Although he frequently makes a point of finding something charitable to say about his opponents’ arguments, Sen. Barack Obama almost always ends up voting liberal. “The arguments of liberals are more often grounded in reason and fact,” the Illinois Democrat wrote in “The Audacity of Hope,” a memoir published last year.
[Update]
Obama comes clean... At least Biden didn't say that O'Bama was pretty sober for an Irishman.
Cooking Up A Storm
Hungry? Want some terrific food ideas? Then I encourage you to purchase "Blogalicious!: A Cookbook of Favorite Recipes from the Blogosphere" Edited by a GREAT LADY Deborah Uhler! Deborah contacted me several months ago (and many more of your favorites from the Blogosphere) and solicited a favorite Recipe from me and and a whold bunch of other bloggers. My contrabution is "Norma's Peach Upside Down Cake" found on page 141. This is a really good cookbook and I encourage you to get a copy. The introduction is written by Glenn Reynolds and the cover art is by Cox and Forkum. With a start like that, how can you go wrong?
From The Front in Afghanistan
A very good friend, talented writer of a blog and regular columnist for SFGate, Cinnamon Stillwell receives updates from a serviceman in Afghanistan. He has graciously agreed that his dispatches can be sent out but asks, for obvious reasons regarding the "enemy" that his name be changed. My comments are below!
1/27/07: Ladies and Gents, security report follows; as you can see, we have our regular report dissemination back. Couple of insights, starting to warm up here already so snow will soon melt and we will be back to fun and games again. However, there is a definitive difference going into the campaign season as opposed to last, no NATO/ISAF newbie transition.
There is a strong force assembling, unlike last year, and the combat multipliers such as Harriers and F-16s are in place. We may possibly get additional combat aircraft platforms. This is a critical year here and on 31 Jan we will get a new NATO/ISAF Commander, General Dan K McNeil. Gen McNeil was Asst Div Cdr at 2ID Korea, has Commanded the 82d Airborne Div and XVIIIth Airborne Corps. It is just a matter of our being proactive and executing a very sound operational plan, and yes, disrupting his actions cross border.
Just so you know, the Afghan official assassinated in Kabul was same Governor of Bamyan Province under the Taliban who oversaw the destruction of the Buddhist statues. Any great loss? Not in my book.
Much is changing in regards for the ANP training, perhaps we can see an overall improvement.
Lastly, will someone please tell our leftist peace lovers, opportunist Republican leaders, and Hollywood heroes that under islamic sharia law, they are no movies, art, music, freedom of speech or religion, no democratic political process, heck there is nothing but being subjugated to the rule of mullahs/clerics/ imams (and they think Christians are bad). They will be told to pray five times a day and women such as Boxer, Pelosi, and even Rosie would not be allowed out of the home.
Now, we are just trying to give some people a chance and opportunity to have protests and rights like them in the future. So let us do our job over here and maybe one day Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Jane Fonda, and others can have a protest seminar in Baghdad and make action movies with Matt Damon shot on location in Uruzgan province of Afghanistan.
Tell them we are not abandoning people like we did in Vietnam resulting in how many millions being slaughtered. Tell the Congress if they cut funding these young Men and Women Warriors, and not the disgruntled ones, they will never forgive them.
[emphasis added]
Regards from Sunny Kandahar
Someone Serving In Afghanistan
1/21/07: Ladies and Gents, security report follows; there is a rumor that the fuel tankers that caught on fire here in staging area resulted from arson. Arson by the Pakistani drivers who wanted to get new trucks.
If you read in some papers Taliban propaganda states that they are going to open up their own schools this year. They can say that all they desire, aint gonna happen. They certainly made a positive impact on the Afghan educational system by burning some 180 schools this past year. Now, that is what I call a religion of peace.
Not much else to report...which is kinda a good thing!
Regards
Someone Serving In Afghanistan
I wonder if the Republicrats (that oh-so-unhealthy blend of Liberal/Stupid Republicans and Liberal/Even Stupider Democrats) see the Irony of saying so many nice things about the quality of LT. Gen. Petraeus' leadership, ability to make strategy and all the other encomiums they heaped on him only to decry the strategy he has authored. Make no mistake boys and girls, passing this stupid resolution about the surge is just going to make the jihadists delighted. Why, they might even order extra coffee with their 72 golden raisins and anyone that doesn't think so is either addled, cannot think their way out of a wet paper sack or see only a way to take a whack at Bush and Company.
1
Hubby just got back from that area 2 weeks ago, and I'm getting a whole new outlook on the stuff going on over there.
Posted by: Jo at Tuesday, January 30 2007 11:16 PM (SRhc4)
2
Very simple. They don't believe in the danger. It's far away, and it's not people they know. Bush is closer, and they find the danger of not being in power more fearful to contemplate.
3
People talk about the comparing Vietnam to the new war.
We never planted our feet in Hanoi.
We planted our feet in Baghdad. Now we've planted Saddam.
Posted by: janette at Sunday, February 04 2007 03:05 PM (/kyeu)
There are Taxes and then There Are Taxes! [UPDATED]
Sent to me by a friend:
Note: This post is put up as sent. Because there are a bunch of overly sensitive hyperPC liberals out there, I've colored RED the sections that I do not agree with nor do I nor have I ever endorsed. Those sections colored in GREEN are doubtless the ones the same PC folk would agree with because in their comments they said noting about this at all. So, if it describes something negative about someone from your "Tribe" you are likely to bitch about it, if it says something negative about someone elses tribe you say nothing. We call that hypocracy where I come from. GET IT E. NONEE MOOSE? BISHOPDIC?
If you don't understand the Democrats' version of tax refunds, maybe this will help explain it:
Let's say 50,000 people go to a baseball game, but the game was rained out. A refund was then due.
The team was about to mail refunds when a group of Congressional Democrats stopped them and suggested that they send out the ticket refunds based on the
Democrat National Committee's interpretation of fairness.
Originally the refunds were to be paid based on the price each person had paid for the tickets. Unfortunately that meant most of the refund money would be going to the ticket holders that had purchased the most expensive tickets.
This, according to the DNC, is considered totally unfair. A decision was then made to pay out the refunds in this manner:
People in the $10 seats will get back $15. After all, they have less money to spend on tickets to begin with. Call it an "Earned Income Ticket Credit." Persons "earn" it by having few skills, poor work habits, and low ambition, thus keeping them at entry-level wages.
People in the $25 seats will get back $25, because it "seems fair." People in the $50 seats will get back $1, because they already make a lot of money and don't need a refund. After all, if they can afford a $50 ticket, they must not be paying enough taxes.
People in the $75 luxury box seats will each have to pay an additional $25 because it's the "right thing to do."
People walking past the stadium that couldn't afford to buy a ticket for the game each will get a $10 refund, even though they didn't pay anything for the tickets. They need the most help. Sometimes this is known as Affirmative Action.
Now do you understand?
If not, contact Representative Nancy Pelosi, Senator or Ted Kennedy for assistance. You can also contact Senator Harry Reid but he is likely to be too busy explaining his massive land-purchase problems as not being part of the "Culture of Corruption." Likewise, you could contact Senator Hillary Clinton but she will be either too busy explaining her how her $1000.00 investment turned into $100,000.00 in only 10 months OR she will want to engage you in a conversation so she can be elected President.
1
Something has always been wrong when someone can pay a thousand dollars in tax (have that much withheld) and get back 5-6 thousand dollars as a 'refund'?????? Earned income my a**, buy your vote with my money is more likely.
Posted by: Scrapiron at Tuesday, January 30 2007 05:17 AM (0Co69)
2
Speaking as someone who grew up in a family living well below the poverty line, the EIC was an incredible blessing for our family. No, we never got five or six thousand dollars... usually it was just several hundred, if I remember correctly. But back when I was a kid, that was enough money to make a huge difference in the quality of our lives. People who are really critical of social programs usually have little or no first-hand experience with poverty.
Posted by: e. nonee moose at Tuesday, January 30 2007 06:27 AM (dlFaD)
3
Moose, EIC can be a BIG boon to some, there is no doubt about it, but it is still a transfer of payments from some to others. From a social benefit point of view, I cannot argue with the benefit for a number, but not maybe "most" of those who receive the benefit. In my practice, I've seen just way too much fraud. That doesn't mean we shouldn't have it, it means we should make sure that it only reaches those who need it.
The same with food stamps, a great benefit, but no program anywhere to my knowledge has taught people how to use it to the best benefit for their family, shopping and comparing prices for one thing, not buying the "best" brand of soup, if a cheaper brand will provide the same nutrition. I've never had to use food stamps but I do that kind of comparison EVERY time I go shopping.
Perhaps the problem is, like shoplifters who say the stores have insurance and they rip off the customer anyway, that too many people look at it as "other peoples money, my entitlement because I live here, so who cares?"
Posted by: GM Roper at Tuesday, January 30 2007 07:10 AM (kEu/z)
4
So the poor have 'few skills, poor work habits, and low ambition'? That must be why they're poor. If those dirty, lazy people would just get off thier duffs and go to college, something like Heaven might dawn and we'd all be happy. Thanks, GM lazy laborers like my father thank you for your compassion. Perhaps the Republicans should take a page out of the Democrat playbook and just keep quiet. It should be easy with the silver spoon firmly lodged there.
Posted by: Bishopdic at Tuesday, January 30 2007 11:11 AM (+ZiH3)
5
I can endorse the way Democrats do taxes and not endorse the side comments contained. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT ASSUME that these are my thoughts, I'm only posting what was sent.
I do endorse however that the Democratic Party sees taxes as a massive wealth re-distribution ploy to cater to "the little guy" whom they really don't give a damn about.
Posted by: GM at Tuesday, January 30 2007 03:53 PM (S60yG)
6Because there are a bunch of overly sensitive hyperPC liberals out there, I've colored RED the sections that I do not agree with nor do I nor have I ever endorsed.
Funny. I thought about quibbling over the 'Affirmative Action' line earlier but didn't feel like it was worth the effort.
Posted by: e. nonee moose at Wednesday, January 31 2007 01:58 AM (dlFaD)
7
As to your last line; I like how Hillary wants to "chat". I wonder if she'd mind if I used sign language. I have a message I'd like to deliver :-)
As a one time recipient of EIC I understand why some might get perturbed at being labeled as "lazy" or possessing "poor work habits". If you are in either category, you probably SHOULD be offended. If you're not in either category you shouldn't be offended and then you can't argue that many do indeed fall into these categories. To be offended for other people is not your job. You are responsible for your own actions, not those you have no connection with. Let them formulate their own arguments.
EIC is meant to be a hand-up, not a hand-out. I treated it as a hand-up, took advantage of the cash I got and used it to further my education. Subsequently, I got a better paying job and got no more EIC. I felt better about myself as a single parent with two kids and had no government help from that point on. None. Now I am supporting another family of four with my taxes because as GM said, there is far too much abuse of the system because some people make poor choices in their lives and know the gov't will bail them out.
There's nothing wrong with getting a break. But when you need that break over and over, week after year, you're doing something wrong.
Posted by: Oyster at Wednesday, January 31 2007 05:06 AM (YudAC)
8
Yes its too bad the the land of the free wants the rest of the world to be just like it. Gee where would be if we didn't change the worlds different cultures. The american Indian, the Hawian Iaslands just a few. If we really cared about the world we might have stoped the War Lords and Dictators around the world. It seems to be we only help those who have something to offer us or something like Oil. Oh yea! Lets blame the Union people and Democrats too. These are the same people who gave us the middle class. You remember them. The ones who paid the majority of our nations taxes. Who gave birth to other supporting jobs. Only the wealthy could afford automobiles untill the union came along. Remember H. Ford was only paying a worker $1 a day. When the employees at Flint Mich. had a sit down strike this wasn't to get a coffee break. It changed the world that you and I live in. Above all don't forget that social security check or that un-employment check too.
Posted by: Markus at Thursday, February 01 2007 07:21 AM (zEPaK)
9
I've now had to delete 3 comments before I hit the 'post' button because I deemed them too snarky.
Darn it...and that was some pretty good snark too.
I think I received the EIC a couple of times before I finished college. It was nice; I'm not gonna lie. But I much prefer having a degree and a better paying job than a once a year 'bonus' from Uncle Sam. I would hope that more people would do the same.
Posted by: Jennifer at Thursday, February 01 2007 02:27 PM (LhEOm)
A Year Plus Later, And Little Has Changed!Surfing through some of my old posts looking for nothing in particular, I came across an old post that is a little more than a year old. Hence, the title of this post. I re-present it here for your edification and comment.
"But I digress, what caught my eye, and engaged my memory was the title "Little Boxes" and my mind instantly (perhaps the intent of the Instapundit?) was taken back to Pete Seeger circa 1963 when he sang:
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky-tacky,
Little boxes, little boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.
And the people in the houses
All go to the university,
And they all get put in boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
And there's doctors and there's lawyers
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.
And they all play on the golf-course,
And drink their Martini dry,
And they all have pretty children,
And the children go to school.
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
And they all get put in boxes
And they all come out the same.
And the boys go into business,
And marry, and raise a family,
And they all get put in boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.
"Maybe you don't remember this song, maybe you do. I remember it because I was then in my senior year in high school living with my parent's a stone's throw from the Potomac River and just down river from Washington D.C. The neighborhood was staunchly middle class, with carports not garages, postage size back yards, and every 10th house of roughly the same design. Little boxes indeed. Not much of a hillside though. The years were of protest songs, Hootnanny was a popular TV show, folk singers all the rage and the Beatles had not been totally crowned as the kings of pop music then. In fact, there were still a lot of Buddy Holly fans around. But the protest songs... ahhhh, the protest songs.. "If I Had A Hammer;" "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?" and so many others. The Halcyon days of conformity, of Bass Weejun shoes, wool socks with matching colored shirts. Madras Plaids, narrow ties. '61, '62, and '63.
"Then, Kennedy was assassinated and the upheaval began for many of us. Vietnam, drugs, sex and rock and roll. Nehru Jackets, Bell Bottoms, and Beads, oh yes, the Beads.
"Again, I digress and as I write this, the tinkle of "Little Boxes" continues to run through my head. I followed Glenn Reynolds link to "Albion's Seedlings" and this article by James C. BennettTicky-Tacky
"It seems as though Pete Seeger didn't write that song, though I can't remember why I thought he did, it was written by Malvina Reynolds who was at the time a member of the Communist Party, USA. Bennett states:
The political context of the song was interesting. Right after World War Two, the Communist Party USA, seeking to capitalize on its wartime link to "our ally, Uncle Joe Stalin", launched a big organizing drive around one of the major general complaints of the time, which was the lack of available housing. The CPUSA's drive was centered on demands for a gigantic government housing program to build government-owned "worker's apartments". This drive quickly petered out as the veteran's housing loan program and rapid suburban development rapidly produced millions of single-family houses, to the delight of returning veterans and wartime workers who had been renting chicken coops and trailers.
Bennett follows with this:
"It also marks the Left's shift from critiquing the market economy for producing too little, to critiquing it for producing too much -- substituting an aesthetic critique for an economic one. This in turn was a symptom of the collapse of any trace of a working-class base for the hard Left, and its replacement by a bohemian-intellectual base.
"Collapse of any trace of a working-class base for the hard Left, and its replacement by a bohemian-intellectual base." Well, one would think then, that the left and Liberal would be (and indeed are) two different things. Reading Daily Kos, Democratic Underground and many other leftist sites, it is hard to imagine a bigger divide between those folk and the Liberals of the 40s and early 50s and mid 60s. In fact, the left today (not necessarily liberals) are all but indistinguishable from the tyrannies of the Soviets. They are ardently anti-capitalist, vociferously anti-American, and seemingly bereft of common sense. I remember when solid Liberalism (with a capital L) was anti-fascist, now the left (little l) decry our war against the islamo-fascists. The seeds of the movement were sown in the minds of pseudo intellectuals who have continued to expand their thoughtless tirades against everything that smacks of free choice. I remember when Liberals stood against discrimination, against the bashing of gays, and sometimes even in favor of equal rights for women (although, truth be told, my mother was a feminist long before Bella Abzug discovered hats) and insisted she get (and she always got) equal treatment and respect from even the most chauvinistic pig (though there were a few that tried to out think her - trust me, it couldn't be done cause I tried so many times and mom was a card carrying Republican.)
"Now, the left supports the pali's and the "insurgents" and states that the only reason terrorists are in Iraq are because the US invaded and booted Saddam Hussein. What sophomoric nonsense.
"I mourn the real Liberals in this country, the ones that stood for human dignity and responsibility and freedom and understanding and free markets and lower taxes and international relations based on what was right, not what was easy or had the greatest support. Oh, wait, I don't need to do that, to mourn that is, their title has changed. Now, they are called Neo-Cons and Conservatives. Cool.
"And so, my little thought experiment/reminiscing has run it's course. From Little Boxes to Pete Seeger, to the CPUSA, to bohemians, to classical Liberalism to leftists to the War on Terror and the destruction of common sense in the hard left. Isn't it interesting what seeing an entry on a blog in the internet can do?"
1
While James Bennett makes an excellent point about the essence of the metamorphosis from the old left into the new left, I find it odd that he would trace this shift to Malvina's song, as Malvina always maintained an "old left" communist-labor sensibility, coupled with a feisty spirit. Her music was personal first and political second. Frankly I think she simply thought these Daly City houses were ugly, and then went on from there by association to criticize conformity and bourgeoise values.
The theme of conformity was a widespread topic of intellectual discussion in that era. Malvina wrote her song in 1960, Whyte's The Organization Man was written in 1956, and L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time was published in 1962. Nothing particularly radical in itself about critiquing conformity in 1960.
I think Bennett is a bit too early (as well as off target with Malvina). Rather, I would trace the rise of Bennett's bohemian-intellectual base to the Free Speech Movement of 1964 and the rise of the new left on college campuses populated by children of the middle class, in distinction to the trade unionists that formed the base of the old left.
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Posted by: Woody at Monday, January 29 2007 03:49 AM (v5VVJ)
2
Eh.
I just popped in to see if you got your password yet.
This (the fact that Munu has gotten so large, complicated and unwieldy) is one of the many reasons why I am SO looking forward to my move to "myurl".com".
That and the "comments" crap and the "blacklist-endless-S***, etc... (Edited)
And, it's really sad, too.
Munu used to be SO awesome.
It used to be where I'd go to vent, so I wouldn't hafta spend my whole life chewing on my back teeth from frustration.
Now it IS why I chew my back teeth with frustration.
Posted by: Stevie at Monday, January 29 2007 10:14 AM (T0YRb)
3
All I know is, I was trying to find my way to ILoveAlpacas.com, but wound up here instead.
Posted by: jim hitchcock at Monday, January 29 2007 12:47 PM (LjYy7)
4
"I took a wrong turn at Albuquerque."
- Bugs Bunny
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6
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Posted by: Monster Energy Hats at Wednesday, November 02 2011 02:37 AM (ar3sG)
A Precious Year Of Living!January 26, 2006 a full year ago I received a diagnosis of lung cancer. I posted on it here: "Thursday, January 26th, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. Talk about a kick in the teeth." A kick in the teeth, "Indeed!" as Glenn Reynolds would say!
A full year has indeed passed, and your's truly is still here, still kicking and fighting the good fight. When I posted about the diagnosis, I sent an email to Dr. Reynolds and he was kind enough to link to my Fighting Cancer post. As a result, I received over 100 comments and something like 300+ emails. All, without exception wishing me luck, saying prayers or some similar comment. The response was overwhelming and sustaining like you wouldn't believe. I received comments and emails from other cancer victims encouraging me to beat it like they had. I received emails from families of cancer victims that had not "made it" and those were supportive as well. In all, I was blessed by an outpouring of care and concern the likes of which I've never before experienced.
I got the diagnosis on the 26th, had surgery on the 6th of February and started chemo-therapy a little over three weeks after that. And through it all, with some 17 additional posts on cancer (the archive for those posts is here) I continued to get well wishes and prayers. Those too have sustained me in this fight. On my birthday (Sept. 20th) I was at the oncologist's office awaiting results of the most recent C.A.T. scan and P.E.T. scan and got the word that I was cancer free. What a birthday present that was!
I have to tell you a story. While I was in intensive care, this nice young man came in and introduced himself as Dr. Lazo. "I'll be your oncologist," he said.
"I'm sorry," I said, "I don't mean to be rude, but you look like you are still in high-school." Dr. Lazo laughed and noted that he heard that a lot. I saw him the other day for a routine checkup and he still looks like he belongs in high-school. But he is a great guy and one hell of a Doc and I am lucky to have him in my corner.
Throughout this entire ordeal my family has been by my side. My beautiful and wonderful wife Norma, my daughter Jennifer and my two younger brothers Bert and Doug. A greater family no man has ever had! I've also had the support of a whole bunch of crazies that I associate with in several google and yahoo groups, notably The Wide Awakes, Wide Awakes Radio and South Park Republicans a nicer (but nuttier) bunch of friends cannot be found anywhere. Would I have made it without them? Possibly! But they made the struggle easier.
I have also been lucky enough to blog about the experiences, posting on such wildly divergent (well, maybe not) topics as fear and the Joy of Living and each post has garnered comments that have touched me deeply. And for that my beloved friends, I thank you.
This has been a tumultuous year, with periods of quite thought, a little fear, a lot of joy, the uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds, and the sublimeness of living in the moment. Of sharing a hug with my wife and saying good bye to a friend as I returned home from a visit. A year of surgery, chemo induced nausea and determination to survive. And survive I have, thanks to Almighty God, the love of my family and thanks to you, my readers and dear friends, because of all of you combined, I've had another precious year of living.
1
Congratulations! I think I will always remember that day. I had received the call from my now fiance around 8:30 pm right after I had finished drum practice. She was a wreck and after awhile of talking to her she was a little better. So GM fight on!
Posted by: psyberwolfe at Saturday, January 27 2007 03:01 AM (LhEOm)
2
GM you have touched so many lives before January 26th last year and even more since. You have taught us never to give up, and that prayer does help in taking someone through the roughest of times. You are a gift to each of us and I thank you.
Posted by: Chrissie at Saturday, January 27 2007 04:48 AM (kEu/z)
3
Alright, GM! I send a big 'Congratulations!' Our Lord wants you to hang around this sinful world for some big plans He has for you. I would like to hang around a bit longer as well!
Posted by: Mike Austin at Saturday, January 27 2007 06:36 AM (kgGx+)
4
You chose to fight and you did so with determination. I remember when I first found out about this GM- how I cried and got upset because of my own family issues similar. You inspired me to hold that "FIGHT ON" attititude and to this day- a year later- it's one of my THINGS I say to my patients who have mind boggling problems to deal with as well.
God Bless you my friend. May you be around for many more years---- just so I can continue to be NUTTY around you
Posted by: Raven at Saturday, January 27 2007 08:23 AM (kEu/z)
5
Absolutely--the glory goes to God. But your will to figh, and the support and prayers of friends also played a part.
Funny how a brush with death makes us more vibrant. A blessing! I saw the same when my husband's inner-ear/brain tumor was successfully treated.
Life is precious, but too few of us stop to think about HOW precious.
God bless you, GM!
Posted by: Always On Watch at Saturday, January 27 2007 11:02 AM (0Co69)
6
The best thing about an anniversary like yours is that you're around to celebrate it! And as a bonus, we got to read all your posts in the interim. Best wishes for continued health, so that in four more years year can scratch out a V - for victory!
Posted by: civil truth at Saturday, January 27 2007 12:56 PM (qp2n7)
7
Congratulations GM. Here's to many, many, more years!
Posted by: Slobokan at Saturday, January 27 2007 03:51 PM (mPnmP)
Posted by: DADvocate at Saturday, January 27 2007 03:59 PM (XyagQ)
9
And we are all the richer for having you around!
Posted by: Oyster at Monday, January 29 2007 12:42 AM (YudAC)
10
Thanks for inviting us to join in on the celebration. I think this is a wonderful anniversary to celebrate.
My sister went through surgery for cancer last January and she just had her one year cancer-free check-up last week. I didn't mind sitting in the waiting room with her for FOUR hours to hear that good news!
Keep up the fight, George!!
Posted by: Redhead Infidel at Tuesday, January 30 2007 01:58 AM (IBImD)
Crabby Old Man!
Sent to me by my beloved Uncle who may be liberal, and old, but I don't think he has ever been crabby a day in his life (well, maybe when Bush was elected!) - Thanks Uncle Jimmy!
Author unknown, but this is winging its way around the internet.
Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses? .......What do you see?
What are you thinking......when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, ....not very wise,
Uncertain of habit ........with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food.......and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice....."I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice ....the things that you do.
And forever is losing .............. a sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not...........lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding ...... the long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse......you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am ....... as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .....as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten......with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .......who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen ...........with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now. .........a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty .........my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows........that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now .......... I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide ...... and a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty ......... my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other ......... with ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons ........have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me........to see ! I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, ......... babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children ........ my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me .......... my wife is now dead.
I look at the future ...........I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .......young of their own.
And I think of the years...... and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man.........and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age .......look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles..........grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone........where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass ...... a young guy still dwells,
And now and again .......my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys.............. I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living.............life over again.
I think of the years ....all too few......gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact........that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .........open and see..
Not a crabby old man. Look closer....see........ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you
might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.....we will all,
one day, be there, too!
1
Stolen - Need to send this to a friend in the medical field who would never take the time to look it up on the internet!! lol
Good One! Thanks for sharing your "gift" from Uncle Jimmy!
Posted by: chrys at Friday, January 26 2007 11:11 AM (88xgr)
2
Awe GM- this has been around for a long time. Back when I worked at the nursing home a lady, age 97, had these words framed up her wall...the words were slightly different= meant for the nurses caring for her- to remind them that a human being existed under the old frail dry and wrinkled skin. It always made my eyes water too.
Posted by: Raven at Friday, January 26 2007 02:51 PM (xqWkT)
3
I heard a rumor that GM had the original of this chiseled in stone and hung from the wall of his cave, way back before Moby Dick was a minnow.
Posted by: Mustang at Friday, January 26 2007 04:02 PM (/Ocrj)
4
Mustang, actually, Moby Dick was a fingerling at the time. However, as I recall you had been predicting his hatching for centuries. And, didn't I recognize your hand in the ways the stone was chisleled? Yeah? Thought so!
Posted by: GM at Saturday, January 27 2007 12:22 AM (S60yG)
5
How are you. For one human being to love another; that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation.
I am from Jordan and also now teach English, please tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "Find the best houston flea tick control.Revolution flea control for cats and dogs."
Regards :-( Tibalt.
Posted by: Elma at Wednesday, July 01 2009 10:06 AM (O7ANZ)
6
Badly need your help. I believe that all government is evil, and that trying to improve it is largely a waste of time.
I am from Fiji and know bad English, give true I wrote the following sentence: "hot stock picks advice."
Best regards
, Zenon.
Posted by: Zenon at Tuesday, September 01 2009 02:50 AM (di2HJ)
7
Hey. Learning to live in the present moment is part of the path of joy.
I am from Palau and too poorly know English, give true I wrote the following sentence: "Phenol, peels are increased now after they know soluble on the number."
Thanks
. New acne scars.
Posted by: New acne scars at Tuesday, October 13 2009 02:36 PM (CkDXg)
8
Hi all. The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.
I am from Liberia and too bad know English, tell me right I wrote the following sentence: " Placement, cause, spokesperson programs?Most of the non-profit years in the parking are less than 10,000 high grants, and back could purchase to be revised by a 3rd community of shop feeling years.We will perform our best to refuse your totals or generate you with any companies you might have with your acts, your consumers, your anti-selection, or your chain loss."
Best regards :p, Auto dealer sudbury ontario.
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Hurry, supplies are limited and this is a short term offer, available only as long as the number of days the Democrats control the House and Senate.
1
If the satellite sent beams to determine what's inside a liberal's brain, then it wouldn't find much even with the tin foil hat removed.
Posted by: Woody at Thursday, January 25 2007 11:25 AM (9FFXI)
2
Hurry, supplies are limited and this is a short term offer, available only as long as the number of days the Democrats control the House and Senate.
I think you haven't gotten the message Guy. The Congress is in for a long long long time of Democratic control.
I wouldn't be surprised to see some republicans changing their affiliation to Democrat. There are always rats that desert a sinking ship.
Republicans are historically a minority group of die-hard right wingers. So now is the time for you all to revert to type.
Posted by: James S Melbert at Thursday, January 25 2007 12:36 PM (w8YJV)
3
Damn, Woody...that really hurt. I am now aiming my death beam laser at you.
Posted by: jim hitchcock at Thursday, January 25 2007 01:26 PM (LjYy7)
4
James: "Republicans are historically a minority group of die-hard right wingers. So now is the time for you all to revert to type."
James, since you have proclaimed that you were once a republican, that makes you a die hard republican right winger doesn't it? Welcome to the club. Or, did you put your tinfoil cap on way to late? :-)
Posted by: GM at Thursday, January 25 2007 03:04 PM (S60yG)
5
Ouch! that price tag will eat up all my Monopoly money. How about listing the range of sizes, or is it "one size fits all" (XXXS)? Also, I'm sure you'd get more customers if you offered a variety of cool colors, like "save the earth green" or "support our troops yellow" or "code pink".
Posted by: civil truth at Thursday, January 25 2007 04:14 PM (qp2n7)
6
Yes Guy, I was a Voting republican when Eisenhower was running and was elected. Ike was the one that warned us all against the military-Industrial complex. He said that that grouping would be the downfall of the US as we know it. Time and events have showed that Ike was right. The republican party today is complicit in the military-industrial complex. That make them complicit in the present downward trend of our country. The old trig theorem, "things equal to the same thing, are equal to each other", cannot be avoided. Maybe the tinfoil cap has slipped over your eyes and is keeping you folk from seeing the results of your politics.
Posted by: James S Melbert at Friday, January 26 2007 01:22 PM (w8YJV)
7
The number of times I have heard that Eisenhower Military-industrial comment misinterpreted is just tiring at this point, James. Ike was referring to its effect on economy and useless defense cost. He was not in any way trying to suggest that we were becoming too warlike, or that the military was developing too much influence.
Sign The Petition!
NZ bear has put up a petition to the Republicans in Congress regarding the shameful "resolution."
If the United States Senate passes a resolution, non-binding or otherwise, that criticizes the commitment of additional troops to Iraq that General Petraeus has asked for and that the president has pledged, and if the Senate does so after the testimony of General Petraeus on January 23 that such a resolution will be an encouragement to the enemy, I will not contribute to any Republican senator who voted for the resolution. Further, if any Republican senator who votes for such a resolution is a candidate for re-election in 2008, I will not contribute to the National Republican Senatorial Committee unless the Chairman of that Committee, Senator Ensign, commits in writing that none of the funds of the NRSC will go to support the re-election of any senator supporting the non-binding resolution.
If you would like to sign this petition, and I urge you to do so, please click on NZ Bears petition page. The troops in Iraq will thank you for it. As Glenn Reynolds noted:
OLD CONVENTIONAL WISDOM: "Rumsfeld and Bush should have listened to the generals."
1
I'm curious just how many Generals disagree with Junior? For that matter of those Generals how many have been forced to retire, given different assignments, etc. for their disagreement? This current president is starting to remind me of other historical leaders, but we'll leave them out of this conversation.
I'm proud of this Congress. Why? Because their remembering those civics classes we took as kids. They forgot that although Duh is Commander in Chief the Congress controls the purse and ultimately the army. The army is an extension of the will of people, and that will is to have them home.
Posted by: psyberwolfe at Saturday, January 27 2007 01:42 AM (LhEOm)
Free Speech Works Both Ways!
The public's reaction to the response from Bargan Suppliers at Discount-Mats.com (I wrote about it here)has been nothing short of stupendous, perhaps even supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." But, it has also engendered the "What do you have against Free Speech" from the left.
Of course, the left has no idea of what free speech is, they try to squelch it as often as possible. In point of fact, the looney left (not all are members of the Democratic Party, some are just plain ole loonies) wouldn't recognize the free speech of others if it slapped them in the face like a wet fish.
Wisconson seems to have their fair share (maybe more?....ed!) of loonies, especially in the "peace movement." You know the peace movement don't you, that sub-set of raggamuffins who think that if we stop the war in Iraq, bring our troops home that the islamofacsists will say "Oh, gee, we can stop trying to destroy the Great Satan now! Let's all hold hands and sing Kumbayah!" Yeah, and I have a chance to live another 20,000 years!
But, I digress, one member of the WLL (Wisconson Looney Left), one Julie Enslow was quoted as follows:
This is a matter of free speech,” said Julie Enslow, an organizer with Peace Action Wisconsin in Milwaukee. “It is totally irresponsible for radio stations and bloggers to attack a person for his personal political views.”
[In addition]Othman Atta, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, said he would fault the worker for his lack of tact but defended his right to speak his mind."
Now, I ask you, can any rational, clear thinking individualnot see the disconnect here? No, some of my leftish readers? OK, let Uncle GM explain it for you.
Free speech is guaranteed in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. It says very clearly:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
Need more help? OK, here it is... "CONGRESS HAS NOT PASSED A LAW RESPECTING THE 'ABRIDGEMENT' OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH." Clear enough? No? OK, try this on for size. NO ONE IS SAYING THAT THE IDJIT DIDN'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY NASTY THINGS TO SGT. HESS. His free speech is intact, he is free to send Sgt. Hess more emails saying all kinds of things. He can say "No blood for oil." He can say "Baby Killers." He can even say "If you don’t get an education, you could end up in Iraq." But we can also respond because Ms. Enslow, we also have free speech.
I don't get it, the Democrats are already trying to reinstate that failed policy called the "Fairness Doctrine" because liberal talk radio always falls flat on its face or, am I mistaken and Air America is a powerhouse with tens and tens of millions of listeners; and Mario Cuomo has the number one talk show in radio and even Prairie Home Companion is still drawing the listeners. Nope, none of those are operative. But, again I digress. Liberals just can't stand it when conservatives or others exercise their rights to free speech. They call it censorship to call an obnoxious emailer on his crap. The owner of the company (well, the putative owner) one Faisal Khetani is "upset" (yeah, that's putting it mildly...ed!) that he has received thousands of emails and phone calls castigating him for his employees stance. Granted some of those were doubtlessly over the top and are not only inappropriate, but undeserved as well. Be that as it may, each writer, caller was exercising HIS rights to free speech as well. It works both ways. What Mr. Khetani wants is free political speech without any consequences. It damn sure doesn't work that way sir!
When the left learns that free speech (and I don't mean threats to injure or harm) means that political speech has consequences, then they will be well on their way to understanding what the 1st Amendment really is all about. Until then, do not expect to be able to say outrageous things and not have any feedback. Got it?
I'm nervous because I think the Democrats will try to mess with the very definition of free speech. Just watch.
Posted by: Raven at Tuesday, January 23 2007 05:07 PM (2VAMH)
2
The right to swing your fist ends at my nose. The law protects me. The right to express your free speech ends when you break the law. Last time I checked DNS (denial of service) attacks are against the law. In fact they are a Cyber Crime. The bloggers and the conservative media have encouraged people to write to this gentleman and express their outrage specifically email. Which has caused his site to crash etc, thus costing him sales and possibly his ISP will charge him more, and the list goes on.
You are absolutly right that his free speech hasn't been abriged by the government. But as I said the government has abriged your right to freedom of swinging your fist at my nose. They have also made it illegal to conduct DNS attacks.
I didn't agree with what he said but I used my free speech and let the hateful comment stand on its own and robbed it of all the power that it has been invested with. Two Live Crew enjoyed noteriety when the same level of attention was lathered upon them, but where are they now?
The better path would have been if the blogosphere would have rallied around to help these soldiers obtain the mats that they needed. Instead of pretending that they support the troops, actually going and supporting the troops. It really shows me how hollow the "Support the Troops" call really is.
Posted by: psyberwolfe at Tuesday, January 23 2007 05:17 PM (b0PVM)
And you have given one helluva lesson on what Free Speech actually is.
One can say what they will, with some legal exceptions, however they must be prepared for reaction. Rather like tennis, Free Speech can work in both directions.
Natch, the Left want their Free Speech protected, but want the rest of us to shut up.
Nice Lesson, GM....really nicely done.
Posted by: tad at Tuesday, January 23 2007 05:18 PM (0Co69)
If the Discount Mats site was the target of a concerted DNS attack, then you're right that the perpetrators have gone beyond the limits of free speech, and they should be subject to the consequences of their lawbreaking. However, I haven't read any such claim yet in the reports I've read.
However, if the site crashed due to many individuals genuinely expressing their outrage, that's just the natural consequence in our internet age of making a gratuitious insult against our soldiers.
Of course, illegal threats do not enjoy free speech protection either.
You wrote: The better path would have been if the blogosphere would have rallied around to help these soldiers obtain the mats that they needed. Instead of pretending that they support the troops, actually going and supporting the troops. It really shows me how hollow the "Support the Troops" call really is.
I'm afraid you're factually wrong on this point. If you follow Woody's previous link to the Snope article, you will find the following refutation to your claim here:
He [Sargent Hess] also said that he appreciates the support of the many people who have asked us [Snopes] for his e-mail address in order to provide him with the mats he was seeking, but he asked that we not give it out as has already found a supplier and is being bombarded with e-mail.
The updated Snope article goes on to note that a sacrificial lamb has been found. I suspect that this incident will shortly blow over. GM's points about free speech, however, will remain valid.
Posted by: civil truth at Tuesday, January 23 2007 06:23 PM (qp2n7)
5
Psyberwolfe, no doubt your disdain for the right has caused you to speak of what you know little. A deliberate attack by someone to shut down a site would be illegal. However, as you can find in Wikipedia, a large number of people responding to a given incident on the net is not a deliberate attack. Hence: Unintentional attack This describes a situation where a website ends up denied, not due to a deliberate attack by a single individual or group of individuals, but simply due to a sudden enormous spike in popularity. This can happen when an extremely popular website posts a prominent link to a second, less well-prepared site, for example, as part of a news story. The result is that a significant proportion of the primary site's regular users — potentially hundreds of thousands of people — click that link in the space of a few hours, having the same effect on the target website as a DDoS attack. News sites and link sites — sites whose primary function is to provide links to interesting content elsewhere on the Internet — are most likely to cause this phenomenon. The canonical example is the Slashdot effect. Sites such as Digg, Fark, Something Awful and the webcomic Penny Arcade have their own corresponding "effects", known as "the Digg effect", "farking", "goonrushing" and "wanging"; respectively. Routers have also been known to create unintentional DoS attacks, as both D-Link and Netgear routers have created NTP vandalism by flooding NTP servers without respecting the restrictions of client types or geographical limitations. When I posted on the Katrina flooding of New Orleans I included a photo of Lt. General Honore and the number of requests for his photo via Google and other search engines caused my site to shut down on two occasions because I exceeded my bandwidth. Was that a "DNS attack?" No, it was thousands of people wanting to know what I and others had posted about General Honore.
Similarly, if you go on vacation and your mailbox gets "flooded" with circulars and other mail while you are gone and the Post Office can't "stuff" any more in your box, this causes the Post Office to hold your mail until you come get it. Is that caused by "me" because I wrote you a letter and encouraged others to do the same? Not hardly. So the issue comes down to an egregious comment made by Discount-Mats.com and people (a lot of people) hearing about it and emailing Mr. Khetani to express their outrage. Again, this is an issue of freedom of speech and speech not having consequences. If you encourage all of your friends, and their friends and their friends of friends to comment on this post and I lose bandwidth as a result, it is an Unintentional Attack not a DDoS attack. Learn the difference my young friend. I didn't hit Khetani in the nose, nor did anyone else even if the cumulative effect was that he got a bloody nose out of this.
When one uses the internet to make outlandish comments and call it "freedom of speech", one might expect others to respond in kind and you don't get to say that your freedom of speech is being abridged. That is the real world and liberals have a very difficult time handling it. So when Ms. Busybody from the "Wisconson peacenik association" says “It is totally irresponsible for radio stations and bloggers to attack a person for his personal political views,” she is full of crap, it is exactly responding to his personal political views that is also and exactly a freedom of speech issue.
Posted by: GM at Wednesday, January 24 2007 01:15 AM (S60yG)
6
GM said it well, Psy. A DNS is a concentrated effort, usually by one person or one organization, to attempt to attack, disrupt, or bring down a server. A DDNS is the same effort, but using more computers.
When you put your web site up on the internet, it's open for people to view it. If you don't want people to view it, don't put it on the internet. If you don't want a lot of people to view it, maintain a low profile and don't do things to draw attention to it.
If this is what you call a DNS attack, then when eBay advertises on TV and people visit their site, that's a DNS attack and is against the law. If this is a DNS attack, then when any news web site posts a link to another site they talk about, that's a DNS attack and against the law.
Then again, if you agree with the loony judge in Texas that recently declared hyperlinks illegal, then perhaps you really do think that no one should be able to link to or mention any site, ever, because that would be a DNS attack.
Posted by: Ogre at Wednesday, January 24 2007 02:00 AM (oifEm)
7
GM,
Great post and an education on the right of free speech. Unfortunately, the left does to free speech what it does to the right of people to practice relidion (another guarantee) and that is, restrict it.
Psy,
I agree with the others. There was no intent, no malice. They simply asked people to let this guy know what they felt. As GM pointed out, free speech goes both ways. The Dixie Chix found that out. Maines was FREE to say what she wanted but there were consequences. Are you telling us that people violated the rights of the Chix by exercising their right not to buy their music and attend their concerts? When protesters exercise their right and the crowd causes congestion and traffic tie ups are the protestors responsible (unless they maliciously tried to stall traffic)? This is the same as what happened to the flying carpet company, a worker said something and people responded. Unfortunately for them the result was a huge increase in traffic.
Now, let us look at one other thing. A worker for a company said something that hurt the company's business (and was reportedly fired). Regardless of what the left thinks, the employer is responsible for the actions of the employee. I know the natural tendency of the left is to look for a victim or assign victim status but the fact is this guy needs to accept responsiblity and make it right or he will go out of business. People refusing to do business with him is not illegal and neither is asking someone not to do business with him.
You gave advice on what the right and its hollow support the troops manta could do. First of all, we support our troops more than you can ever imagine, the very troops who give you the right to express an opinion. You see free speech is not free. Those men and women in uniform paid for it with their blood. I will give the sound advice so you will understand. If you own a business keep your political views to yourself or be willing to accept the consequences when you tick someone off. Regardless of what side of the issue they fall on, a political issue can hurt a business.
I hope this clears things up and if you ever need any other sage advice you discuss it with GM so he can straighten you out. If you are uncomfortable with that contact me and I will put you on the RIGHT path.
Posted by: Big Dog at Wednesday, January 24 2007 02:24 AM (vWo+c)
8
With few exceptions, every citizen living in a democratic society should have the right to express their point of view. Our Bill of Rights guarantees it. As you have pointed out, however, there is very often a “cost” of exercising that right. For example, by making a statement, one might alienate a large number of people – important if you happen to be a public official or one who depends on the good will of a large number of people. We all know this, so there’s no lesson here. My point is that while everyone has the right to speak freely, not all opinions are equally valid because some opinions lack factual support. I could assert the moon is made of green cheese, but that doesn’t make it so.
Common sense should prevail. If the individual who offered his unsolicited opinion to Sgt Hess staunchly opposes the war, that is perfectly okay with me. On the other hand, if that person worked for me and while being paid to look after my business decided to express that personal point of view, especially when in doing so might have a negative impact on my bottom line, I’d fire that person. In this scenario, is this person’s point of view “equally valid?” No.
Members of Congress have the right to pass a resolution in opposition to Mr. Bush’s “new strategy” in Iraq – but should they? Is their “sense of the Congress” equally valid if those who are dedicated to the death of Americans will receive “aid and comfort” from such expressions? No.
So then, while I support free speech, there are consequences to it . . . and I think everyone ought to consider a better option: engage brain before starting mouth.
Posted by: Mustang at Wednesday, January 24 2007 05:25 AM (/Ocrj)
9
I don't see how anyone could make it more clear and simple than you have. But leftists still won't get it.
I must point out something though. Milwaukee, Wisconsin is on the east coast of the United States! Truly. More than half the population of the US is crammed into an area a few miles deep along the coasts, including the coasts of the Great Lakes (inland seas connected with the Atlantic).
All densly populated and left-wing. The University of Wisconsin at Madison makes the city of Madison a little island of left-wing extremeism about 70 miles inland in the state capital of Madison. It's as left-wing looney as San Francisco. People have been complaining about the communists on the faculty since the 1960s. In fact, Senator Russ Feingold moved to that area and plays to that "progressive" area with its rabidly lefist City Council and press.
And the liberal-elitist airs they put on! A real embarrassment to the rest of us in Wisconsin.
There are a bunch of fruitcakes at the UW, and people in the inner city of Milwaukee (and throughout the metropolitan area that stretchs along the coast all the way from Green Bay to the Illinois border) vote for them because they promise ever greater handouts of other people's earnings.
They think the Democrats really care about them, but they somehow just don't see that the Democrats fight anything that would lift them out of poverty so they don't need those handouts anymore.
Posted by: Possum at Wednesday, January 24 2007 05:31 AM (/DAmO)
10
The employee in question has the right of free speech, of course, but on company time he doesn't have the right to say certain things to a customer and do harm to the business without losing his job at the very least and possibly even suffer a lawsuit from the owner when the financial damages he causes are extreme. This was done on company time, through the company's email.
So yes, exercizing free speech can often have consequences. Dire ones.
Posted by: Oyster at Wednesday, January 24 2007 09:43 AM (T0EX+)
11
Hey GM!..back from skiing..lol..and in one piece too!..great overview here: the left has no idea of what free speech is, they try to squelch it as often as possible....as in the case of the Army who tossed out a chaplain for Christian services but welcomed the Musss-lim ones..hmmm?
Posted by: Angel at Wednesday, January 24 2007 12:22 PM (ujC4Z)
12
Oyster touches on it - what about the denial of service from the discount mats establishment to Sgt. Hess? If someone had refused to sell him rugs because of his race or ethnicity, people would see pretty quickly why this action was unacceptable. But when it fits our own prejudices, we see less well.
There is a point at which psyberwolfe is correct, BTW. Before I know it is crashing the company's site and am simply expressing my opinion, I don't see that I have moral culpability for the crashing. But - once I know that the site is being crashed by the emails, my moral obligation changes somewhat. I don't know if there is a legal difference.
13
Ah so I'm to be lectured to about free speech? Let us talk about free speech. You don't believe in free speech. I can say that as plain as day. Here is why. The tactic of flaming him, calling him, flinging spit wads at him, or whatever you chose to do is the conservative version of the Jerry Springer Show's shout so loud that they aren't able to get a word in edgewise. Thus the person feels that their right to freely express themselves is being denied. You are correct that freedom of speech also includes freedom of rebuttal, but at what point did you think that your tactic would change his mind? At what point did you think that you would cause a change of heart? All you did was help yet another "Liberal Looney" become more ensconsed in their beliefs.
As for Slashdoting a web site. Usually after 20 minutes some one would post on Slashdot that they had killed a site and after an hour it would come back up. AVI makes a good point that once it is known that the site has crashed what is my responsibility?
As for the notion of if you do not support Bush's plan to bring us to victory you don't support our troops: it is such slippery hill nonsense that I can't fathom where it came from. Supporting our troops can be supporting a plan of getting the heck out of Dodge.
Posted by: psyberwolfe at Friday, January 26 2007 07:28 PM (LhEOm)
State of the Union Address & Democratic ResponseComments?
(Underlined emphasis mine)
FULL STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH
Tue Jan 23 2007
Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:
This rite of custom brings us together at a defining hour – when decisions are hard and courage is tested. We enter the year 2007 with large endeavors underway, and others that are ours to begin. In all of this, much is asked of us. We must have the will to face difficult challenges and determined enemies – and the wisdom to face them together.
more...
1
First off every president, when presenting domestic agendas, talks about balancing the budget. This is a pipe dream that will never see fruition until the government sees that they cannot spend endlessly without either raising taxes or cutting back spending. Either way this is something that will never happen. The Republicans are against raising taxes, and the Democrats aren’t about to cut spending, so farewell balanced budget.
Earmarks are something hurt budgets, but not the Federal Government. They hurt the final destination of the funds. For example Federal Gas Tax Funds come back to Texas where we can spend the funds how we want and other funds come to us set aside for special projects. For example if we could end earmarks Texas would have 2 billion added to the State Highway Fund.
There is a problem with Social Security. It does need overhauling. However, turning these funds over to private industry would be disastrous. It is a complex issue that requires serious debate and discussion. There is a way to fix it, but the answers we currently are looking at are such that neither side will be willing to accept them.
Health Insurance in this nation is a joke. A Standard Deduction doesn’t encourage getting insurance on the side It just gives people more money that they will not spend on insurance. It would be far more effective to give a deduction of up to $7500 for moneys spent on health insurance. Basically handle it like the deduction on interest and taxes that one pays on their house. In the end I am with my very conservative father on this one. The only real way for Americans to go is Socialized Medicine because it will stop Americans from subsidizing the health care systems of the rest of the world.
Reducing gasoline usage by 20% in 10 years really isn’t a stretch. The Ford Escape Hybrid did that in spades in one year. As in many of my posts I have stated that I feel that our dedication to energy is directly related to our dedication to the War on Terror. If this administration is serious about both then 20% in 10 years is far too little. 50% in five years would show a real dedication to fighting the war on terrorism and becoming an energy solvent nation. This to me is the best way to fight terrorism. It hits them in the pocketbooks.
Increasing troop levels in Iraq makes no sense. I look at it like using water to douse an electrical fire. Now I will say that in this address he was far more succinct about what his plans were to use the troops, but again with the level of mismanagement that we as a nation have had to endure why would I want to give them more?
I do disagree with the statement “What every terrorist fears most is human freedom…” Would you say that to the Terrorists that lived in 1770 Boston? Or how about those who have fought for a free Ireland? One mans terrorist is another’s freedom fighter. He also said, “They preach with threats ... instruct with bullets and bombs ... and promise paradise for the murder of the innocent.” Really Mr. President? Then you have branded us terrorists. War is Terrorism with a budget.
Additionally increasing the size of our military is asinine. Any devotee to the study of warfare will be quick to point out that Mao Tse-tung’s little red book has become a must read on how to handle warfare in the 20th and 21st centuries. He spoke of guerilla warfare and terrorist actions as the best way to deal with the standing armies. It is time for us to join the 21st century.
The Democrats had only one response and they blew it. It is thus, “Mr. President we are here to teach you civics. We are going to return the powers of the various branches back to where they belong. We are going to restore the rights of the constitution and we are going to bring our troops home. Good luck stopping us.” Thus again reminding me that Dems are all bark and no bite.
Now I haven’t touched on everything he spoke on but I talked about those items that stood out to me.
Posted by: psyberwolfe at Tuesday, January 23 2007 04:56 PM (b0PVM)
2
London. The detective was evidently timberland mens scrub 6 inch boots inspired by the hope of obtaining the splendid reward which would be the prize of success, and awaited with a feverish impatience, easy to understand, the arrival of the steamer Mongolia. So you timberland snow boots say, consul, asked he for the twentieth time, that this steamer is never behind time? No, Mr Fix, replied the consul. She was bespoken yesterday at Port Said, and the rest of the way is of no timberland boots outlet account to such a craft. I repeat that the Mongolia has been in advance of the time required by the companys regulations, and gained the prize awarded for excess of speed. Does she blue timberland boots come directly from Brindisi?Dami
That really devilishly handsome fellow to the right is GM himself. Moi, myself, me! Now, granted that this is a little bit of an older photo (I no longer have the beard, but all the gray is mine) you will notice that this charming and devilishly handsome fellow (did I say that already?....YES, you did!---ed.)has a nice smile on his face. And today, I do, for I have the pleasure of announcing on my blog, my daughter Jennifer's pending marriage to Mr. Michael Becker. Mike is a fine young man, though a little on the liberal side which really is OK as this gives me the chance to play Archie Bunker (OK Mike, get used to the term "Meathead" ). Mike works for the Texas Department of Transportation and Jennifer is a Teacher at Maplewood Elementary School in Austin, Texas. They plan on getting married in May and will reside in Austin. Me, I get to walk my beloved daughter down the aisle, sniffling all the way and proudly dump her give her away. (just kidding honey). Actually, Jennifer and I have a great relationship. Today is her birthday and I've been her proud daddy for xx years. (Aww, come on, you didn't really think I'd reveal her age did you?) At any rate, over my professional career I've obtained a number of encomiums and titles, but the best one I've ever heard is "Daddy!" I'm one proud pappa! So, make a comment or twelve and I'll print the whole thing up in a week or so and present it to them as a keepsake. Oh, and you can see their photo by clicking on read more!
more...
Posted by: Robert at Monday, January 22 2007 03:25 PM (UeCPj)
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My grandmother once told me:
"Never get married until you are prepared to spend the rest of your life sleeping in a room that's too cold next to someone that is sleeping in a room that's too hot."
I will leave out the advice my grandfather gave me regarding marriage for the sake of decorum.
Best of luck kids, remember, the key to a successful marriage is compromising more than your partner.
Posted by: kender at Monday, January 22 2007 03:39 PM (PkJ5o)
I wish for you two to have a long, happy and love filled marriage.
Never let the sun go down while still angry. Never stop holding hands. Never forget why you married in the first place.
Posted by: Lew Waters at Monday, January 22 2007 09:16 PM (9D/CT)
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Congratulations to all!! Best of luck to you...and no matter what anyone tells you- this will be the single BEST thing you ever do- to become UNSINGLE!!
Posted by: Raven at Monday, January 22 2007 11:24 PM (mGTbW)
Seriously, Mazel Tov, as we say in my faith...........
Posted by: isirota1965 at Tuesday, January 23 2007 01:17 AM (SBnaB)
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I never would have guessed that Mike was a liberal by looking at him--no beady eyes or fangs. Of course, your daughter is lovely, and Mike is one lucky guy to marry her. So, Meathead and Jennifer, congratulations and best wishes to you both.
Posted by: Woody at Tuesday, January 23 2007 02:24 AM (v5VVJ)
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Congratulations, lovebirds--here's to many years of bliss... in a Mary Matilin-James Carville kind of way
Posted by: Leo Pusateri at Tuesday, January 23 2007 06:23 AM (vDUiS)
Posted by: Oyster at Tuesday, January 23 2007 06:59 AM (T0EX+)
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Jen, I asked your dad to pass this along. Luckily, I now get to do it myself. Congratulations! Mike, you are a very lucky guy.
Posted by: Bishopdic at Tuesday, January 23 2007 09:39 AM (+ZiH3)
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GM, Congrats! Or should I send my congrats to your daughter and future (soon to be) conservative son-in-law?
Posted by: Jeff Blanco at Tuesday, January 23 2007 10:30 AM (3D8eq)
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Thanks everyone! No long hair, patcouli wearing hippie son in law for GM. I'm one of those free thinkers who actually believes in do what you like, and I like short hair and showers.
Posted by: psyberwolfe at Tuesday, January 23 2007 12:15 PM (b0PVM)
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I think I'm going to end up liking this guy... He'll make a good conservative if he can just turn "free thinking" into "critical thinking." ;-)
Posted by: GM at Tuesday, January 23 2007 12:43 PM (S60yG)
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Is now a bad time to bring up the matter of a dowry?
Congratulations to all!
Posted by: jim hitchcock at Tuesday, January 23 2007 01:11 PM (iYYCn)
"An Inconvenient Truth," Al Gore's film on the perils of global warming, scored two Oscar nominations Tuesday for best documentary feature science fiction and best original song comedy.
It's a clear choice. Al Gore flies a carbon spewing jet to L.A. and rides in a 5 MPG limousine just so that he can walk fifty feet on the red carpet. Knowing liberal Hollywood, Gore is a shoe-in to win, which only means that we'll get to listen to a ten minute acceptance speech on man-bear-pig or something as real.
to The Assistant Village Idiot for the concept.
. New acne scars.
). Mike works for the Texas Department of Transportation and Jennifer is a Teacher at Maplewood Elementary School in Austin, Texas. They plan on getting married in May and will reside in Austin. Me, I get to walk my beloved daughter down the aisle, sniffling all the way and proudly 
"An Inconvenient Truth," Al Gore's film on the perils of global warming, scored two Oscar nominations Tuesday for best