn't hear him use the word "skewer". Maybe he was talking about shish kebobs. At any rate, proofread your comments and pay more attention to subject/verb agreement as in "the Oil price stabilizes and even trend down"; June 15, 2008 5:36 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: OOOps. mistake

Please FRP and not FSP for Future Risk Premium.; June 15, 2008 5:37 PM
Joshua said...: Mike in MD, good for you. If we each took an affirmative step to reduce our oil consumption we would get further than to always sit back and kvetch about Oil Companies.; June 15, 2008 5:49 PM
Joshua said...: The reason why the rest of the world sometimes looks at us with disdain is that we often lack perspective. We assume that we are entitled to so much that we even confuse luxuries with necessities. If God meant for us to depend on gasoline she would have created us with gills that suck gas, instead of legs for locomotion. We have no understanding that a car is a luxury to most of the rest of this planet.

We confuse want with need.; June 15, 2008 5:52 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "I didn't hear him use the word "skewer". Maybe he was talking about shish kebobs."

This was mentioned in the print media (WSJ or NYT?) a few days ago.

He meant to say "skew" but used "skewer" regarding tax policy - maybe a slip of the silver tongue!

I said it for a humor! Not a criticism: We all make similar mistakes, including the English Teacher!

BTW, are you teaching in a public school? Most probably, I guess.

If you are, you may be the symptom of the failing Public School System! Because you don't read well.

If not, I admit I am wrong. Sorry.

In your world, only FAR LEFT Liberal Ideologues live. No fiscal conservatives! Haven't you heard of Silent Majority?

Vocal Minority!!; June 15, 2008 6:01 PM
apissedant said...: stop,
Once with internet explorer on friday, and once with mozilla, then again today with mozilla. Each time I said I was from a different state. It is nothing like real elections, because you have to look for the poll, which means a poll at fox news would be markedly different from a poll at washington post or aol. In real life, the polling place is down the street at the school, a place we all go right by. It is neutral, and it checks my license to make sure I am a registered voter. A 12 year old is currently voting on AOL. They don't check for anything, and they certainly don't check for ISPs and keep them registered for the whole week. Did you notice Obama is losing his home state on the poll?

Emma,
I finished it today, I started it Friday. That was the longest I was able to stay with a Grisham book with the exception of the innocent man. That one took me a while because it was a true story, which means it wasn't as exciting.

The ending fits in line with a recent trend in his writing. I think he has a bad taste in his mind for our current judicial system and political system. His books have been ending more and more negative each time.; June 15, 2008 7:07 PM
Karen Anne said...: Folks, stop shouting :-)

I thought Stop himself was toast, didn't the PTB delete all his previous posts?

Emma, I haven't read any of Grisham's books, but I saw recently that he is a Clinton supporter who announced he would not vote for Obama. Glad to see from the polls there are not nearly as many of those in real life as in blogs.; June 15, 2008 7:17 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Right on the AOL web site:
Note on poll results

And when you click that link, you find:

NOTE: Poll results are not scientific and reflect the opinions of only those users who chose to participate.

I just participated four (yes - 4) times on the AOL polls, without leaving my PC, without turning it off and then back on, without changing the IP address through which I'm accessing the Internet, without using any other web browser, etc. And I did it in such a way that all four of my votes counted.

My being able to vote four times illustrates how UNscientific those polls are, and how highly manipulable such polls can be.

No, I'm not going to tell anyone how I was able to vote four times. If someone is unable to figure out how, then they don't deserve to be participating in such polls. And quoting such polls as if they are highly reputable shows the gullibility of those who do quote them. Of course, if they are gullible enough to think that the Repigs are looking out for ALL Americans, not just the rich, uber rich, and the corporations, then they show their stupidity on their sleeve, and are gullible enough to take polls like the AOL poll as serious, reliable, and scientific.

Mike; June 15, 2008 7:40 PM
apissedant said...: karen,
I haven't seen that. I have a quote from a paper that says, "we're Hillary people," but nothing to show that he wouldn't eventually support the Democratic nominee Barack Obama.; June 15, 2008 7:41 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "Did you notice Obama is losing his home state on the poll?"

Thanks for the reply.

As of this minute, AOL Straw Poll has 155.5K votes with traditional liberal States voting for Obama, including IL.

55% favor McCain and 45% Obama.

Wait till the week is over. Usually about 500K voters click in a week. I agree there will be a few mischiefs. Because of the large number, to me it is believable than others. By the same token, all other traditional polling also has some flaws.

We can beat the mischiefs by taking very large sample size, statistically speaking.

I agree only the poll in Nov is the ONLY one that matters.

One simple observation:

Pelosi and Reid's Congress has 18%
WBush has 28%
Obama and McCain are nearly tied at about 46-48% by traditional polling.

This tells me McCain is NOT Bush as many of you proclaim.

My view of the world is McCain is little ahead: 51% vs 47% (Rest goes to Nader, Barr etc.). Because he is a Centrist Moderate and a fiscal conservative, IMO.

I want my friend Yamaka to chime on this!

Stay tuned.; June 15, 2008 7:54 PM
Joshua said...: Here’s what I think about Presidential campaign debates: Every debate must include the Libertarian Party nominee, Bob Barr. Why do I hear nothing about him? I watched the Libertarian Party nomination process in its entirety on CSPAN and he won fair and square. He even had a victory speech that day. I didn’t hear any mention of his victory from any MSM. Obama should not agree to any debate that does not include Bob Barr. That would be disrespectful of Libertarians, and I count myself among them.; June 15, 2008 8:25 PM
Joshua said...: Mike in MD,

I have nothing against rich people. In facts all the problems I see are with poor people. No poor person has ever given me a job. No poor person has ever done anything nice for me. I have held several jobs beginning with being a car-wash attendant just after graduating from high school and entering college, and including baker’s helper, hot-dog store janitor/kitchen staff, restaurant boss-boy my first summer in college, etc. Each time it was a rich person who gave me that job.

Frankly, I love rich people.; June 15, 2008 8:36 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Some idiot wrote...
Pelosi and Reid's Congress has 18%
WBush has 28%
Obama and McCain are nearly tied at about 46-48%

Let's take those one at a time:

Pelosi and Reid's Congress has 18%

Is that a poll on each of the 535 members of Congress, or a poll of the entire body?

And the answer is:
The entire body.

Some vote down the entire Congress because they totally support their own Congressperson and/or Senators, but don't like the rest of the members of Congress. Think Kansas, Texass (especially the uber conservative parts), and how they view anyone who isn't Neanderthal Repig. Such Repigs won't like ANYTHING that even moderate Repigs support. A lot of Repigs in Nebraska don't like the job that Senator Hagel is doing solely on the basis that Hagel is against the War on Iraq.

Some vote down the entire Congress because they totally support their own Congressperson and/or Senators, but don't like the rest of the members of Congress. Think of the voters who support Dennis Kucinich. I'm sure a lot of them support Congressman Kucinich's efforts to impeach the rodents who occupy the blighted House and the mansion that sits on the grounds of the Naval Observatory. However, the rest of Congress will not support the efforts to get rid of those rodents through an impeachment process. Thus they will say that Congress is not effective. How many people outside of Vermont would think that Senator Sanders is doing a job that warrants a favorable rating? How many think Congress should have ended the War on Iraq by mid-2007, and because that war is still going on, have an unfavorable view of Congress?

Add them all up, and you've got a lot of people with an unfavorable view of Congress, thus the COMPOSITE rating suffers. But ask them of their own Congressperp and/or Senators, and you'd get an entirely different response.

WBush has 28%

Gee, so high?

CBS/NYTimes has him at 25%. Harris has him at 26%. NBC-WSJ has him at 26%. And Zogby has him at 23%.

I'm surprised you're not reporting him at 33%, which is what Greeenburg is currently reporting, or the rating that Democracy Corps is reporting now!

Of course, we could ignore all the polls except one - American Research Group's poll taken in February, where Gee-Dubya got a 19% favorable rating. I really think that one is the most accurate myself, although I wonder how 1 out of 5 people can still support the maniacal puppet of the idiot VP.

Obama and McCain are nearly tied at about 46-48%

Now we're discussing apples and oranges. The prior two were favorable/unfavorable ratings. This last one is 'who you gonna vote for in Novenber?'.

McCain's favorable/unfavorable ratings, according to the composite Realclearpolitics ratings, is 48.0 and 40.2, or a Favorable/Unfavorable spread of +7.8.

Senator Obama's favorable/unfavorable ratings, according to the composite Realclearpolitics ratings, is 52.6 and 36.8, or a Favorable/Unfavorable spread of +15.8.

Looks like there is a definite higher margin of spread in Senator Obama's ratings.

Mike; June 15, 2008 8:49 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Mike said...
Mike in MD,

I have nothing against rich people.

Let's put that in context. I stated:

"Of course, if they are gullible enough to think that the Repigs are looking out for ALL Americans, not just the rich, uber rich, and the corporations, then they show their stupidity on their sleeve, and are gullible enough to take polls like the AOL poll as serious, reliable, and scientific."

I did not state anything about Democratic Party candidates not liking rich people. I did not state anything about myself not liking rich people.

What I DID state is that Repigs are not looking out for ALL Americans, but only the rich, uber rich and the corporations.

What I implied is that Democratic Party candidates are more apt to look out for ALL Americans, which by definition means the poor, the middle class, AND the rich.

The word 'ALL' is inclusive, meaning they are included in the whole, not separated out.

Oh, and you can take your royal "we" and dump it in the nearest loo, not forgetting to flush afterwards.

Mike; June 15, 2008 8:59 PM
Meg said...: Apissed:

Well, I was surprised at the ending, which just goes to show you how much I know about Grisham. I thought he would let us suffer throughout and then reward us in the end, but noooooooooooooooo.

Stop:

Try looking at some real polls. You are looking only at data that supports your opinion. Since I'm from Florida, I keep looking for data to see which way we'll swing, but the last polls done by anybody are dated 5/20. How much is that data worth? Nada!! No real data. No opinion.

I Googled Obama and skewer and found nothing. I'd be interested in a link if you have it.; June 15, 2008 9:00 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Mike said: "No poor person has ever done anything nice for me. "
____

Mike -
That is sad. I wonder how many poor people you have let into your life. And how many nice things you are done for them.

I grew up poor with other poor people and they were the some of the nicest people in the world. Some would give the shirt off of their backs for another person.

Mike poor people don't have jobs to give to other people THEY ARE POOR. So your comment is a bit silly.

I do think though that if you have never in your life had a poor person ever do anything nice for you that your world is too limited and you should try to expand your relationships. But then again I do not know what 'event' you consider to be 'nice'... someone that is poor might have done something for you and you just might not have noticed it.

There used to be a very old lady that lived in my neighborhood when I was a little girl. Her old wooden house should have been torn down (the city burnt it down after she passed away). She had a coal stove and hardly any money. There was a train track that ran along the back side of her property. The hungry hobos would hop off of the trains sit under her tree and she would take them some food when she had some extra - sometimes she would take them a piece of apple pie that she made from the apples off of her trees.

I have at least 100 examples of things I have seen people do for other people and some that other people of limited money have done for me - it is sad that you have not seen a lot of kindness in you life.

Nice things are not always grand - most of the time they are the little things that people do out of the kindness of their hearts.; June 15, 2008 9:00 PM
apissedant said...: stop,
Congressional ratings are always below presidential ratings. If you instead took a poll of the person's congressman, or the person's senators.... you would see an above 50% approval rating in most cases. They don't dislike THEIR CONGRESSMAN, they dislike the congressman they DIDN'T vote for. Therefore, an overall congressional poll is stupid evidence. Also, Senate Republicans have been published recently saying that they're hoping to ONLY LOSE 3 SEATS.; June 15, 2008 9:05 PM
apissedant said...: Mike,
Disturbing, who buys your stuff? Who sells you stuff at your local store? Who checks you in to your hotel? Who drives you to your hotel?

A poor person doesn't have enough money to own a company, so he doesn't directly give you a job. HOWEVER, the poor person does all the work, and buys all the stuff that makes that job possible.

What does Henry Ford have to do with the car in my neighbor's driveway? NOTHING. He owns most of the company, but he does not design, engineer, or build anything. He literally goes skeet shooting and bar hopping. Why should I love this man?

Some rich men and women make some very intelligent and insightful investments that help the lives of many people, but how does that make them more important than the people that actually came up with the inventions, or built the products?

We need all pieces of the machine. The engine is a very important part of my car, but it won't do much without all the bolts that hold my car together, or the belts that spin around with the engine. I think I'm going to take care of and value all the parts of my car, not just the engine.; June 15, 2008 9:14 PM
Joshua said...: Leah,
I don’t doubt that poor people do nice things. My point is that every door that has ever been opened to me has been by a rich person. One would have to be an ingrate not to recognize this. It has not escaped my notice that some people, overwhelmingly represented in the Democratic Party, never have nice things to say about rich people. They are always belly-aching about corporations. But these same people always have their hands out to corporations asking for jobs, pensions etc.; June 15, 2008 9:20 PM
Beryl said...: Regarding the poor - I agree with Leah. Ever heard of the "widow's mite"? Although most charities depend on philanthropists, the poor tend to give disproportionately. I feel that it is not *what* you have but *what you do with* what you have.

Poor is also so relative. Most of the "poor" in the US are better off than the poor in 3rd World countries. Further, on 60 minutes today, the Danish had some sobering words about our American values as it pertains to wealth.; June 15, 2008 9:22 PM
Joshua said...: Mike in MD

We must have struck a nerve.; June 15, 2008 9:23 PM
apissedant said...: Mike,
Their hands out asking for jobs? YOU WORK FOR A JOB. THEY DON'T HIRE YOU UNLESS THEY CAN MAKE MONEY OFF OF YOU. YOU ARE DOING THEM JUST AS MUCH IF NOT MORE OF A FAVOR FOR WORKING FOR THEM AS THEY ARE FOR HIRING YOU.

It isn't some hand out or charity, it is WORK. That's why they call it work. They aren't being kind, they're being shrewd businessmen and are making an investment in order to make more money in the future. Trust me, if they could replace you with a machine, most would be happy to do it.; June 15, 2008 9:23 PM
apissedant said...: The last job I had before going back to school, I made about 17 bucks an hour. The company estimated that it cost them a grand total of 40 dollars an hour to employ me. That included pay, benefits, insurance, tools, truck, gasoline, everything. They charged 90 dollars an hour for my service. That leaves them with a profit of 50 dollars an hour, while I made 17 dollars an hour, FOR MY WORK. Now you're saying I should be grateful that they were so nice to have given me an opportunity to work for them? They averaged -9,000 a quarter in my area in my field before I signed on. They averaged a profit of 16,000 a quarter once I started working for them. They had a 100,000 dollar turn around in their company, meanwhile I took home 44,000. Who really made out in that deal?; June 15, 2008 9:28 PM
Meg said...: Mike:

You insult people with statements like "One would have to be an ingrate not to recognize this" My read on this is that if I don't "see" your opinion as being correct, I am an ungrateful person.

Have your opinions, but don't call me anything if I don't "see" that you are right.

Personally, I think looking at open doors (job offers) as expressions of niceness is weird. Jobs are not favors; from a business standpoint they are exchanges.; June 15, 2008 9:33 PM
Joshua said...: Apissedant

Interesting litany of workers engaging in remunerated employment. I hardly recognize any uncompensated selfless act among them.

Why do we so often discount capital as though it were nothing? We forget that capital is nothing more than unconsumed accumulation of prior work.; June 15, 2008 9:33 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Mike said...
Mike in MD

We must have struck a nerve.

Note to self: Another idiotic, nonsense peddler, someone who thinks they are the MOST important, to put on ignore.; June 15, 2008 9:35 PM
Joshua said...: Mike in MD

ROFLMAOAY.
You have to post yourself a note via the internet? Question: what do you do when you receive one of your own notes?; June 15, 2008 9:43 PM
Joshua said...: Emma

I will able to reply if you do not take it so personally. It was just conversation. In no place would I replace the noun “one” with “Emma.”; June 15, 2008 9:46 PM
apissedant said...: wow, a pair of arrogant, self important pricks. I never said in anyway I was MOST important, did you not notice the car analogy, where all parts were necessary to get where it is going? Did you not notice the tribute to intelligent investors, that recognized a good item and put it in the hands of millions, when the man who actually made the product did not have the ability? NO ONE HERE INSULTED AN ENTIRE CLASS OF PEOPLE BUT MIKE AND MIKE. Everyone else here said all parts were important. You two decided that only those with money were important, and those without money are useless drains on society.

I would remind you that, A) I am not nor have ever been poor, I have always been middle class.
B) Paris Hilton inherited her money, please explain to me what work did she do that she has not been properly compensated for?
C) How is interest "work"?
D) Who has ever done so much work, that not one of their descendants will ever again have to work? Every billionaire could live off the interest on secured deposits, as well as everyone they ever give birth to, and those that they give birth to... until people eventually die off. Was Google really that important? Or myspace?; June 15, 2008 9:50 PM
apissedant said...: mike,
You tell people not to take things so personally, but both you and mike in md are insulting, arrogant, and belittling. How is that not personal?; June 15, 2008 9:53 PM
apissedant said...: You wonder why the general public has such a poor perception of the upper class, and then you open your mouth, and answer your own question.; June 15, 2008 9:54 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: p'd ant said: "You two decided that only those with money were important, and those without money are useless drains on society."
_______________-

Must be a Republican!; June 15, 2008 9:54 PM
Meg said...: Mike:

Thanks for your comment. I agree that there are loads of very inaccurate stereotypes that label rich AND poor people. It just seems rather strange to say that one group of people is more or less likely to be selfless and kind.

There are bitter, poor people and there are haughty rich people. I've never considered a person's charity to be connected to income level.; June 15, 2008 9:54 PM
Yamaka said...: "I want my friend Yamaka to chime on this!"

Hello StopObamaNow:

Nice reading your posts - all are analytical and persuasive.

On the AOL Straw Poll:

Yes, in a week nearly 500K people click their preference. I will take it seriously when the n < 200 K: early in the week it is not reliable. For the current week, I will wait till July 20th before I give serious thought to it. Yes, last week McCain had 55% to BHO's 45% with n = nearly 500K

On the issues of ratings for the Congress and Dubya, I am with you. They have done the lousiest job so far. I will blame the Congress most before I yell at Dubya.

I see Rodent in MD is mad at you for making your point. Don't bother. He is just a retired man dribbling in senility. He has no coherence nor wisdom; just a noise.

Stop: I need to ask you about your professional profile and interests, if I may. Keep your identity intact.

About Me: I am a 58 year old male; a Psychiatrist with about 30 years of experience at the TMC, Houston (I call myself a Master Shrink!). My daughter goes to Cornell U and son to Stanford U. I am a moderate, a fiscal conservative and an active investor in the World Capital Markets. My wife is a hyper-educated woman of neutral political affiliation!

Please keep writing. I read all your posts with interests.

Can you please change your Pen Name? It drives lots of people nuts at this site.

Cheers. :-); June 15, 2008 9:57 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: apissedant -

I must have missed something. Mike in Maryland is usually a nice good guy. Are you sure you're not mixing him up with plain 'Mike' ?

.; June 15, 2008 9:57 PM
apissedant said...: Leah,
Mike in Maryland posted:
"Note to self: Another idiotic, nonsense peddler, someone who thinks they are the MOST important, to put on ignore."

It first off, does exactly what you complained about earlier, about twisting and misquoting with a previous person. Second, I find it insulting, don't you?
Please explain to me which part is nice.; June 15, 2008 10:00 PM
Yamaka said...: Ooops mistake:

Read June 20th, not July.; June 15, 2008 10:00 PM
Yamaka said...: Ooops mistake:

Read June 20th, not July.; June 15, 2008 10:01 PM
Joshua said...: Apissedant
“Paris Hilton inherited her money, please explain to me what work did she do that she has not been properly compensated for?”

That is complex but here goes.
1. I am against inheritance, but FWIW before Paris inherited the money, someone had to have earned it. That was accumulated unconsumed work.
2. Paris is a bad example for you to use. She earns more on her own merit than I am sure you are ever going to earn in your lifetime. She gets paid $100K just to attend a party and before you know it, the lady is earning her own money.

Notice that I have always kept my temper and have never insulted you. I cannot say as much for you. You are a socialist and will never see things from my perspective. I am a capitalist. We have already previously established this.; June 15, 2008 10:02 PM
Meg said...: Yamaka!!!!

That post was wonderful!!! A shrink? Why did you choose that profession? What is your specialization? I've had a few therapists over the years, and none ever sounded like you, so I am intrigued.; June 15, 2008 10:02 PM
Joshua said...: Apissedant

“You wonder why the general public has such a poor perception of the upper class, and then you open your mouth, and answer your own question.”

Congratulations. You set yourself a very nice straw-man argument, and then you proceed to demolish it. Good job.; June 15, 2008 10:07 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - I think you misunderstood Mike in MD. Go back and look at the post again. He was referring to Mike, not you. At least that was my perception. Of course I could be wrong, it would however be the first time that I was wrong...LOL...just kidding.; June 15, 2008 10:07 PM
Independent Voter said...: emma,

It kind of makes you feel sorry for his patients, doesn't it?; June 15, 2008 10:08 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: apissedant -

Ahhhh... Mike in MD was talking about 'Mike'. I also am putting plain 'Mike' on ignore.

Obama '08; June 15, 2008 10:09 PM
Meg said...: Indy:

I'll take that as a rhetorical question.

Come on Yams, give me some info!! Where did you go to med school? Have you ever heard of EMDR?; June 15, 2008 10:13 PM
Yamaka said...: "We forget that capital is nothing more than unconsumed accumulation of prior work."

Excellent. I am 100% with you.

Very early in my life, I had a medical degree with tons of loans.

I worked very very hard every minute of every day, paid off all the debt, started consuming less and accumulated enough. Today, my investment income is about 200K a year which pays for my kids education in the best Universities in the world, and I can take vacation whenever I want!

I am reaching the State of Nirvana - Financial Independence!

All because I consumed less and less very early on in relation to my earnings!

That's how most people become "rich" in America (very few inherit wealth here!); June 15, 2008 10:14 PM
Independent Voter said...: And yam, the straw poll allows people to vote MORE than once. I successfully voted 5 times, p'd ant voted 3, Mike in MD voted 4. And like Mike in MD I didn't even have to close my browser to do it.

It is completely UNSCIENTIFIC, so anyone using that poll as a suggestion that it is in any way accurate is not only fooling themselves, they clearly need to have their head checked....it looks as though you may need to go find a psychiatrist of your own. You, like John McCain, seem to be losing it.; June 15, 2008 10:14 PM
Joshua said...: Emma,

Thanks for your tone.

I have not been addressing charity. If you check back you will find that this is the first time I used that word. This brew ha ha began with a gentle ribbing from me to a poster who had very sharp things to say about “rich, uber rich, and the corporations”. My premise has been, and no one has been able to defeat the premise, that I am grateful that there are rich people or I probably would be unable to eat. I further stated that no poor person has ever given me a job.; June 15, 2008 10:15 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: apissedant said...
NO ONE HERE INSULTED AN ENTIRE CLASS OF PEOPLE BUT MIKE AND MIKE.

Nice comprehensive reading skills, pissant.

Read back, and you will find that I stated that Repigs only care about the rich, uber rich and corporations. No where did I state that I only care about the rich, uber rich and corporations.

For the record, my father was one of 13 children from a farm family in Indiana.

The family was NOT RICH, especially after the bank where my grandfather had some money in an account went belly up. Then the Depression hit, and prices for farm crops dropped faster than the stock market prices dropped.

My father worked on an assembly line. When I was 2-1/2, my father died, leaving my mother with two children (my brother was 3-1/2), and no income.

My maternal grandfather left my maternal grandmother for another woman. My maternal grandmother had three children under five when the bastard left.

I was not from a rich family background.

My paternal grandparents took my mother, brother and me into their home for more than two years until my mother was able to get back on her feet emotionally and financially.

My mother remarried several years later, and we moved to a farm. My step-father died 5 months after that marriage. Six months later, his daughter was born. My step-father was not from a rich family.

I do not hold a grudge against rich people as such. What I do hold a grudge against is do-called 'people' who use their financial position to hold other people down, who are not at least generous with their time and accumulated knowledge (if not money) to help other people make a better life, and with those who think because they are at least well off, everyone who isn't is not worth even spitting on.

Repigs have that attitude - poor people are poor because they want to be, or don't have enough initiative to become rich, or are just plain stupid.

I have much respect for the person who doesn't worry about wealth accumulation, and helps their family, neighbors, and community. Many of those people are well off, but as many, or more, are less than wealthy and in fact poor.

The type of people I'm discussing are illustrated by Mother Teresa and former President James Earl Carter. Neither worried about 'wealth accumulation', and both did the world a lot of good with their work.

I also greatly respect my paternal grandparents, who though not rich financially, were some of the most generous people you would ever meet.

Mike; June 15, 2008 10:16 PM

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Tuesday, April 01, 2008

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