ThinkFast: December 22, 2006
ThinkFast: December 22, 2006
Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson said yesterday that “our society would benefit” from reinstating the draft to make the military more equal. “He later issued a statement saying his comments had been misconstrued and that he does not support bringing back the draft.”
The IRS has “cut deeply the time that it spends auditing the nation’s largest corporations.” New data shows the IRS “had reduced the time spent on each audit by 21 percent in the last five years, to 958 hours from 1,210 hours. At the same time, the number of actual audits, which had increased in the last two years, has fallen back to the level of 2002.”
“Four days before Christmas, President Bush granted pardons to 16 people, including a man convicted of dealing methamphetamine and another who, along with his family, donated to the Republican National Committee and the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign.”
Three U.S. servicement died in Iraq yesterday, “putting December on track to be among the deadliest months of the year.” The death toll of 2,959 “is now just 14 shy of the commonly accepted total of deaths in the U.S.” on 9/11. “At the current rate this month, the 9/11 figure could be eclipsed just before or on Christmas Day.”
“The United States offers some of the most lucrative incentives in the world to companies that drill for oil in publicly owned coastal waters,” but a newly released study — which the Interior Department held back for more than a year — shows the billions in incentives “cause only a tiny increase in production.”
“A federal grand jury has subpoenaed congressional records from Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) as part of an escalating Justice Department corruption probe aimed at determining whether Weldon used his influence to win favors for family members.”
“The Bush administration is increasingly at odds with some Republicans over its efforts to make journalists reveal confidential sources.” The tension will come to a head in 2007, when Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) “plan to reintroduce legislation limiting the government’s power to force journalists to disclose confidential sources.”
“The United States offers some of the most lucrative incentives in the world to companies that drill for oil in publicly owned coastal waters, but a newly released study” — which the Interior Department held back for more than a year — “suggests that the government is getting very little for its money.”
The Washington Post writes a scathing editorial about Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA): “Bigotry comes in various guises — some coded, some closeted, some colossally stupid. The bigotry displayed recently” by Goode, “a Republican who represents a patch of south-central Virginia, falls squarely in the third category.”
And finally: Has the Senate laid down their arms in the War on Christmas? The Washington Examiner conducted a survey of Senate offices, and “found that a measly 30 out of 100 have Christmas trees. And of those, only half are the authentic, organic, needle-shedding variety. Forty-six offices had none, and 24 could not be reached or did not answer.”
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Is it safe to come out yet?
December 22nd, 2006 at 9:57 amVeterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson said yesterday that “our society would benefit†from reinstating the draft to make the military more equal. “He later issued a statement saying his comments had been misconstrued and that he does not support bringing back the draft.â€
He meant we would benefit from reinstating the draught, for beer.
No he meant we would benifit from another country reinstating the draft.
God, we are always misunderstanding these people.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:01 am“Four days before Christmas, President Bush granted pardons to 16 people, including a man convicted of dealing methamphetamine and another who, along with his family, donated to the Republican National Committee and the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign.â€
He has no shame.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:01 amIs it safe to come out yet?
Comment by ForTruth — December 22, 2006 @ 9:57 am
LOL… Doubtful. Not that that stops us :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:03 amThe IRS has “cut deeply the time that it spends auditing the nation’s largest corporations.†New data shows the IRS “had reduced the time spent on each audit by 21 percent in the last five years, to 958 hours from 1,210 hours. At the same time, the number of actual audits, which had increased in the last two years, has fallen back to the level of 2002.â€
Its much more efficient and lucrative to go after individuals for smaller amounts of money. We also wouldn’t want to upset any corporations since they actually run this country.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:04 amHi Unbelievable,
Now we gotta keep it on the D-L here, we don’t want word to get out that you and I are “gettin’ busy” or anything. Just cuz I talk to you, it could mean all kinds of stuff, heh.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:07 amFunny how the IRS has seen fit to audit me for the last three years even though I have been unemployed for 16 months. Guess they didnt like all those letters I wrote to Gov Blunt of Missouri,Pat Roberts of Kansas, and White House.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:07 am“A federal grand jury has subpoenaed congressional records from Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) as part of an escalating Justice Department corruption probe aimed at determining whether Weldon used his influence to win favors for family members.â€
It’s a start.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:08 amBefore the trolls get into it, it isn’t uncommon for Presidents to pardon people, I remember the right wing screaming bloody murder about Clinton pardoning several people right before his final days in office. I would suspect however that Bush’s pardons, will get very little air time.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:09 amGood morning UB, good to see you. I wonder what the meth dealer has on him? If it had been a coke dealer I could understand it.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:10 amThe Washington Post writes a scathing editorial about Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA): “Bigotry comes in various guises — some coded, some closeted, some colossally stupid. The bigotry displayed recently†by Goode, “a Republican who represents a patch of south-central Virginia, falls squarely in the third category.â€
My respect for the WA Po just ticked up a teeny bit.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:10 amThe bigotry displayed recently†by Goode, “a Republican who represents a patch of south-central Virginia, falls squarely in the third category.â€
I never cease to be appalled by those who think they have the right to behave this way.
And the fact that this behavior lost them the last election seems to be escaping them…
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:12 amI hope the Chimp does reinstate the draft because it will bring the people out to the streets to revolt! How many lies is this dip going to get away with before he is impeached???? Remember: He’s the one who vowed to not reinstate the draft. If he does, he’ll singlehandedly make any Repug who decides to run for President and definite loser. It’s “guilt by association” and the Draft is the Holy Grail of this country.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:14 amPresident Bush granted pardons to 16 people NEXT YEAR LIBBY
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:14 amNow we gotta keep it on the D-L here, we don’t want word to get out that you and I are “gettin’ busy†or anything. Just cuz I talk to you, it could mean all kinds of stuff, heh.
Comment by ForTruth — December 22, 2006 @ 10:07 am
Hi ForTruth,
Funny how those who can’t “get busy” like to insult those who can. LOL. Makes us the haters… Too funny.
I saw on CNN that Arizona is the fastest growing state in the country. Care to comment on that news?
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:14 amRe: Pardoning
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:15 amI don’t know what that’s all about – one criminal pardoning another?? Or perhaps he sees the handwriting on the wall of his own jail cell?? Perhaps a bit of both.
Three U.S. servicement died in Iraq yesterday, “putting December on track to be among the deadliest months of the year.†The death toll of 2,959 “is now just 14 shy of the commonly accepted total of deaths in the U.S.†on 9/11. “At the current rate this month, the 9/11 figure could be eclipsed just before or on Christmas Day.â€
I hope every single person involved in starting this war, from GWB & Cheney all the way down, rots in their own particular brand of hell for eternity.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:15 amThe 9/11 figure could be eclipsed by Christmas….
Are you happy now, Mr. Bush?
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:16 amYou should be tried for murder for each death, military and civilian.
[Comment deleted by admin]
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:17 amFunny how the IRS has seen fit to audit me for the last three years even though I have been unemployed for 16 months. Guess they didnt like all those letters I wrote to Gov Blunt of Missouri,Pat Roberts of Kansas, and White House.
Comment by druidbros — December 22, 2006 @ 10:07 am
If this isn’t government intimidation, I don’t know what is.
Thomas Jefferson would be crapping his pants if he knew what this country had turned into.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:17 amHow Dangerous is the Dollar Drop?
By Christian Reiermann
Is an end of an era looming in the foreign exchange markets? The dollar has been depreciating against the euro for weeks. Currency experts and the German government don’t yet see this as cause for alarm. The US currency’s role as a lead currency isn’t as important as it used to be, they say.
Ouch!
http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,453906,00.html
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:18 am[Comment deleted by admin]
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:20 amI never cease to be appalled by those who think they have the right to behave this way.
And the fact that this behavior lost them the last election seems to be escaping them…
Comment by unbelievable
While I agree that Goode falls into the colossally stupid category, he does have the right to behave colossally stupid until it breaks the law.
Would you make the same stand against those that like to bash Christians and Jews?
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:21 amI saw on CNN that Arizona is the fastest growing state in the country. Care to comment on that news?
Comment by unbelievable
I didn’t see that one yet. We used to be second to Nevada. Oh boy how fun. I think the quality of life in AZ, especially the Phx Metro area, will decline so much in about 15 years, people might not be in such a rush to move here. Politically, AZ is extremely backwards, we are neck and neck with places like Alabama on public services like schools.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:21 amIt just means more business for me. All the mediocre half-assed types like to move here. They just love all the mediocrity.
the only thing escaping is my cum out your mouth bitchkick
Comment by little birdie
For f*ck’s sake, please don’t start this.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:21 amI’m not sure Goode realizes how far out there he is, yet. He’ll probably take this thing a little further before he finally apologizes or backpedals.
Any word on Prager’s reaction to the Holocaust Memorial Council’s statement about him?
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:21 amI could have sworn that little birdy flew south for the winter.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:22 amGood morning UB, good to see you. I wonder what the meth dealer has on him? If it had been a coke dealer I could understand it.
Comment by Quadrajet — December 22, 2006 @ 10:10 am
Hey there… I’m almost finished grading stuff… How are you?
No doubt that he has been doing something else ‘illegal’ (besides Iraq) – look how bad he looks. They post photos of meth users at school all the time to try to influence the kids not to do drugs. It’s a whole new level of ‘eat up’ ugly – and it really ages people fast. Notice how Junior looks even older than his Daddy? Hmmm…
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:22 amTP, I find comment #19 by little birdie to be VERY offensive and ask that it please be deleted.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:23 amVeterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson said yesterday that “our society would benefit†from reinstating the draft to make the military more equal. “He later issued a statement saying his comments had been misconstrued and that he does not support bringing back the draft.â€
I bet he got whiplash spinning around like that.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:24 amThinkprogress..ALERT, WE HAVE A FILTHY SEWER MOUTH CHILD POSTING ON THIS SITE….TIME FOR REGISTRATIONS AND KICKING THESE WACKOS OFF OUR SITE…BLESSINGS
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:25 amComment by little birdie — December 22, 2006 @ 10:17 am
I saw how all of your comments from yesterday were deleted James. No doubt, these will as well and you’ll get banned again. Funny thing is that you think you matter enough to be taken seriously. LOL.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:25 amTP,
Add #22 to Robert’s list for deletion, please.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:25 amTP maybe its time to ban that little Birdie’s IP.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:26 amcyber sechs anyone?
Comment by unbelievable — December 22, 2006 @ 10:20 am
Not me.
Your obession with me would be flattering if you weren’t such a loser. LOL
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:27 amdeadliest months of the year.†The death toll of 2,959 should be 2964
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:28 amI’m outta here.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:28 amNot cool, little birdie.
unbelievable,
Seriously, that was not James.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:29 amNow that I can post again, I just have to ask–what the hell is going on here?
I couldn’t post anything last night, and I don’t mean my posts were taking too long to show up. I’m talking about posting maybe nine or ten messages and not one of them ever showing up. At all. In the meantime, the foul-mouthed troll gets to write nasty stuff about Zooey over and over. And again this morning. WTF?
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:29 amWould you make the same stand against those that like to bash Christians and Jews?
Comment by robert — December 22, 2006 @ 10:21 am
The thing you and those like you seem to keep missing is the ‘mob metality’ of those who are in the majority. When theybehave this way, because they are bigger, it is manipulative and bigotted.
However, when those who are oppressed speak out agains their oppressors, it is not the same. The minority standing up TO oppression is not the same as the majority BEING oppressive. Capisce?
Now, if those in the majority were not Christians and they were speaking this way against Christians – well, I think it would be the same as Pre-Christian Rome which is condemned by most people – and equally immoral as what the majority of Christains are doing to non-Christians today.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:31 am“The United States offers some of the most lucrative incentives in the world to companies that drill for oil in publicly owned coastal waters,†but a newly released study — which the Interior Department held back for more than a year — shows the billions in incentives “cause only a tiny increase in production.â€
Oil companies are so put-upon, they deserve a break. They try really hard to find more oil and avoid alternative energy.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:32 amGood Morning all, I just sent an email to TP about the bird shit….This old woman has had enough…..Disgusting children just don’t fair well around me before my 3rd cup of coffee…..Blessings
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:32 am#28 Doing great UB, glad to hear you’re just about finished. Think I’m gonna split, this site is really gettin’ to be too much. When MA and Daryll start looking like quality trolls, it’s time to hit the bricks.
Happy holidays and the best in the New Year to you UB, and all the great folks that are here
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:34 am#40, so it is all about the minority standing up to the majority and not equality, is that the point you are making?
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:34 amHappy Holidays, Quadrajet!
Make sure you check back once in a while. Your comments are always good.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:36 am‘Iraq Worth The Sacrifice’
Updated: 10:52, Friday December 22, 2006
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has defended the war in Iraq, saying it is “worth the investment” in American lives and dollars.
She also claimed the US can still emerge victorious despite the country’s mounting problems.
ASK THESE PEOPLE IF THEIR SON OR DAUGHTER DIED WOULD IT BE STILL WORTH IT
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:37 amNicholson said we would benefit from reinstating the draft — oh wait, he didn’t really say he advocated the draft; he only said it would be a good thing. He doesn’t think we should do it however.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:37 amWTF?
Politically, AZ is extremely backwards, we are neck and neck with places like Alabama on public services like schools.
Comment by ForTruth — December 22, 2006 @ 10:21 am
Then what is the attraction? Cheap land?
I saw a study some years ago about how Phoenix was the cause of its own weather (so is Atlanta). That it rarely ever got over 100 until they put in all the asphalt and concrete that causes cities to capture and retain heat – therefore making the average summer highs exceed 100 degrees.
Atlanta has increased thunderstorms and tornados due to its heat retention.
We really are screwing up this planet. It makes me sick that I as an individual cannot do enough to stop it.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:38 amScarborough has made a definite turn-around on Bush over the past year, but it hasn’t been as evident as it was on Wednesday’s Scarborough Country. Joe appears to be totally fed up with the non-stop spin and ignorance coming from the White House and Bush’s press conference apparently put the final nail in that coffin. While discussing Bush’s possible plan of increasing troop levels, regardless of what the generals say, Scarborough even mentioned how there would be impeachment talk if Clinton was President and saying he would ignore our top military commanders.
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2006/12/21/12969/
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:38 amI can attest to the Audit issue. Iwork In tax auditing for a large (fortune 100) corporation. Our latest audit had less than 1/3 the number of adjustments that the previous audit had. Now that may mean we are getting more efficient at our preparation work, but I suspect not. The whole process was a lot easier and we ended up with a net refund for both years in question.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:40 amThink I’m gonna split, this site is really gettin’ to be too much. When MA and Daryll start looking like quality trolls, it’s time to hit the bricks.
Please don’t let them chase you off. It’s what they want.
Happy holidays and the best in the New Year to you UB, and all the great folks that are here
Comment by Quadrajet — December 22, 2006 @ 10:34 am
Thanks dear – and to you as well!
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:41 amMe to Unbelievable, me to……Blessings
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:43 amPeople don’t know anything politically about AZ, they just show up. I guess the land is cheap compared to the coasts. I think its the weather people like.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:44 amFrom the “War on Christmas” Dept.
Capitol rejects Nativity request
Now, this is not fair and balanced.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:44 amAll I want for Christmas is for ThinkProgress to change to a registration site for 2007.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:44 amFrom http://bluejersey.net/showDiary.do?diaryId=3511
Yesterday Attorney General Stuart Rabner announced that while mayors have the option to perform marriage ceremonies, those who choose to do them and decline to officiate over civil unions are in violation of the law. Steve Lonegan, the gift that keeps on giving/mayor of Bogata, responded:
“I dare them to try to force me to do this. This is government mandated tolerance.”
TP readers might remember Steve Lonegan from this gem….
http://thinkprogress.org/2006/07/10/spanish-boycott/
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:45 amZooey
Did you end up watching the forbidden zone yet?
The Washington Examiner conducted a survey of Senate offices, and “found that a measly 30 out of 100 have Christmas trees.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:48 amAre they allowed to have them in their offices? Wouldn’t that be violation of church and state?
All I want for Christmas is for ThinkProgress to change to a registration site for 2007.
Comment by DieNowForPeace
Excellent.
We’ve been asking for that for a while, so maybe you’ll get your wish.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:48 amMe to Unbelievable, me to……Blessings
Comment by Sharon Cox — December 22, 2006 @ 10:43 am
I’ve just come to accept that there will be people like this. I’m thinking best to laugh at them – so at least there is something positive (the endorphin rush that is good for your health : ).
Glad to see you survived the storms.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:49 amit is all about the minority standing up to the majority and not equality, is that the point you are making?
Comment by robert — December 22, 2006 @ 10:34 am
My first response didn’t post… Let’s try again.
You are failing to connect the dots here robert… If there is a majority and a minority – then you have no equality to begin with. So, to try and impose such a system upon people whom you’ve already put at a disadvantage is hardly fair game.
If you want to get equality – then you have to give it. Works the same way for repsect. Newton’s Third Law.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:53 amDid you end up watching the forbidden zone yet?
Comment by squegeeboo
Not yet, Squeegy. We watched Harold & Maude last night. So strange and sweet! I have it until Sunday, so we’ll watch it before then.
Are you doing anything fun over the holiday weekend?
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:54 amPeople don’t know anything politically about AZ, they just show up. I guess the land is cheap compared to the coasts. I think its the weather people like.
Comment by ForTruth — December 22, 2006 @ 10:44 am
People like 115 degrees?
To each his own, I suppose… :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:57 amZoo
Are you doing anything fun over the holiday weekend?
Visiting the Father Unit in Sticksville,Tennessee. Oh, I think there might be a bit of topless-ness in the Forbidden Zone now that I think of it, nothing to gratuitous, but I suppose I should mention it if your the type that gets embarrassed if you have to see if with the mini-zoo’s.
Is anyone else jealous of Colorado and the Plains? I want snow so bad, I can’t wait to bike through it, should be a blast.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:58 am#1 Is it safe to come out yet?
Comment by ForTruth — December 22, 2006 @ 9:57 am
January 2009 if the nation is still a viable entity that is
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:59 amSqueegie,
I am majory jealous of Colorado’s snow. I live in Northern AZ, and we need the snow badly, for fun and for the wildfires and drought. I hope we both get our snow soon. I’m thinkin’ January for the bigger storms that actually have somthing.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:02 amYep! Unbelievable, but along with the laugh I send out email’s to end the disgusting children from posting….It’s one thing to call polaticians and some troll’s nasty little names and quite another to allow little creep’s to pollute the site to the point other’s want to leave….I’m all for free speech, but not childish filth…..
Agree with you on not being able to do enough for our enviroment, but we keep working on it.
2 Army service persons lost in black hawk training mission this morning, 1 still missing…Washington State..Another storm due tonight. …Blessings all
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:03 amFrom the “War on Christmas†Dept.
Capitol rejects Nativity request
Now, this is not fair and balanced.
Comment by robert — December 22, 2006 @ 10:44 am
Yes it is. The government should not endorse any religion.
Besides, the war on xmas is simply a money making gimmick for those who love the commercialization of Christmas. Jesus would be disgusted.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:04 amUnB,
When you are talking about a majority and minority in numbers that is one thing, but you are also talking about rights. No one groups rights more valuable than another. Minority rights are not more important than majority rights. We all have the same rights. That is, after all, what this country and the Constitution are about.
While a majority of the U.S. may be Christians, the Minority religions have the same right to practice their faith. Just like those that chose not to follow a religious faith have that right. That is equality. The rights are the same across the board.
Like you said, if you want equality, you have to give it. If you are going to bash Christians and Jews, you have to bash Muslims and all other religions as well.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:04 amIs anyone else jealous of Colorado and the Plains?
Comment by squegeeboo — December 22, 2006 @ 10:58 am
Not really. Jealousy is pointless. Probably why it is such a rampant conservative emotion… :D
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:06 am#67, Holy Crap, we agree again.
My view is all or nothing. If you allow one display, you have to allow all. If you disallow one, you disallow all.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:08 amSqueegy,
Visiting the Father Unit in Sticksville,Tennessee.
Cool. Have fun. Riding your bike there? :)
Oh, I think there might be a bit of topless-ness in the Forbidden Zone now that I think of it, nothing to gratuitous, but I suppose I should mention it if your the type that gets embarrassed if you have to see if with the mini-zoo’s.
Hey, if they can’t handle boobs by now I haven’t raised them right. I’ll sit back and watch them squirm. Fun times…
Is anyone else jealous of Colorado and the Plains? I want snow so bad, I can’t wait to bike through it, should be a blast.
Comment by squegeeboo
Only slightly jealous, since we’ve gotten snow of our own already. The University kids around here ride their bikes in the snow, and they get around better than the cars sometimes. If they wipe out, it’s fairly spectacular, and fun to watch. :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:08 amI’m all for free speech, but not childish filth…..
If someone cannot add anything to the discussion, they should find a different form of venting their issues than here. A myspace page might be a better forum… :)
Agree with you on not being able to do enough for our enviroment, but we keep working on it.
I left Architecture because I felt it was contributing to the problem. But I teach architecture with the hope that future architects will start from a very different perspective than the current traditions of sprawl and destroy.
I think most of them are getting it. One actually was able to notice that while the population was dramatically increasing, our planet and its resources are not. Was a moment of hope…
2 Army service persons lost in black hawk training mission this morning, 1 still missing…Washington State..Another storm due tonight. …Blessings all
Comment by Sharon Cox — December 22, 2006 @ 11:03 am
Stay safe!
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:12 am#72, Not to butt in, but, not long ago I saw a show about the new aquarium in San Fran (I think) that made great efforts to blend the architecture with the environment in both form and materials. I think that would be a great direction for architecture to head in.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:17 amunbelievable
Jealousy is pointless. Probably why it is such a rampant conservative emotion… :D
It’s one of the few that I’ve got, so I’ll cling to it tightly thank you.
Zoo
Cool. Have fun. Riding your bike there? :)
Thanks, hopefully I can get a nice 10-15 mile ride in, I’ll just stay away from any banjo music.
If they wipe out, it’s fairly spectacular, and fun to watch. :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:17 amI learned the bike/snow lesson already in the 1 snow we’ve gotten so far, about 20 feet from the door to my apartment.
When you are talking about a majority and minority in numbers that is one thing,
It’s more than that. It’s like expecting a group of 15 to fight a group of 85 and win using the exact same tactics. You have to level the playing field if the 15 have any chance of survival.
but you are also talking about rights. No one groups rights more valuable than another.
I agree. However, it’s the “Moral Majority” like Goode and his ilk who do not.
Minority rights are not more important than majority rights. We all have the same rights. That is, after all, what this country and the Constitution are about.
In theory, sure – but in practice, we are a Republic because the Founding Fathers knew that a true Democracy is a mob rule where 51% can take away the rights of the other 49%. And people like Goode repeatedly validate their concern – because that is EXACTLY what these people want.
While a majority of the U.S. may be Christians, the Minority religions have the same right to practice their faith. Just like those that chose not to follow a religious faith have that right. That is equality. The rights are the same across the board.
We have the right under the Consitution – but in reality – that right is NOT respected. Therein lies the problem – the reality of the situation.
Like you said, if you want equality, you have to give it.
But it is not being given robert, and that’s where minorities suffer. It’s why there is a judicial branch. To level the playing field.
If you are going to bash Christians and Jews, you have to bash Muslims and all other religions as well.
Comment by robert — December 22, 2006 @ 11:04 am
You have met me right?
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:18 amMy view is all or nothing. If you allow one display, you have to allow all. If you disallow one, you disallow all.
Comment by robert — December 22, 2006 @ 11:08 am
Agreed. And let’s face it – it’s just easier and less of a waste of tax dollars to go for the nothing part in this arena.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:20 amAll architechture should be underground, so you can’t see it. My thought started as a smart ass joke, but I think it may be a good idea to conserve energy.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:22 amThen we would have to observe all the kooky religions prisoners make up. I say we go for none.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:23 amNot to butt in, but, not long ago I saw a show about the new aquarium in San Fran (I think) that made great efforts to blend the architecture with the environment in both form and materials. I think that would be a great direction for architecture to head in.
Comment by robert — December 22, 2006 @ 11:17 am
The left coast is big on LEEDS… in which buildings are more environmentally responsible. Many are going that way, but not enough at this point to feel it is enough.
I used to live in SF. Most of teh firms there paid for their employees to become LEEDS certified. It’s part of the culture and the mindeset there. I hope it catches on.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:23 amSqueegy,
I’ll just stay away from any banjo music.
A wise move, dear. :P
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:27 am#73 – Robert
SF has a new aquarium? Cool, I’ve got to get there…
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:28 amAll architechture should be underground, so you can’t see it. My thought started as a smart ass joke, but I think it may be a good idea to conserve energy.
Comment by ForTruth — December 22, 2006 @ 11:22 am
That’s actually a trend in Hawaii and Japan that I noticed. They put the space underground so that the roofs can be green spaces. Canada is doing something similar with roads in wildlife areas so that the animals aren’t slaughtered by the traffic.
You can then utilize rainwater instead of potable water to flush toilets and the sort without the use of pumps – you have gravity. And there’s more…
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:29 am#75,I agree. However, it’s the “Moral Majority†like Goode and his ilk who do not.
Come on, we both know that the “Moral Majority” is neither “Moral” or a “Majority”.
My whole point, and nothing was directed at you personally, is that we, the people of the United States, Libs and Cons have gotten away from what the “Founding Fathers” intended. When a Majority tries to silent a p Minority that goes agains the intent of the Constitution. When a Minority’s rights are placed above those of the Majority, we move away from the Constitution’s intent. Neeither view is what the Founding Fathers intended for this nation.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:31 amComment by unbelievable
Cool. The Viking “castle” in Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay to be exact, has all grass covered roofs with wildflowers growing too. It’s pretty cool.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:32 amJust a couple of comments on the newspaper article on pardons. I believe that Denise Rich was Mark Rich’s ex-wife. Scooter Libby was Mark Rich’s lawyer who was petitioning Clinton for the pardon, as was the Israeli government. I guess that the story is better if you leave out those facts.
On the draft. I didn’t want to see it go, but I did want to make it with NO deferments. If you were in a wheelchair or in bed with a problem, you should have to be examined by the military doctors and if they lied or filed misleading statements they would go to the stockade. If the big players knew that their kids had no out, they would not be so quick to go to war.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:33 amComment by unbelievable — December 22, 2006 @ 10:12 am
Thus far we still have “freedom of speech.” I took a summer seminar in Europe covering fundamental rights in Europe and the United States. Many countries in Europe make it a crime to deny the holocaust. The European professor was making the point that some speech is so hateful as to constitute an assault on the listener.
To that view, I must agree. However the counter-argument from many U.S. students was that by not censoring such hate speach, at least you know who harbors those attitudes.
So there is some validity in allowing people to spew such venom. What to me is the most appalling is the fact that the majority of voters in his district may agree whole-heartedly with Goode’s bigotry. I would like to hear their views on this.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:38 amCalifornia city’s schools extend break for immigrants
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:43 amOfficials in Santa Ana, a working-class city 40 miles south of Los Angeles that has long been a magnet for immigrants, say they decided to lengthen the school holiday after finding that many students were absent anyway.
Yup, gotta know all the sides, and all the aspects of humanity. Even if its completely vile and makes you vomit. We should know if there is such venomous hatred, and where its coming from. So we can KILL them. Just kidding.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:43 amBriseadh na Faire,
Good input. My view is that if you restrict one form of speach, that leads to restricting more and more forms of speach. Eventually, you restrict the right to desent.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:44 amCome on, we both know that the “Moral Majority†is neither “Moral†or a “Majorityâ€.
Why do you think I was putting it in quotes?
My whole point, and nothing was directed at you personally, is that we, the people of the United States, Libs and Cons have gotten away from what the “Founding Fathers†intended.
I agree we’ve gotten away from the intentions of the Founding Fathers, but I disgaree that liberals were an equal part of it (unless you consider guilt through apathy). We live by their ideals, so if anything, we’ve prevented the far right from making it even worse than they have.
When a Majority tries to silent a p Minority that goes agains the intent of the Constitution. When a Minority’s rights are placed above those of the Majority, we move away from the Constitution’s intent.
No one was talking about ‘better than rights’ robert. Only about leveling the playing field for the minorities, so that they can be equal.
Neeither view is what the Founding Fathers intended for this nation.
Comment by robert — December 22, 2006 @ 11:31 am
They did want to level the playing field – hence the court system (judicial branch).
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:44 amGood input. My view is that if you restrict one form of speach, that leads to restricting more and more forms of speach. Eventually, you restrict the right to desent.
Comment by robert
So where are you on the internet porn issue?
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:49 amCool. The Viking “castle†in Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay to be exact, has all grass covered roofs with wildflowers growing too. It’s pretty cool.
Comment by ForTruth — December 22, 2006 @ 11:32 am
Check out the renovated California Academy of Sciences museum in SF… I think you’d like it. I saw the construction documents for the project when I had interviewed with that firm. The project manager told me a bit about what they were trying to do – and I thought it was amazing. I think it has already won some awards….
http://www.sijournal.com/greenbuilding/3476016.html
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:50 amunbelievable, OK, here comes the nasty Repub side of me. And we were debating so well.
Level playing field: You have the right to attend college regardless of your race, class, gender, etc…
Not a level playing field: You must grant minorities and women access to your college to make sure you have a makeup of X% even if they do not meet the same standard as the rest of the applicants.
I think Liberals are just as guilty as Conservatives because they endorse preferential hireing practices, educations preferences, etc. for minorities. Minorities should not be discriminated against, like you said, we have a judicial system for that. But they should not get preferences either.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:55 amSo where are you on the internet porn issue?
Hey, that is my issue, leave it alone.
Seriously, if it does not violate a law (children, rape, etc.) then I have no problem with that. If that is what one wants to look at, then so be it. Where are you going here?
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:58 amSo there is some validity in allowing people to spew such venom.
Comment by Briseadh na Faire — December 22, 2006 @ 11:38 am
Or for that matter, those who claim to take the moral high road, but in essence only want the benefit of such rules of free speech to apply to themselves, while never giving others the same lattitude – especially others who disagree with their positions.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:00 pmWhere are you going here?
Comment by robert
Just asking, that’s all. So many people say they’re all for free speech, but then want to shut down a lot of stuff that comes under that heading.
How many things is that we agree on, Robert? :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:02 pmAnd how many Senate offices are celebrating the pagan ritual of Winter Solstice?
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:03 pmNot nearly enough, by my count. Which was 0.
If preferences were ended in colleges and universities, then the legacy admissions and the contributions tied to admissions would disappear. How could Harvard and Yale and the University of Michigan get all of those rich students and all of the endowments? The only preference that seems to get all of the ink is the kind that is tied African, Hispanic (especially Mexican), or American Indian decent. What about UP credits for Michigan? Do you really think that w got into Yale on his own merit?
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:04 pmMinorities should not be discriminated against, like you said, we have a judicial system for that. But they should not get preferences either.
Comment by robert
No, Robert, minorities should not be discriminated against — but they are, even with the judicial system in place. That’s why they should get certain preferences.
You know, until we get that perfect world we’re striving so hard for.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:05 pmAnd how many Senate offices are celebrating the pagan ritual of Winter Solstice?
Not nearly enough, by my count. Which was 0.
Comment by RUCerious
Frickin’ War on Solstice…
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:06 pmunbelievable, OK, here comes the nasty Repub side of me. And we were debating so well.
Just remember – you opened that can of worms.
Level playing field: You have the right to attend college regardless of your race, class, gender, etc…
I already know where you are going. The part you are missing – and it is a HUGE part is the same as I’ve been trying to get you to understand.
Johnny comes from a rich, white, American born family. As a result, his parents don’t have to worry about feeding and clothing him, they are most likley educated themselves and theyare inclined to give him love, nurture, and support.
Meanwhile, his classmate Billy comes from a single parent family where his mother couldn’t help him with his homework because after her husband left her, she had to work two jobs to feed her children. Billy lives in an impoverished neighborhood and frequently goes to be unbathed and hungry.
You tell me how Billy is equal to Johnny. And why Billy should suffer for the circumstances of his birth.
Not a level playing field: You must grant minorities and women access to your college to make sure you have a makeup of X% even if they do not meet the same standard as the rest of the applicants.
Robert – why do you think they don’t meet those standards? Demographically, more minorities live in poverty. And in a patriarchal culture – women are not encouraged to compete with men.
I think Liberals are just as guilty as Conservatives because they endorse preferential hireing practices, educations preferences, etc. for minorities.
Again – it is not a preference if it is giving them a leveled playing field. A preference would be giving them better rigths. That’s not what we want.
Minorities should not be discriminated against, like you said, we have a judicial system for that. But they should not get preferences either.
Comment by robert — December 22, 2006 @ 11:55 am
Preferences? No – but equality – yes. And the way to give them equality is by leveling the playing field.
That wasn’t nasty… But then again, I guess I’m just not one to assign such a tone to other people until they start being insulting or typing in all caps or are named Mighty Aphrodite.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:09 pmZooey sez:
Indeed! Happy Saturnalia!!!
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:11 pmDo you really think that w got into Yale on his own merit?
Comment by BearCountry — December 22, 2006 @ 12:04 pm
Excellent point!
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:11 pmZooey, I think we are up to 7 or 8 things we agree on. No bad concidering that I can be, what did you call me the other day? Agrivating or irritating.
I think Minority preferences are wrong. I think majority preferences are wrong. I think preferences for the wealthy are wrong. I think all of that goes against what this nation was founded on. I know I am looking for a perfect world here, but isn’t that the goal.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:16 pmYep! Again….RUCerious and Zooey, head’s turned in question all over my shopping errand’s yesterday..Every where I went wished everyone a Blessed Yule….One person even asked.”What’s that”?…Oh well. at least no one tried to burn me at the stake, yet…Blessings
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:19 pmRobert – here’s a challenge for you.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:21 pmLeave your car at home, take a bus and ride to the airport.
Take a flight to LAX.
From there, take a bus and travel to South Central LA.
Get off the bus and spend three days walking around, touring the streets. Don’t get a hotel, sleep outside under some cardboard.
There’s lots of that laying around, look behind any of the warehouses down there.
Buy your meals at the convenience stores that dot the landscape, no eating in restaurants. No bathing, except if you can get into a gas station bathroom and use the sink to rinse your pits.
Meet some people, talk to them about their lives, their dreams, their hopes.
Then come on back and let us know how that went for you.
Sharon – the yet part still scares me! Be warm and fuzzy over the weekend!
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:22 pmI’m not banned,so see,it’s not me.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:24 pm#101, ok let me pick up where you left off.
I have a lot more in common with Billy. By virtue of seeing my single mother working 2 or 3 jobs while trying to take care of 5 children I learned the value of hard work. I also learned that I never want to be put into that situation or to put my children in that situation. I do not yet have a degree as I have been lazy about it. The programs are there for me but I have not taken advantage of them. Any “success” I have had in my life is not due to my skin color, it is due to the fact that I have worked hard to get where I am since the age of 12 (yes, I worked “off the books” as a teenager).
Billy hase the same opportunity to go to college as Johnny. Billy has to look at his own situation and be dissatisfied with it and then decide to change it. But if Billy develops the mentality that he can get into college, or a job based off of “social norming” that CAN disuade him from pushing harder to get where he wants to be.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:26 pmHey Robert, how about affirmative action for the well-to do? They’re called “legacies.” Do you think you could have gotten admitted to Yale with a C average in high school? Do you think you could have gotten into Harvard Business School with a C average at Yale? Conservatives can’t stand the idea of giving a poor kid a break, but when it comes to the rich, it’s a free pass. I say if you’re going to get rid of affirmative action, get rid of legacies as well. Make it a frickin meritocracy the way it’s supposed to be.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:30 pmThen come on back and let us know how that went for you.
Comment by RUCerious — December 22, 2006 @ 12:21 pm
No kidding.. :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:31 pmBush’s father issued a number of questionable pardons. He pardoned a convicted heroin dealer who had smuggled 55 pounds into the country. He pardoned the head of Occidental Petroleum after that man had made huge campaign contributions. He pardoned four indicted co-conspirators in Iran-Contra before they were set to testify as to his part in the scandal. The New York Times devoted one single article to these pardons. Clinton, as a favor to the prime minister of Israel, pardoned fugative banker Mark Rich. The NYT published 17 (count em’) articles on Clinton’s pardon. I don’t expect the “liberal” press to spend to much ink on W’s pardons.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:34 pmAny “success†I have had in my life is not due to my skin color,
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:35 pmWhat is it, like green?
Bluedog49, read #104 and answer your own question.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:35 pmBluedog – kind of gives new meaning to the term
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:37 pm“pardner”
#106, When I was stationed in Irvine (MCAS ElToro) I donated time to food programs in L.A. and Santa Ana. They were community banks where those in need were getting baskets of food for nothing or next to nothing, depending on their circumstance. One thing I learned from them was to treat them as Humans and as Equals, not as charity cases.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:38 pmGreat, Robert. If I ever see any republican publically advocating an end to legacies, I’ll be more open to this killing of affirmative action, but until then, I’m not moved. No public conservative who speaks out against affirmative action EVER mentions legacies. If you know of one, let me know.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:41 pmI have a lot more in common with Billy.
You are black? Because there is a whole level of social discrimination that exists for people without lily white skin…
By virtue of seeing my single mother working 2 or 3 jobs while trying to take care of 5 children I learned the value of hard work.
robert – this is not hardwork – this is slavery. For anyone to work more 2 or 3 jobs just to survive? Now keep in mind – I work two jobs.
I also learned that I never want to be put into that situation or to put my children in that situation.
Then why do you want to put other people’s children into that situation? Because the policies you endorse do just that.
I do not yet have a degree as I have been lazy about it.
Lazy? You’re self-degrading yourself to a degree to assume that it’s simply a will.
The programs are there for me but I have not taken advantage of them.
Well, you shouldn’t according to your philosophies… You should just pull yourself up in spite of what you were lacking to be able to do so.
Any “success†I have had in my life is not due to my skin color, it is due to the fact that I have worked hard to get where I am since the age of 12 (yes, I worked “off the books†as a teenager).
Where is that robert? No offense, but by the general definition of success, you aren’t there.
Billy hase the same opportunity to go to college as Johnny.
No he doesn’t. Not without scholarships and government provisions. The fact that those exist is proof that they are needed.
Billy has to look at his own situation and be dissatisfied with it and then decide to change it.
How? Who is his role model? You don’t seem to understand that humans are born with virtually no instincts. Most everything is a learned response. Therefore, if he has not been taught how, he cannot.
But if Billy develops the mentality that he can get into college, or a job based off of “social norming†that CAN disuade him from pushing harder to get where he wants to be.
Comment by robert — December 22, 2006 @ 12:26 pm
Your theory sounds nice robert – but it’s not realistic. If it were, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:43 pmHere’s a thought, Robert. In addition to donating your time, you could think about voting for a politician who advocates fixing the homeless problem. That’s the way it’s supposed to work in a representative democracy. Hint: that candidate is probably NOT a republican.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:43 pmHey Robert, since you’re so concerned about Billy and Johnny, I’m sure you support Pelosi’s goal of cutting the interest rates on college loans in half. Say, it’s been about 12 years, now. Why hasn’t your party thought of that?
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:46 pmNo bad concidering that I can be, what did you call me the other day? Agrivating or irritating.
Comment by robert
Annoying, Robert.
I said you were annoying, but I also said you probably found me annoying too. :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:49 pmI’m not banned,so see,it’s not me.
Comment by [B!]
Peace.
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:50 pmRobert, my last question was a serious one. The repubs have held the House for 12 years. During the last 6 years, it has become increasingly hard for working class families to afford college for their children. Democrats immediately proposed cutting interest rates on college loans when they won last month. Why hasn’t your party done anything for working class families trying to send their children to college? Do you, as someone who professes to value educational opportunities for all, have an answer to that question?
December 22nd, 2006 at 12:55 pmΩ!
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:00 pmHere’s the thing: talk is cheap. You can sit around and yammer about how you think everything should be fair and so on, but if you support representatives who do not share your view, you’re doing nothing but talking.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:12 pmLet’s see, Robert is deeply troubled about the homeless problem, but he supports a party which has made the problem worse with its policies. Robert doesn’t believe in legacies, but he supports a president who wouldn’t have been qualified for any college entrance without one. Robert, have you ever considered seeing a shrink?
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:17 pmGet ready for the front lines! Congress already has legislation for a draft waiting in committee, although it won’t be called a “draft”, it’s the “Universal National Service Act of 2006“, “requiring all persons in the United States, including women, between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform a period of military service”. And if you think the Dems won’t pass this, you are kidding yourself, just check out the bill’s sponsor.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:18 pmI have researched the internet porn issue, my conclusions: There is plenty to go around.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:20 pmHevesi steps down as N.Y. comptroller, avoids prison time
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:21 pmState Comptroller Alan Hevesi agreed to immediately step down as part of a plea deal that would allow him to avoid prison Friday after facing charges related to his use of state employees to chauffeur his wife.
I have researched the internet porn issue, my conclusions: There is plenty to go around.
Comment by ForTruth
But have you researched all of the internet porn — just to make sure?
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:25 pmResisto, every time someone asks me why I think the young have not been as mobilized against this war as they were against the War in Viet Nam, I remind them of the draft. My opinion is that it would be a lot harder for any government to stage a war of choice or a political war if virtually every American family had a real stake in it. When they’re pulling your kid out of college and forcing him against his will to fight in a foreign war, it puts a whole new shine on everything.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:26 pmShame on Hevesi, you’d think he had done something like lying about state funding insurance to get the state of New York to invade New Jersey^!
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:27 pm#128 FT, I don’t believe you. Post your links!
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:27 pmRUCerious
you’d think he had done something like lying about state funding insurance to get the state of New York to invade New Jersey!
I see what you did there.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:31 pm#134 Marvelous.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:32 pmBut have you researched all of the internet porn — just to make sure?
Comment by Zooey
I better go back and make sure.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:34 pm#136, don’t forget to post those links, all of them now, you hear?
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:37 pmI better go back and make sure.
Comment by ForTruth — December 22, 2006 @ 1:34 pm
You’re such a hero to sacrifice yourself in this manner. Someone should give you a medal.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:40 pmI better go back and make sure.
Comment by ForTruth
Good man. Thanks for your sacrifice.
Don’t forget the links for RUCerious.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:41 pmHeh, heh
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:44 pmRUCerious,
I’m thinking you’re going to get some links. :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:49 pmI’ll let yall know what I find out, I do need some privacy in order to allow me to focus and track the results.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:49 pmYou don’t even want me to post links to
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:52 pmmy favorite pornthose nasty websites.Ok, nobody look at ForTruth, or even think about what he’s doing.
Shhh….
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:53 pmWow! Great discussion going on today. Guess that may be the lack of trolls!!!???!!!
Unbelievable, you wrote:
“Canada is doing something similar with roads in wildlife areas so that the animals aren’t slaughtered by the traffic.”
Yes we are doing this and it’s a good start. Unfortunately it is a costly endeavour and only very short sections in the mountains. Sometimes when I’m driving through these sections I wonder how the animals find these crossings. Of course they get funneled in with fencing but the thought always crosses my mind. More importantly for the wildlife is to do this over trains. I think the reason they put these overhead of highways is more about people being hurt by hitting wildlife rather than the wildlife itself. Many, many animals are killed by trains but the train wins those encounters 100% of the time!
Unbelievable, I really appreciate your views. You are an inspiration for me. I’ve always been a “liberal” but really mostly against “conservatives” because of certain views they have. Having been reading on this site for a while I have got to know better reasons to be “liberal”. I have a feeling that you are a real teacher. Thank you.
I shouldn’t just single out Unbelievable because there are plenty of others here who contribute to the “smartening of the world”. I don’t intend to dismiss others. Although I don’t participate in the community of TP (as in saying hello and how’s the weather Zooey) I get a feeling of belonging because people here DO say hello and how’s the weather.
Ah shoot, I’m getting all mushy. Happy Winter Solstice everyone. The sun is getting higher starting today! YeeeeHaaaw. (With apologies to those in the Southern Hemisphere)
Yikes
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:57 pmBush probably pardoned the meth dealer because he lost his hookup when Haggard went down.
And yes, we DO need a draft…. I can promise you if all the mouthbreathers and knuckledraggers had to worry about being shipped off to be slaughtered in the desert, their congressman would be asking ALOT more questions before authorizing war, at least if they wanted to have any chance of getting re-elected.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:58 pmI did put up a link, doubtful it made it. Lets just say I like BBW’s. Heh.
(not really)
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:59 pmYikes:
Hello,and how is the weather?
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:01 pmLOL Yikes,
Happy winter solstice to you, merry Christmas to others, and Happy Hanukah, or whatever you like to celebrate.
I hope every has a good holiday, even the trolls.
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:02 pmAh shoot, I’m getting all mushy. Happy Winter Solstice everyone. The sun is getting higher starting today! YeeeeHaaaw. (With apologies to those in the Southern Hemisphere)
–Yikes
Now we’re going to be all sniffly, Yikes. :)
You hit on that very important thing, Yikes, more sun each day.
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:02 pmSo appreciated.
BBW’s? Oh yea,nice cars.
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:03 pmWhitey, there’s also a buzz about helping out the military by “federalizing state militias.” How are the fat, rednecks running around in the woods going to feel if they’re up for Iraq and Iran duty. Something tells me they’ll get a new religion.
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:08 pmI probably shouldn’t have,but I gave my opinion on the original thread,then said nothing more.
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:13 pmwell… just wanted to add a note of holiday greetingS to all…
seems i haven’t missed much in the comments department…
have been busy with my kids at home, making/baking cookies and treats…
comments i made at the beginning of the week were never posted – why? – and i got too busy to follow up… hope this one makes it…
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
BE JUST AND GOOD. TAKE CARE.
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:17 pmI think the reason they put these overhead of highways is more about people being hurt by hitting wildlife rather than the wildlife itself.
Doesn’t surprise me that it’s human-centric… but as long as it saves some of the animals, it works for me ; )
Unbelievable, I really appreciate your views. You are an inspiration for me. I’ve always been a “liberal†but really mostly against “conservatives†because of certain views they have.
Why thank you. I’m totally blushing… ; )
Having been reading on this site for a while I have got to know better reasons to be “liberalâ€.
Personally, I think it feels better to be for a system rather than against one. Unfortunately, the conservatives frequently put us in the position to have to counter their bad policies and ideologies…
I have a feeling that you are a real teacher. Thank you.
Wow… Thanks. Most days I think that they teach me more than I teach them :) They are great kids.
I shouldn’t just single out Unbelievable because there are plenty of others here who contribute to the “smartening of the worldâ€.
Lot of wonderful people here who have helped make many positive changes in this country. Fortunately TP gave the knowledgable liberals a voice. Like everything, it has it’s moments – but overall it is certainly a light at the end of a very dark tunnel. :)
Ah shoot, I’m getting all mushy. Happy Winter Solstice everyone. The sun is getting higher starting today!
Comment by Yikes — December 22, 2006 @ 1:57 pm
Same in return! Hope you have a wonderful Solstice yourself! :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:17 pmi should add – about the comments – i didn’t get passed #50ish…
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:19 pmyeesh…
Something tells me they’ll get a new religion.
Comment by Bluedog49 — December 22, 2006 @ 2:08 pm
Ha ha.. good one!
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:32 pmUnbelievable, I saw something in the paper this morning that you might appreciate. One of the top selling books this holiday season is “The God Delusion.”
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:49 pmActually, the number of Americans killed on 9/11 was less than 2,959 plus 14 because not all the victims were Americans.
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:50 pmIf you want to use the 2,959 plus 14 you would have to put that up against 2,973 Americans plus the tens of thousands of Iraqi innocent citizens killed in this fiasco. This numbers comparison is a bad joke or as Yogi Berra would say, “Statisitics is for losers.”.
Unbelievable, I saw something in the paper this morning that you might appreciate. One of the top selling books this holiday season is “The God Delusion.â€
Comment by Bluedog49 — December 22, 2006 @ 2:49 pm
Really? I’m sort of surprised and sort of not…
Ever since my brother and I admitted we were Atheists, my mother was able to say that she had doubts and has since given up organized religion. I think the more of us non-believers who come out of the closet, the more comfortable other people will be doing the same.
In a perfect world, people would define their own ideologies themselves based on reality and the use of their own brains. In this world, I just want the religious oppression to stop.
Thanks for the news :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 3:03 pmDid you see this one?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/21/AR2006122101621.html
Report Says TSA Violated Privacy Law
Passengers Weren’t Told That Brokers Provided Data to Screening Program in ‘04
By Ellen Nakashima and Del Quentin Wilber
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, December 22, 2006; Page A07
Secure Flight, the U.S. government’s stalled program to screen domestic air passengers against terrorism watch lists, violated federal law during a crucial test phase, according to a report to be issued today by the Homeland Security Department’s privacy office.
The agency found that by gathering passenger data from commercial brokers in 2004 without notifying the passengers, the program violated a 1974 Privacy Act requirement that the public be made aware of any changes in a federal program that affects the privacy of U.S. citizens. “As ultimately implemented, the commercial data test conducted in connection with the Secure Flight program testing did not match [the Transportation Security Administration's] public announcements,” the report states.
The finding marks the first time that the Homeland Security Department has acknowledged that the problem-plagued Secure Flight program has violated the law. It comes at a time when a separate program to screen international passengers is under attack for officials’ failure to disclose until recently that they were creating passenger profiles that would be stored for 40 years.
December 22nd, 2006 at 3:48 pm# 152 How are the fat, rednecks running around in the woods going to feel if they’re up for Iraq and Iran duty?
Heheheh. Probably a little bit more nervous considering that then the “deer” have RPG’s and IED’s to respond with.
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:10 pmDraft the Bush twins first!!
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:52 pm
And to all Merry Christmas, Solstice, Chanukka, and whatever else you are celebrating, enjoying, worshipping or just reverencing!!!
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:58 pmSee ya’ll later!
Look…..on May1, 2003 a poll showed 79% of Americans supported this bloody war. documentation:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A1155-2003May16
It is very safe to assume many of those now posting anitwar and antibush rants on this website were in favor of war at some point in 2003. Well guys…you got your friggin’ war. Happy now?
If you supported war it is now YOUR DUTY to join up (or your kids). It is completely outrageous that we make just a few go back forth to Iraq/ Afgan to fight for you. Some of you wishywashy people gambled that the war would go away quick…you lost…..Join up.
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:58 pmBluedog49, I am all for a cut in interest rates for college loans. I can not say why the Repubs have not done it thus far. I think that could be just another tool for helping the economy. Remember, just because I identify myself as a Republican does not mean that I go straight down party lines.
Unbelievable, IN the initial Billy/Johnny post, you never mentioned that Billy was black. So, did you change the parameters to fit your argument?
No offense, but by the general definition of success, you aren’t there. It all depends on how you measure success.
Then why do you want to put other people’s children into that situation? Because the policies you endorse do just that.What situation? The situation of personal accountability? The situation of self reliance instead of entitlement?
By the way, the programs I spoke of for my education are because of my military service. I never said that scholarships and students loans should be done away with either. I said that all people have the same opportunities to go to college and all preferences for admission should be done away with. If a person regardless of race, gender, or class meets the enrollment requirements, fine give them a scholarship, grant, loan, whatever. But don’t lower the requirement for sake of social makeup. When you do that the education system does not benefit, if the person was not academically qualified to begin with, then they have a reduced chance of success.
In short, make a SINGLE standard and uphold that standard. Do not wave the standard just because of money, lack of money, race, gender, etc.
Sorry it took so long to respond, I had to go into work for a bit.
December 22nd, 2006 at 7:12 pmTo all people here:
Just stop by to say Happy Holidays or whatever you celebrate with your family.
Thank you so much for allowing me to learn from you.
December 22nd, 2006 at 7:28 pm165 Look…..on May1, 2003 a poll showed 79% of Americans supported this bloody war. documentation:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A1155-2003May16
You seem to forget all the lies that this administration told to get us were we are at in Iraq. Yes. Americans believed still reeling from 9/11, some supported this president. They never thought for a second that could be manipulated into believing that this wasn’t a just cause. Then we woke up. 9/11 F**king lie! Iraq another F**KING LIE….THIS PRESIDENT, THE GREAT LIER!
December 22nd, 2006 at 8:18 pmJust stop by to say Happy Holidays or whatever you celebrate with your family.
Thank you so much for allowing me to learn from you.
Comment by Juan C
Happy Holidays, Juan.
Thank you for helping me learn to be more calm. :)
December 22nd, 2006 at 8:24 pmI will be back bright and early after Christmas.I am shining my armor and sharpening my sword.
Comment by Gen. William Gunnison USMC ret.
Poor thing, you’ll be here all by yourself…
December 23rd, 2006 at 1:07 amMethinks the General is shining his sword a bit too much. LOL
December 23rd, 2006 at 1:10 amOh,and by the way,Gen.;I think you mean the British and Germans had a cease fire;and that was W.W.1..
December 23rd, 2006 at 1:16 amI guess West Point forgot to give you that memo.
173
No I mean in WW2 the Germans and Americans in some locales stopped the fighting.
It wasn`t a declared cease fire,but it did happen in many battles,both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were silent on both of those days.
December 24th, 2006 at 1:32 amBut I am getting geared up for the battle ahead in the coming year with you progressives
Comment by Gen. William Gunnison USMC ret. — December 22, 2006 @ 11:56 pm
Stock up on Epsom Salts… You’re gonna need to soak in a hot bath full of it after regularly getting your a$$ kicked here.
You Righties don’t stand a chance. You build your arguments on circumspection and emotions rather than reality – which has, in fact, a liberal bias….
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