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Marshall, Missouri ~ Friday, November 21, 2008
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In Response to Ray's comments regarding socialized healthcare:
I took great interest reading Ray's comments regarding his version of the Canadian Socialized Healthcare System. I guess its just a coincidence that his comments sound like the came right out of the Republican Party spokeschannel, Fox News. I don't recall Ray telling us about how he was a legal resident in Canada and how he knows first hand that the Republican propaganda he is regurgitating is accurate.
I don't know much about the Candian Socialized Medical System either...but I do know first hand about the Australian Socialized Medical System because this Marshallite is a legal resident of Australia (and soon to be a citizen of Australia as well).
Perhaps one of the best examples of how well socilized medicine can work, the Australian model is one that I use regularly -- after all, I do live here. Being middle aged, I naturally have occasional medical problems and of course need to see my physician fairly often.
We never wait to see our doctors in Australia. In fact, I have always goten in to see my physician the same day I call. I go in, see my doctor, then wave goodbye to the receptionist on my way out. I never get a bill and no money is ever discussed. Every single citizen and legal resident in Australia is covered 100% and you'll never hear of anyone filing bankruptcy as a result of medical bills here. Since we don't let lack of money or medical insurance keep us from seeing our doctors, preventitive care is much better and the result is a much healthier Nation with a longer life span than that of the United States.
Our medical system is paid for out of tax dollars, and my taxes here are even lower than those I paid in they USA and in fact, I make a better income here than I did in the USA and yet still pay less in taxes.
We have a surplus in our National Treasury -- unlike the USA which under Republican "leadership" now has gone from having a surplus under President Clinton to having the worst Government debt the USA has ever had in its history -- all thanks to the spend and borrow Republicans' failure to balance their checkbook. While we pay for our medical system out of general taxes, we still enjoy a surplus in our treasury -- our medical bills are paid and we have lots of cash leftover -- now that is what I call a successful socialized medical system.
When I was living in Marshall, I had some neck problems and had to see a neurosurgen in Columbia for treatment. It took me 4 months to get in to see him because that was the earliest appointment they could make and this despite my having one of the best medical insurance policies you can get in the USA. However, here in Australia when I was having some heart problems, I was able to get in to see the heart specialist with-in 2 days and received excellent care. My cost? Nothing. No bill, no co-pay, money was never discussed.
The medical care I receive here in Australia is the best I have ever seen. Its every bit as good as the medical care I received in the USA, if not better -- and no bill.
Ray may want to note that there are no Australians rushing to America to receive medical care. Reading Ray's story on the Canadians, one would think the border is crammed with people just "dying" to get into the USA for ultra expensive medical care. Quite frankly Ray, I doubt that is happening. But one thing I do know, is that if you suggested to an Australian that he or she go to the USA for medical care the only thing they might die of is laughter.
The Australians love their socialized medicine Ray. Its not perfect but its a hell of a lot better than what I saw in the United States in my 48 years I spent there and a whole lot cheaper (cant get any cheaper than free and remember what I said, I pay less taxes here on a higher income than I did in the USA and there is a surplus in the National Treasury). In fact, no politician here on either side of the aisle would ever even think about suggesting we get rid of socilized medicine because if he or she did the only thing that would end would be the politician's career!
Perhaps Ray its time you folks in the USA stop spending so much money attacking defenseless 3rd World Countries in pursuit of their natural resources and more money on a National Medical Care System that works for all Americans -- not just the few who can afford the outragous insurance expense.
And Ray, instead of worrying about the Republican talking points on the Canadian Medical Care System, you should consider modeling your National Medical Care on the Australian Model -- its a system that works and works well.
Kathy - the Farmer's Market was a big hit. It was great to see that many people on the square on a Saturday morning. I would like to thank you and Amy Crump for the time you spent organizing this event. I constantly hear people say "well why don't we do this?" and sit back and wait for somebody else to do it for them. You said "why don't we do this?" and did it! What a concept.
"The rest of it sounds like personal issues... The Democrats DID try to pass the Equal Rights Amendment over 20 years ago, which would have required women to be registered for the draft and combat duty. It was overwhelmingly defeated by the States."
Amd what has the hypocritical, heavily gender feminist controlled, Democrat party done since then to promote gender equality - nothing, but they have very actively run a man-hating agenda.
Those issues I posted are hardly personal issues when one considers that ten of thousands of innocent lives have been destroyed for no other reason then the Democrat party chooses to push a hateful identity politics agenda. According to the CDC of the 15 leading causes of death by disease, women lead in only one category, yet women get all the Offices of Women's Health. Why?:
These are not personal issues:
"# But to tell you the truth, the thing that bothers me most about the hate-monger bigoted Democrat party is all the identity politics, that spends billions on this special program violating the 14 amendment (equal protection). Those Democrat conceived special interest programs are based not on need, but on conjured up lies, scams like domestic violence laws, sexual harassment laws, rape witch-hunts laws, Title IX laws in colleges and universities (Why is Title IX applied only to sports programs and not overall enrollment where men lag behind?), the gender wage-gap myth, lies about recent voter oppression of women (men have been the most oppressed in recent history), lies coming out of Offices of Women's Health, lies coming out of Women's Commissions, lies coming out of taxpayer funded Women's Studies programs, gender feminist witch-hunts of beat dead Dads with Title IV-D incentivations to destroy families and set unrealistic child support. The Democrat party is little more than one big hate movement, the biggest in American history.
You talk about the war in Iraq, but say nothing about the fact that man-hating Democrats care nothing about the historical exploitation of men's lives in war. Men are currently over 97% of war deaths and casualties in Iraq, according to CNN. Historically for all wars, that number is 99.999%, according to the DOD. Why are women exempt by law from front line ground combat, but not men? Why are men only required to register with selective service, not women? Where are the hypocrite Democrats never addressing leveling those "playing fields?"
"Health care - talked to a Canadian lately? They wouldn't trade their system for ours on a bet - they like it, it fact."
Your answer is disingenuous, the Canadians I've heard from hate it and are dying while waiting for medical care.
"Gas Mileage - no, Obama's solution was not JUST "add air to your tires". While the GOP was ranting about Obama's windfall profit tax on oil companies, they failed to mention that the oil companies could AVOID THE TAX ENTIRELY by investing that same amount in alternative energy solutions, AND take the tax credit for the R and D."
The Democrats have had control of congress for the past two years and what exactly have they gotten done under their leadership? I see the price of gas has skyrocketed. We certainly do need to get off foriegn oil. We are all agreed on that, so what's the Democrat plan again. All I see is Obama making flowery speeches, but offering no real proposals or solutions to complex problems.
"Better fighting Islamofascists there than having them blowing up buildings here"? Like the Unibomber, Tim McVey and Eric Rudolph?"
How foolish to come up with just three "home grown" examples when the 50 year history of Islamofascist terrorism in the world shows thousands or more likely tens of thousands of examples of their hatred and intolerance of Western societies and citizens, and other citizens of the world. Yes, as I said, it's better the Islamofascist push their suicide bomber ideology in the mid-east than in America.
"Global warming - so 5000 scientists, geologists, climatologists, and oceanographers across the world have been lying for the last 15 years? And James Hansen, of NASA has been at it for 30 years... Only the oil companies are funding PR firms to 'cast doubt on scientific findings'."
Read my post again. I do not say global warming is not a problem, I said a solution that imposes harsh controls on the U.S., while letting an equal or bigger green house gas emitter (China) go without control, is not a viable solution. The problem is a lot, lot bigger than all that too. Oh, and what about all the "no nuke" Democrats, and "no off shore oil drilling" Democrats? Do the Democrats have any real plans to solve America's energy problems or just more bombastic Marxist rhetoric?
"...your ignorant view..." That's the spirit! A nice civil discourse regarding issues. I'm glad we didn't fall back on any name calling. You managed to get "Marxist" in 3 times in one post; very impressive. Maybe next time you can expand you philosophical discussion to include Maoist' in your colorful insights."
As I said that's not name calling, just the facts. California style and big city Democrat style politics is going to be a very big surprise for a lot of simple folks in the Midwest when it gets shoved down their throats and they see their constitutional rights taken away as their taxes sky rocket. That's not name calling or fear mongering, just the truth from someone who's seen first hand how the far left Democrats work in California and big cities. Wait until your son comes home from school wearing a dress and your daughter tells you she's having a sex change, and they tell you the school told them it was all okay. The CA courts have already decided that parents cannot "opt their children out" of sex education training that advocates these things. You see, the state knows better than parents. It's all already happened in California. Parents in Lancaster, CA v. 9th Circuit Court of Appeal, and it will come to Marshall, Missouri under an Obama administration. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. This newspaper web site doesn't have adequate space for all the social horrors the Democrat party is planning for you. Sure, laugh it off. Just remember I told you so. I've already seen it. Will taxpayer's dollars be paying for your children's sex changes under an Obama administration? What do you think?
Yes, the Democrat party is a hate movement disguised as a political party, that tramples the rights of citizens in the name of identity politics and special interest groups. From what I've seen of Democrat party politics in CA and big cities like Chicago, the Democrat party is the enemy of freedom loving America as certainly as any terrorist organizations.
Great news, great job, Kathy Fairchild (and friends). It is awesome to hear that the old town square is being used for such a traditional gathering. I suppose all that was missing were hitching racks and horses.
Ray, a better job this time, troubling , but better. Of course I have a response, but I don't have time now.
"...your ignorant view..." That's the spirit! A nice civil discourse regarding issues. I'm glad we didn't fall back on any name calling. You managed to get "Marxist" in 3 times in one post; very impressive. Maybe next time you can expand you philosophical discussion to include Maoist' in your colorful insights.
Just can't let this one go:
Health care - talked to a Canadian lately? They wouldn't trade their system for ours on a bet - they like it, it fact.
Gas Mileage - no, Obama's solution was not JUST "add air to your tires". While the GOP was ranting about Obama's windfall profit tax on oil companies, they failed to mention that the oil companies could AVOID THE TAX ENTIRELY by investing that same amount in alternative energy solutions, AND take the tax credit for the R and D.
"Better fighting Islamofascists there than having them blowing up buildings here"? Like the Unibomber, Tim McVey and Eric Rudolph?
Global warming - so 5000 scientists, geologists, climatologists, and oceanographers across the world have been lying for the last 15 years? And James Hansen, of NASA has been at it for 30 years... Only the oil companies are funding PR firms to 'cast doubt on scientific findings'.
The rest of it sounds like personal issues... The Democrats DID try to pass the Equal Rights Amendment over 20 years ago, which would have required women to be registered for the draft and combat duty. It was overwhelmingly defeated by the States.
".....but this is the usual response/answers to the "agenda"; no response, simply name calling, scare tactics and buzz words."
You may look at it as name calling in your ignorant view of the etymology of those words, but taking their definitions within the framework of a historical context we see that the Democrat party is just one more shade of the Marxist chameleon that has cloaked itself in Stalinism, Nazism, Communism, Socialism and now the Democrat party. A popular axiom says, "If we do not learn from history we are condemned to repeat it." It would be advantageous on many levels, if the American public wised up to the failed, destructive history of the evil Marxist chameleon that now infests the Democrat party. The Marxist "change" that Obama proposes is clearly change for the worse.
Let me break in with some good news for a moment, please.
Today's "Market on the Square" was a success! We had fruits and vegetables in abundance, bread, jams, jellies, egg noodles, eggs, chickens, even rabbits. At least three or four vendors sold everything they had, and the rest of them nearly so. The music was great, the weather pleasant and the square had more cars on it than I've seen (except for when court is in session) in the two years I've lived here.
We're going to go after another big win on Saturday, September 6 and again Saturday, October 4.
"Let's see the leftist agenda: Health care for everybody, naw we don't want that. Better gas mileage from our automobiles, naw we don't want that. Never to have gotten into the Iraq war, we are so much better off for being there. Doing something about global warming, who cares, that is the next generation's problem."
# Health care that includes the promotion of abortion and assisted suicide is hardly worth anything. America has murdered 40,000,000 children over the past 4 decades and Canada has shown what a horrible solution socialist, universal health care is with people unable to get help when they need it. Taxpayer funded universal health care is the next big taxpayer rip off funding the next unwieldy un-working government program.
# Gas Mileage - Yea, "just add air to tires" was Obama's most recent idea to solve the problem with gas mileage/the energy crisis. Everybody knows about that and has already done that. With idiotic non-solutions like that from Obama I see no improvement in gas mileage coming from an Obama administration, just more tax-payer burdens for lame, pork barrel, socialist programs.
# Better off fighting Islamofascist terrorists in the mid-east then having them blowing up more buildings in America.
# Global warming? Stop drinking the Al Gore kool-aid. The world has major environmental problems that require more than America destroying itself so China can go ahead and accomplish the task all by itself.
# But to tell you the truth, the thing that bothers me most about the hate-monger bigoted Democrat party is all the identity politics, that spends billions on this special program violating the 14 amendment (equal protection). Those Democrat conceived special interest programs are based not on need, but on conjured up lies, scams like domestic violence laws, sexual harassment laws, rape witch-hunts laws, Title IX laws in colleges and universities (Why is Title IX applied only to sports programs and not overall enrollment where men lag behind?), the gender wage-gap myth, lies about recent voter oppression of women (men have been the most oppressed in recent history), lies coming out of Offices of Women's Health, lies coming out of Women's Commissions, lies coming out of taxpayer funded Women's Studies programs, gender feminist witch-hunts of beat dead Dads with Title IV-D incentivations to destroy families and set unrealistic child support. The Democrat party is little more than one big hate movement, the biggest in American history.
You talk about the war in Iraq, but say nothing about the fact that man-hating Democrats care nothing about the historical exploitation of men's lives in war. Men are currently over 97% of war deaths and casualties in Iraq, according to CNN. Historically for all wars, that number is 99.999%, according to the DOD. Why are women exempt by law from front line ground combat, but not men? Why are men only required to register with selective service, not women? Where are the hypocrite Democrats never addressing leveling those "playing fields?"
You disingenuously talk about what the Democrat party has done in the area of race, but it is Republicans who have done far more in that area, beginning with Lincoln freeing the slaves. What about all the anti-civil-rights activities of the Dixie-crats during the 60's?
I see the Democrat party of today as America's largest hate movement ever, with a long history of hateful programs pandering to all kinds of special interests who are lock step marching along with the jack booted Marxist social agenda.
The Democrat party is working overtime to rip apart America. It appears Obama has a lock on the next Presidency. The only question I have now is, "Can America survive a Marxist, Obama Presidency for four years?" If it does survive will it ever be the same? We are still dealing with the loss of civil rights that transpired under Bill Clinton's administration, a loss of civil rights that makes anything alleged in the Bush administration pale in comparison.
I believe Ray may have set a new record. In only three posts he has managed to use: "jack boot of Stalinism, Marxism (the leftist Democrat party), Nazi, socialist, left-voting, Marxist agenda, leftist agenda, Marxism (leftist Democrat officials), Marxist agenda." Hate to tell you OK Reader.....but this is the usual response/answers to the "agenda"; no response, simply name calling, scare tactics and buzz words.
Ray, I gave six examples of the "leftist" agenda. You did not try to dispute a single one. You have yet to offer a single example of a "leftist" program that warrants your dire warning, for that matter you haven't even mentioned one. What is it that you are trying to say? What specifically has given you your sense of foreboding? What is it about the last two administrations that you believe warrants staying the course? I really would like to know. Your party's presumptive leader, John McClain also has not delivered a message that has resonated with the American people. Now he has given up trying to deliver a message, and is instead desperately telling lies about Obama and his record. In a recent poll sixty one percent of Republicans thought that McCain has gone too far with his attack ads. It looks to me like the Republicans are running on empty, and perhaps even getting dizzy from sniffing the empty tank.
Ray you really have a handle on it, thanks for enlightening me.
Your prevarication will not disguise the future reality. I fully expect Obama to get elected so soon enough there will be evidence aplenty for what I have said. I fully expect that you will get to live through it. We here in California already know the taste of the jack boot of Stalinism, AND Marxism (the leftist Democrat party). We are keenly aware that the "zi" in Nazi, literally means socialist.
Let's see the leftist agenda: Health care for everybody, naw we don't want that. Better gas mileage from our automobiles, naw we don't want that. Never to have gotten into the Iraq war, we are so much better off for being there. Doing something about global warming, who cares, that is the next generation's problem. I know there are a lot of other scary things on that leftist agenda, but thats enough for me Ray, I'm with you. If only that leftist Franklin Roosevelt who the Republicans tried to warn us about hadn't mucked things up with stupid things like guaranteed bank deposits and a whole lot of other junk we wouldn't be worried about the problems we have now a days. I guess there is no alternative but to vote for John McCain so we can drill our way out of the energy crisis. Oh, and I almost forgot if it wasn't for the leftists we wouldn't have had to put up with all that civil rights junk, and colored folks would still know their place. Ray you really have a handle on it, thanks for enlightening me.
Oops, I forgot to mention that Obama was the furthermost left-voting Democrat in the Senate. Pelosi, Boxer and Feinstein are all looking forward to an Obama Presidency so they can shove their Marxist agenda right into the heart of "red-state" America.
No doubt we will soon see "change" nationally under an Obama Presidency, change for the worse.
Boy, are some people in for a big surprise when Pelosi, Boxer, Feinstein, et. al. start shoving their leftist agenda down the average citizen's throat, like they have in California. The goal of Marxism (leftist Democrat officials) is the Marxist agenda.
Signed: A California resident whose heart is still in Marshall, whose heart is still in Missouri.
Seems to me the only way to fight the Government is to write our representitives,and keep on writing them! We can only use the vote,to accomplish our goel. We"ve been putting the same kind of Politicians in office. And demand that wrong doérs will be put behind bar ( HARDTIME), Not the Country Clubs they usually are sent to! The people follow like sheep, when the religious right tells them to vote a certain way. This has to stop or we are no better than the Fanatic's we are dealing with now. Religion has to stay out of Politic,and should be dealt with, if they try to influence the public in any way! That's the only way Bush could have been Elected in the first place. then he appoints people to key positions, then they have Hijacks the Government, which they have done! So we have to use our good Judgement,(if we have any left) Carl Rove needs to be the first of many to be put away.After Bush is out of Office.So he can't Pardon him,and himself!! Personally , i don't think any of them will be brought to justice, unless we speak up! The least we can do for our Brave Men & Woman, who died for our Country! This was a bunch of Criminals that lead us into this,with their lies! They have to Pay! This wasént necessary and they knew it! People write in to you Representatives and make some demands!
If you want to read about the transformation of our Anglo Saxon heritage and how we've managed to delude ourselves into believing we're God's true missionaries, go here:
http://cdl.library.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/m...
Vote. Join. Write. Research. Pick one area and become an informed advocate. Annoy your representatives regularly. Annoy a few others while you're at it. Refuse to buy. Save, even if its only pocket change in a coffe can. Remember the 'golf balls' (See 'what if' in the blogs} - and hang in there, you are not alone... And go to the Farmers' Market, even if you just look and listen. Small things add up while we work on the BIG things...
Right, myself like many others are acutely aware that our federal govt. has been bought and paid for. It completely escapes me why so many people refuse to see this for what it is. It's not a conspiracy theory, in fact I think it's rather obvious. The worst part is that the fox is in charge of the hen house and I feel helpless to do anything about it.
And what led up to that depression? Total free-enterprise, the oil boom, the Gilded Age, the insane wealth accumulation by banks, sweat shops, child labor, labor wars, NO corporate regulations of any kind, the largest gap between the ultra-rich and the marginal and actual poor in history (until NOW) - and how little we learned....
In December 2000, before the war, before the oil 'crisis', out of the top 100 economies, 51 were multinational corporations.
http://www.corporations.org/system/top10...
QUARTERLY profits, mind you! 11.7 billion x 4, and soon enough Exxon has more money than the federal government.
It seems that the foremost by-product of free enterprise is greed. Perhaps greed is an inherent trait of humans, certainly of many living in a democracy.
I recall a few years ago the state of Missouri - among others - attempting to set term limits for congressional representatives, and the courts ruling that states don't have the authority to do so, only Congress can determine that.
So, our legislators work feverishly to line their pockets with everything from the best health care to voting themselves pay raises whenever the notion strikes them.
Does anyone remember what happened when FDR became president? The country, and the world, were in the vise-like grip of the most widespread depression in history, and Congress agreed to suspend its salary for two years. A symbolic gesture, to be sure, but at least enough of them put the welfare of our nation ahead of their own interests.
We've come a long way from that time...
BTW - why do you think Congress has refused to REALLY enact campaign spending reform? Wake up.
Years ago, when they drilled an oil well, they pumped out the crude, separated the usable oil from the gunk, and pumped the gunk back into the well, where it settled to the bottom, and sealed it. Except in Ecuador, where they didn't want to bother, so they dumped the goo into the rivers - the Amazon basin where entire villages fish, drink, and bathe. Now Ecuador is suing them to clean up their mess. So they hired former senator, Trent Lott, and two other ex-senator lobbyists to 'quash' the lawsuit. They wrote "We can't let little countries like this screw around with big companies who have big investments..."
So it's OK for big companies to pollute and destroy any land they want to, foul the water, air and land, cause cancer and disease among the people, NOT be responsible for cleaning up their messes, and then be PO'd when the sovereign nation from whom they stripped the natural resources tells them to clean it up?
NAFTA and the SPP Agreements will allow open trade but will require border patrols to inspect, confiscate and share the contents of any of your electronic devices with other agencies.
ExxonMobil just declared the largest quarterly profit EVER of 11.7 BIllion but appealed AND WON the judgment for the EXXON VALDEZ spill, nearly 20 years ago, of 2 billion dollars.
When the Yankees wanted more tax=free, no interest loan money to build the stadium complex, the City of NY raised the estimated value of the land from 45 per square foot to 276 per sf; the City has to replace and redevelop the park land, water, gas and electrical and street systems, and the Yankees get more tax-payer funding, and higher ticket prices...
It's NOT that the government is 'out to get us' - it's that the government is using our taxes to do whatever the corporations tell them to; they keep our money, make their profit, don't pay a bloody dime for it
They just don't care as long as they are making a war=chest killing in the process.
One night last week Charlie Rose had a guest on his round table discussion program (PBS, 11pm) a man who has working in the oil industry for over 30 years. Some of the points made about our current energy situation were informative and also confirmed a belief that I'm sure many of us have about the auto industry.
He said that Jimmy Carter initiated an energy independence program in 1977 which was designed to free this country from the need to purchase oil from foreign suppliers. By 1985 we were essentially self-sufficient, and then Ronald Reagan binned the program, starting us down the path we're on today.
The man talked about how oil industry executives largely refuse to acknowledge that inflated gasoline prices are dealing a serious blow to the nation's economy, and they aren't forward-thinking about the need to develop alternative energy sources. One example he used was Bush's lifting of off-shore drilling restrictions which he said would cost more money than what we pay for foreign oil.
He went on to say that the auto industry is in deep trouble and that one of the big three will most likely not exist 18 months from now (he implied it would be GM). When asked, he said that auto makers have been capable of producing a vehicle which would deliver significantly greater miles per gallon but the industry said it doesn't offer them because the public doesn't want them.
All in all, it was an enlightening dialogue.
M&M's are yummy.
Did you even read the links? I didn't think so....
I hate to burst your bubble, but GW can't serve a third term. Maybe there is a God after all.
Typical "goverment is out to get us" comment. Really, you have nothing else to say but that?
Nanadot,
You are so right. This brainwashing is simple corporate hijacking. If everyone understood the absolutely massive benefits of industrial hemp then feds could no longer pull the wool over our eyes. We still have the stuff growing wild around here, remnants of the civil war. The battle of Lexington,Mo was more commonly know as the battle of the hemp bales. If our govt. really cared about natural resources they would allow hemp cultivation tomorrow. There was an interesting news story this morning in that oil companies are making record profits, but are only spending 1 or 2 precent of that profit on research for alternative fuels and of the money being spent, most of it goes towards commercials to tell us about how they care and are searching for new alternatives. Wake up people. Don't believe the lies anymore. Our govt. is using us and lying to us.
One of the more recent attempts/cases on industrial hemp:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/17/pip.hem...
WTF - by the way, the govt declared hemp "bad" at the request and funding of DOW Chemical who wanted to sell the Navy and textile mills their new fiber, nylon...
Since the 'war on drugs' is so massively wealth-producing for weapons makers, private mercenaries (who now train Mexican police on our tax dollars...), and prison-builders that it will take a LOT of pressure for Congress to create a new Schedule to allow for industrial hemp. Not to mention lumber producers, etc...........;>(( But it seems the deal is that we get cheap labor (Immigrants), and drugs, which in turn require more military/police spending and they get guns and helicopters, etc....
The North American Industrial Hemp Council is the leading group studying uses of industrial hemp.
The cloth is tougher than linen, the oil is finer than motor oil, and can even be used cosmetically; the fibers can be used for insulation, OSB=type board and paper. It is naturally antagonistic to weeds, requires less water than many staple crops and is totally renwable, and requires no external inputs - which is why George Washington advised farmers to grow it abundantly...
http://naihc.org/
Typesetter -
I agree! I have a 4 year old, and believe me, we would not have been staying to eat had she behaved in the manner of that little boy.
There is no age too young to begin teaching children manners. Yes, there is a certain amount of "age appropriate" bad behavior. But that doesn't mean that you ignore it. You correct it and help them learn from the mistake. I think it's a shame that most people think kids should be making their own decisions. It's kinda like when my much-younger brother & sister were going to school and it didn't matter how they spelled something so long as they got their idea down on paper. There's a reason that they can't spell worth anything now! If you don't teach your children right from wrong when it comes to manners, they're not just going to magically figure it out someday!
I invite everyone to visit this link and educate themselves about marijuana and hemp. Alot of folks who have no experience with marijuana (my parents ) for example think pot is just like heroin because they just don't know any better.
This is the part where the arguement usually becomes about the children, "what about the children"? Minors have access to pot because it can only be obtained on the black market which as you know has no regulations. Some "dealers" also sell harder drugs and that is where the gateway begins. It's not so much the use of marijuana as it is the atmosphere in which it has to be obtained the exposes people to the more dangerous substances that most people would probably never seek out on thier own.What about the medical aspects? The very people who deny any medical benefits are the very people who want you buy thier synthetic drugs. Don't fool yourself. The only real threat that marijuana poses is to profits for large companies who literally run our govt. Even alot of proponents aren't aware of the facts about the real reason marijuana was made illegal and the incredible diversity of hemp. In this age of going green, the criminalization of utilizing hemp is not only irresponsible it's ignorant. This is our Federal Govt. as directed by corporations with yet another strangle hold on the American public.Don't you think that as an American citizen you should have the right to make that decision for yourself? Alot of people may not care about hemp but they should. It's ok if you know nothing about it but please educate yourself before you form an opinion.
Please use this link or seek out your own info.
http://www.illuminati-news.com/marijuana...
Seriously, If anything should be illegal its alcohol. I mean, how many people come home from work, get drunk and beat their wives, beat their kids. How many people a day die on highways because of drunk driving. How many people suffer from alcoholism, lose their jobs, kids. Alcohol kills. Hundreds if not thousands everyday. Yet the goverment is more worried about a plant that no one has ever overdosed on, or ever could. Maybe if my neighbor growing up would have come home at night and lit up a joint instead of drinking a case of beer, he wouldn't have beat his wife and kids every evening. Yeah, pot is what we should be worried about.
WTF, I am always serious...about hypocrisy. Thanks
OK Reader,
That's hilarious! I mean......you are joking, right?
I believe that cannabis is a really dangerous drug. Look what it has done to our last two Presidents. Clinton says that he tried it but didn't inhale. I spent some of my more youthful years in the sixties and seventies. Not once did I see anyone toke and not inhale. I saw people toke and cough it back saying I don't want that, I saw many people just say no, and other initial reactions. His recall is troubling. George W. is an even more worrisome case. He acknowleges that he was a wild young man,and his contemporaries attest to that. Yet when asked whether he had smoked vile cannabis he simply could not recall anything about it, didn't remember doing that. Not, "no I did not", not "maybe a little , every one was", he did not remember! I am sad to say is obvious that they both suffer from that little known, little researched, but definitely, most pernicious peril associated with marijuana use; cannabis induced selective long term memory loss. Every one is aware that marijuana causes short term memory loss, and there has been considerable study of that side effect. It is nothing compared to a memory gone forever. Yet the evil scientists sweep it under the rug. Not one to my knowlege has ever spoken a word about this dire consequence. They ignore the anecdotal evidence that surrounds, them and keep their silence. Doctors, lawyers, ministers, people with the most impeccable credentials can't seem to recall anything about their own past concerning cannabis. How sad it is that they don't have the memories.
I can say my 2-year-old nephew behaves better than that child. He knows about interacting with strangers, let alone hitting them. Wow. Poor sister. She's probably put in charge of that temperament a lot.
Preaching to the choir Typesetter, I've seen it a million times. I wouldn't dare do that when I was younger, my parents would have my hide.
Okay, so I go out to a fast food restaurant for lunch today, which is the first time in a long time that I have "gone out" for lunch. In walks young lady of I'm guessing 11 years old with what appears to be little brother in tow. He is fighting with her and hitting at her and she is attempting to control him and not get hit. They are in the restaurant for several minutes before Mom, Grandma and baby brother come in. Little brother is screaming and carrying on and is allowed to do so. Once Mom, Grandma, sister and baby brother are at the counter deciding what they will order, little brother is free to be a social butterfly around the restaurant bothering the people who are already seated and eating. He has a heavy string that he calls a "jump rope" and is showing off with it to all the patrons. When he came to my table I just smiled at him hoping he would go away. I didn't need any entertainment. When I didn't respond verbally he swung the "jump rope" at me. I gave him a grim look and he did it again. At that time I said, "Little boy, I think you need to go back up to the counter with your mother." he stood there and said, "Watch this" and flung the rope at me again. I repeated what I had said to him and he put is hand on his hip and smarted off, "Maybe you should just go up there to your mother!" I got up from my seat and went to the counter and asked if this child belonged to them. Mom said, "yes" and I said, "I just want you to know that your son was just very rude to me." She took him by the hand as I went back and sat down. When grandma was passing by my table on the way to be seated she asked me what had happened and I told her. She said to me, "He is only three years old. You must not have any children!" She got extremely huffy and mumbled to herself as she walked away. (I can see where the child got his rudeness) I do have a child and I taught him from the time he was very little 1. Don't talk to strangers, 2. Respect your elders! So no one was supervising this three year old and if they had been they would have seen him swinging the rope at me and I bring to their attention that he is misbehaving and being rude and it is MY FAULT!! This is what is wrong with kids today! Instead of getting all upset with me someone should have told this young man that this is not the way to behave! But instead Grandma got mad at me?? Why do people think it is okay to let your child run wild and everyone will just tolerate it?
I've said it here before and I'll say it again. It is time to end the hysteria about marijuana. I am a responsible advocate and have been for years. Everyone I know who indulges is very responsible. Is there abuse by some? Sure, anything can be abused. I know alot of people in this community who indulge and we all are sick and tired of be labeled a criminal. The black market is the gateway to harder drugs because that is were one is exposed to these drugs when trying to obtain some marijuana. It's time to recognize this freedom of choice by responsible adults.
Vote Barack- - - - - - for an Obama-nation
Another interesting topic in the national news that we've talked about some in various forums here:
"Legislators aim to snuff out penalties for pot use"
http://tinyurl.com/5m4nx4
There are strong cases to be made for and against easing penalties on pot violations.
July news update from McCain for President:
Item: 7/03 Obama voted 94 times for higher taxes.
Item: 7/08 Obama will raise taxes on those earning over $32,000.
Item: 7/11 Obama offers no new solutions for energy crisis.
Item: 7/14 Obama will raise taxes on 23 million small business owners.
Item: 7/22 Obama to blame for high gas prices. (Pres. Bush credited with lowering prices in recent weeks)
Item: 7/28 McCain links Obama to Castro.
Item: 7/28 Obama snubs troops.
WOW! Quite an impressive list; the only problem is all the items are FALSE or misleading. All of these 'items' came from a campaign that recently said: it was "critical to run a respectful campaign focused on the issues."
UPDATE: Today the McCain campaign released a new ad trying to link Sen. Obama with Brittney Spears, Paris Hilton & foreign oil!?!??
Bill from Raytown,
I don't think anyone here would question Mr.McCains Bravery,Sacrifice and Service to our country. I love my country too which is precisely why I cannot fathom putting her through four more years of the Bush administration.
Eric, had you or I, or our parents suffered the blatant discrimination that people of color have been subjected to, we would most likely be angry resentful dudes. Each time that people of color are in this day subjected to usually much slighter discrimination it fans the smoldering fire. I am constantly amazed at their patience, and their tolerance. It must cut like a knife when they see on the news that someone has been dragged to death by a chain around the neck pulled by a car. The long overdue congressional apology is a nice symbol. More important would be the act of electing Barak Obama President of the United States with a majority of the white vote. Then people of color could finally say, with tears in their eyes, we are accepted, finally we are accepted.
July 29, 2008
On this day in 1967, one hundred and thirty-four men died and sixty-two were wounded in a fire on an aircraft carrier, the USS Forrestal. Among the planes waiting to take off, a missile misfired and hit another plane, sparking a massive inferno.
As bombs and fuel exploded, Lt. Commander John McCain jumped out of his own plane and ran toward the flames -- yes, toward the flames -- attempting to rescue another pilot. An exploding bomb then injured McCain in the chest and legs.
With his own ship out of commission, McCain volunteered for duty aboard the USS Oriskany. Three months later, he was shot down. He spent five and a half years in a communist prison, much of that time in solitary confinement.
The video is on YouTube.
Great, 150 years too late.
We could talk about this development: The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a non-binding resolution apologizing for slavery and the injustices of Jim Crow laws.
http://tinyurl.com/5ejmo6
I had to post something just to make this board move.
An old man, a boy & a donkey were going to town.
The boy rode on the donkey & the old man walked.
As they went along they passed some people
who remarked it was a shame the old man
was walking and the boy was riding.
The man and boy thought maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions.
Then, later, they passed some people who remarked,
'What a shame, he makes that little boy walk.'
So they then decided they'd both walk!
Soon they passed some more people who thought
they were stupid to walk when they had a decent donkey to ride.
So, they both rode the donkey.
Now they passed some people
who shamed them by saying how awful to
put such a load on a poor donkey.
The boy and man figured they were probably right,
so they decide to carry the donkey.
As they crossed the bridge, they lost their grip on the animal and he fell into the river and drowned.
The moral of the story?
If you try to please everyone, you might as well....Kiss your A-- (backside) goodbye!
WTF - hear that. Unfortunately, that tends to be a Rx for all manner of bad results... I was taught that the aim of democratic citizenship as well as personal development is to assess shortcomings and strive to overcome them or make it better - or as I was frequently reminded "none but God is perfect - the rest of us have to work at it"... Old fashioned, huh?
Wow, how impressive the photo gallery of the recent FFA District Fair and Saline County Fair is! Kudos to the newspaper staff for posting these.
Bill is one of those folks who doesn't believe that it is possible to love this country and still see it's faults.
By the way, the US ranks 47th in the world in medical care - just one step ahead of CUBA...
bill - where's your data to support that opinion? There isn't any Canadian or European who is going to trade full health care, education and old-age security for the mess we have - if you ever bothered to listen to anyone else.
As always, you have it backwards Oklahoma Reader, "successful models around the world for insight and inspiration"? The rest of the world should be looking to us for guidance, insight and inspiration. We exceed all the others by leaps and bounds. Some people (like you for instance) will never see that due your blind eyes and deaf ears. You can't see the truth when its right in front of you and you refuse to listen to the truth when it beckons in your ear.
billfromraytown - please read the whole thing - the author was posting a comment...
OKR - speling erors are forgiven...;>))
I am sorry for my spelling errors in this one, I should have proof read it better. My spelling of vainglorious would have had dear old Mary Davis (at Marshall High in my day) looking askance.
B-N-B, your remark to the effect that all the Republicans have to do to remain relevant is to move closer to the center and not do stupid things that cause the center to shift rings true. You also inferred the same concerning Democrats. I agree with your statement. The reality is that indeed the center has shifted. Neither party has as yet absorbed that, nor has the mainstream media. They all continue to pump out sound bites that do not resonate with the populace. It is no wonder that the executive and legislative branches are recieving their lowest ratings since polling began. The mainstream media are also scorned, and are suffering a similar fate in the polls. Our health care system is in a shambles. Seventy to eighty percent of the people (depending on which poll) are now in favor of a single payer health system, if that is what it takes to have decent health care in the richest country in the world. That my friend is the center. I was recently privileged to listen to a large portion of a week long series that NPR ran that examined health care in the other industrialized nations. It was an eye opener. If you missed it the transcripts are likely archived on their web site. The comparisons made me ashamed. Though I blame both Democrats, and Republicans in our government for the lack of a credible response to a crying need the Republicans have blocked all efforts that have been made by the Democrats, even to the point of thwarting a Democratic Party iniative to once again allow our citizens to import cheaper drugs from Canada. Oh, the hypocrisy of that position! Shame on them for beating the drum for global free trade, but then saying ehr...not for you average citizen. Why are we so vainglorius that we can not look to the many successful models around the world for insight and inspiration? I suppose it is acceptable to wrap one's self in the flag, if one must, but dammit it is unforgivable to wrap it so high and tight that it becomes a blind fold.
If Bill Moyers said it you can probably bank on it, bank on it being very, very biased and unabatedly distorted that is!!!!!
But OKR's questions still stand - what do the Republicans stand for?
This comment is borrowed, with due credit, from comments on Bill Moyers' Journal, after interviewing two old-style conservatives:
"While this is not an endorsement of the Democratic Party,this whole thing is "ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS.
THE PARTY WITH THE BEST RECORD OF SERVING REPUBLICAN ECONOMIC VALUES IS THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. IT ISN'T EVEN CLOSE!
FEDERAL SPENDING: Republican Goal is To Lower But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1960 Republicans increased Federal Spending by 71% more than have Democrats.
FEDERAL DEBT: Republican Goal is To Lower But Democrats
Achieved A Better Record
Since 1960 Republicans have increased the National debt by 100% more per year than have Democrats.
GDP: Republican Goal is To Increase But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1921, adjusted for inflation, Democrats out-produce Republicans by 43%. Starting in 1940 the Democratic advantage is 23% better.
PER CAPITA INCOME: Republican Goal is To Increase But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1960 Democrats have outperformed Republicans by 30%.
INFLATION: Republican Goal is To Lower But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1960, Democrats outperform Republicans 3.13% to 3.89%.
UNEMPLOYMENT: Republican Goal is To Lower But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1960 it decreases in an average Democratic year by 0.3% to 5.33%, and increases in average Republican year by 1.1% to 6.38%.
JOB CREATION: Republican Goal is To Increase But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
From 1945 to 2003, Democrats produced 174,200 jobs per month, Republicans have only produced 60,600 per month. Every time a Democrat succeeds a Republican, job creation soars. Every time a Republican succeeds a Democrat job creation plummets.
DOW JONES AVG.: Republican Goal is To Increase But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1921 the DOW has increased by 52% more under Democratic administrations.
BOND MARKET: Republican Goal is To Increase But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1940 the value of 10 year Treasury bonds rose 1.2% under Democrats and fell 0.5% under Republicans.
SOURCES-Bureau of Labor Statistics, Economic Policy Institute, Christian Science Monitor, The Los Angles Times - Michael Kingsley
Note: If you do not like the time frames selected, choose your own. You will get the same result.
Posted by: Harold Hellickson | July 16, 2008 08:54 PM"
Seems to be a pretty good basis for a rational discussion...
The Ant and the Grasshopper.
This one is a little different? Two different versions! Two different
morals!
OLD VERSION: The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long,
building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the
summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.
The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!
-------------------------------------------
MODERN VERSION:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house
and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the
summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands
to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others
are cold and starving.
CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, MSMBC, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering
grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table
filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.
How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is
allowed to suffer so?
Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries
when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'
Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the
news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.' Jesse then has
the group kneel down to pray for the grasshopper's sake.
Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the
ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an
immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.
Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act
retroactive to the beginning of the summer.
The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs
and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is
confiscated by the government.
Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation
suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges
that Bill Clinton appointed.
The ant loses the case.
The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the
ant's' food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the
ant's' old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.
The ant has disappeared in the snow.
The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now
abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once
peaceful neighborhood.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote in 2008
The Ant and the Grasshopper......
This one is a little different? Two different versions! Two different
morals!
OLD VERSION: The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long,
building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the
summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.
The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!
-------------------------------------------
MODERN VERSION:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house
and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the
summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands
to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others
are cold and starving.
CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering
grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table
filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.
How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is
allowed to suffer so?
Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries
when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'
Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the
news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.' Jesse then has
the group kneel down to pray for the grasshopper's sake.
Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the
ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an
immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.
Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act
retroactive to the beginning of the summer.
The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs
and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is
confiscated by the government.
Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation
suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges
that Bill Clinton appointed.
The ant loses the case.
The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the
ant's' food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the
ant's' old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.
The ant has disappeared in the snow.
The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now
abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once
peaceful neighborhood.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote in 2008
"I hope our elected officials don't tax him and regulate him until he is numb and he stops."
Since you seem to favor really rich guys, Warren Buffet has noted that while he pays only 15% capital gains on passive billions, his secretary pays over 35% on her labor... and he thinks that is wrong.
HOW LONG IS A CHINAMAN'S NAME
Personally, I'd like to see a voting mechanism similar to a McDonald's drive thru. Yes, I'd like candidate number one, super sized, add honesty, work ethic and a healthy respect for the original constitution. Hold the BS, and double speak. Can I super size American jobs located here at home and add aid to those who need it most, hold the federal spending on unnecessary $300 hammers and gold plated toilet seats and add homeland defense even if it means sealing the border and kicking out illegals who should go through proper procedure to get here. Once that's ordered, my candidate is handed to me in a plain white, recycle ready bag. BUT, I know that once I've driven off, I'll find an onion or unnecessary slice of pickle in there. Go figure.
NanaflyoffthehandleDot - Don't believe I said beans about deregulation but I do stand by what I said.
Broke and OK Reader - I'm with you, so far, on Pickens. His foray into the swift boat mess was, at best, misguided. If he makes money, but he gives us a better way to solve our energy problems and doesn't make the situation worse, that's great. Actually, making money by inventing a better mousetrap is pretty much the American model, isn't it?
And I agree that the center, if that's where the voters are, is where politicians should be hanging out. One of the disasters in American culture IMHO over the last 40 years is the extreme polarization that's pervaded nearly everything. We're no longer tolerant of others' beliefs except to insist that they are wrong. We can't even agree to disagree!
broke-n-busted - if deregulation worked so well, then why are the financials and banks in such a mess? the airlines? the loan industry?
We tried 'deregulation' or no regulation back in the 1900 - 1920's and what we got was the Great Depression and financial collapse for the majority of the people. Of course a teensy-weensy fraction of a percent made out like bandits... literally...
We regulated these industries BECAUSE of the massive abuses, corruption, cronyism, fascist/corporatist control of government and the minor detail that people in this country were starving and to the point of violence... How bad do you want it to get before we figure out that corporatism, monopolistic oligarchies, and militarism DESPISE social democracy because it is an uncontrollable variable. An educated populace is the WORST thing for Big Biz; a populist progressive movement is POISON to K-Street corporate control.
This isn't liberalism, or conservatism - it's history - and if we don't redefine the terms to benefit all working people - a living wage, decent education, healthcare, fair lending, fair trade, collective bargaining, and de-personing corporations, your rants against regulation and taxes are merely ensuring your own demise.
Oklahoma Reader I did not refer to you as a liberal but did link you to the Democratic Party - from comments that you have made. If you are a true Populist then you would lean toward the People's Party and really don't have much to choose from - this being a two party system. Although I labeled myself a conservative for the sake of simplicity I lean toward the center of the scale and might be referred to as moderate. I hear reports from the admittedly liberal press (no reference to MDN here) that a majority of America is slightly on the conservative side of the scale. Given that, all the Republicans have to do to remain in the fracas - to remain relevant as you put it - is to stay closer to the statistical center of popular opinion. (And, I will also add, to not continue do stupid things that cause that statistical center to shift.) The Democrats have made this easy for them to do by choosing candidates from their midst that are the most liberal. If America is given far left and far right to choose from there is still much to debate. If one side (particulaly the Democrats) would choose a candidate somewhat more moderate then they would have a statistical advantage. You would have thought they might have figured that out with Clinton. I guess supporting their most extreme ideolgy is more important to them than putting a President in office. Had the Democrats chosen Edwards instead of Kerry last go around our world might look a bit different right now. Given the case at hand where the Democratic Party has again choosen from among their most liberal of candidates I propose that the Republicans need do nothing to remain relevant! Fortunately for them they have that covered.
I will join you with the hats off to T. Boone Pickens - with the full realization that he is going to make a lot of money doing this. That isn't a bad thing. I hope he makes a boat-load of money on wind energy while he helps to lead us out of our energy dependence. I hope our elected officials don't tax him and regulate him until he is numb and he stops. I guess I shouldn't worry about that our current elected officials give the impression that it is difficult for them to find their way to work each day much less do something when they get there.
The link follows: Mickey Edwards, Ross Douthat, and Ron Paul were among the conservatives that I saw.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/blog/2...
Broken'Busted welcome to the fray. I look forward to your future postings. While many that read my postings assume that I am a 'liberal", that is not the case. I consider traditional liberal philosophy to be just as worn out as neoconservatism. Neither meet the challenges faced by twenty first century America. I am a populist. One basic tenant of populism is that if you want to get it done it has to start at the grass roots. That in a general sense means outside the Washington beltway. Populism is not confined to "liberals, nor "conservatives", it ias about restoring the power to the people. Mike Huckabee, and Mike Gravel on the right struck certain populist chords in their campaigns. So did John Edwards on the left. Populism has not gained the strength...yet, to nominate its standard bearers as presidential candidates of either major party. Earlier in this posting I mentioned the grass roots. This usually conjures up an image of the little guy with five bucks in his pocket. That image is far too narrow. As an example I give you T. Boone Pickens. I reviled him when he gave a million dollars to the Swift boaters. He now states " I have been an oil man all my life, but this is one emergency we can't drill our way out of". With no material encouragement from The Republican Administration nor anyone else in the Beltway he has embarked on a massive wind generated electricity project. He is making a grass roots difference. He is a pragmatic populist on the issue of energy. Washington will fall in line when he is successful. I applaud his effort. Both parties are going to have to make adjustments to remain relevant, so again I ask concerned "conservatives" what do you think the Republican must do to remain relevant?
NanaDot: Who were the two conservatives Moyers interviewed?
This comment is borrowed, with due credit, from comments on Bill Moyers' Journal, after interviewing two old-style conservatives:
"While this is not an endorsement of the Democratic Party,this whole thing is "ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS.
THE PARTY WITH THE BEST RECORD OF SERVING REPUBLICAN ECONOMIC VALUES IS THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. IT ISN'T EVEN CLOSE!
FEDERAL SPENDING: Republican Goal is To Lower But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1960 Republicans increased Federal Spending by 71% more than have Democrats.
FEDERAL DEBT: Republican Goal is To Lower But Democrats
Achieved A Better Record
Since 1960 Republicans have increased the National debt by 100% more per year than have Democrats.
GDP: Republican Goal is To Increase But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1921, adjusted for inflation, Democrats out-produce Republicans by 43%. Starting in 1940 the Democratic advantage is 23% better.
PER CAPITA INCOME: Republican Goal is To Increase But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1960 Democrats have outperformed Republicans by 30%.
INFLATION: Republican Goal is To Lower But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1960, Democrats outperform Republicans 3.13% to 3.89%.
UNEMPLOYMENT: Republican Goal is To Lower But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1960 it decreases in an average Democratic year by 0.3% to 5.33%, and increases in average Republican year by 1.1% to 6.38%.
JOB CREATION: Republican Goal is To Increase But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
From 1945 to 2003, Democrats produced 174,200 jobs per month, Republicans have only produced 60,600 per month. Every time a Democrat succeeds a Republican, job creation soars. Every time a Republican succeeds a Democrat job creation plummets.
DOW JONES AVG.: Republican Goal is To Increase But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1921 the DOW has increased by 52% more under Democratic administrations.
BOND MARKET: Republican Goal is To Increase But Democrats Achieved A Better Record
Since 1940 the value of 10 year Treasury bonds rose 1.2% under Democrats and fell 0.5% under Republicans.
SOURCES-Bureau of Labor Statistics, Economic Policy Institute, Christian Science Monitor, The Los Angles Times - Michael Kingsley
Note: If you do not like the time frames selected, choose your own. You will get the same result.
Posted by: Harold Hellickson | July 16, 2008 08:54 PM"
Seems to be a pretty good basis for a rational discussion...
Broke-n-busted: Yeah, that "thinking about it " thing is how I do it. There is almost always something I agree with on one side or the other and often on both sides. My preference is to vote for a candidate whose stated views are ones I can wholeheartedly support, which, unfortunately, hasn't always ocurred. There have been times when I had to mark my ballot for a candidate I wasn't wild about, but the other candidate was worse, in my view. It's better to vote for someone that way than not at all, I feel, but it isn't always comfortable.
What makes me admire any politician is a consistent, well thought out and well-considered opinion stated clearly, one they stick with, even in the face of opposition. Not many can meet that standard. With so many outlets for information, it's often hard to keep track of who's in favor of (or against) a particular issue on a particular day.
There are some politicans I admire - Barry Goldwater of Arizona and Jim Leach of Iowa are two who come to mind, though there again, I didn't like every position each one held on the issues and didn't live in their states, anyway. In Goldwater's case, I wasn't old enough to vote in his run for president, and at this remove, don't know if I would or would not have done so.
To me, it's all about voting - just get out there and vote, instead of staying home on election day and finding every possible way to avoid it - and cast your ballot. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but the best part of voting is that if you lose, at the very least you get the right to complain.
Billy, Billy, Billy......very humorous comments. It appears that you have all the buzz words/phrases correct: 'liberal media', Obama/Osama ("BS"....what an old line), Mr. Baker' (a self described 'neo, neo-con') article:"it has a lot of substance and truth...."(and I thought it was satire), "...obviously a staunch liberal and socialist". You forgot to include "death tax", "pro-abortion", "they want to take your guns", etc., etc.
Where is your substance, where are your facts, why do you make personal attacks and baseless accusations? FYI, if you are needing information from the Democrats, let us know; we would be happy to e-mail any information/materials that you might need; just go to our web site and make a request (I am sure you can do the same with the Saline County Republicans.......oops....forgot they don't have a web site "nowadays". ) Our headquarters will be opening soon, we hope you will stop by and enlighten us with more of your profound wisdom; we might even give your some more 'free stuff' and hopefully bring back some pleasant, happy childhood memories.
You know Kathy that may be one of the most intelligent posts made here yet. I find many of your posts to be a little defensive but here you have spoken out on the side of thought. Let's see, I don't fit in box A or box B but which one of these characters best suits me on the subjects that I care about the most? Wow! Where did you come up with that? I mean you have to fit in a box don't you? Our friend the Okie says that the Democrats are the only way to go.... Do they all have the same opinion? Maybe they do now without Leiberman. JJ is all the way for McCain. It would appear mostly because he is a Republican or possibly because McCain allows for the most sarcasm. JJ do you really have enough money to consider yourself a Republican? The real question is do you really believe all of the drivel that spews out of either one of their mouths anyway? It is all about saying whatever you have to in a way that least contradicts what you said the day before in order to garner the most votes to obtain the most powerful political office in the world so that you can then do what ever you want to. For the record I consider myself a conservative. I hope that I have not presented myself in a overtly illiterate fashion.
Oh Boy! Bill from Raytown is back!
BTW Bill, the joke about the difference between Obama and Osama is just a little BS is as old as your ramblings. You accuse others of being "mindless followers". That is not only hilarious it's the epitome of hypocrisy. Speaking of "mindless followers", how is your boy George doing thses days?
Personally I feel that if this country were finally adult enough see past the BS and elect it's first African American president then there is hope for us, or will we yet again go with another old rich white guy who probably could care less about you and me. This country will never have the best and brightest for our leaders as long as there are attitudes like yours. You should be ashamed of yourself. One more thing, Rush Limbaugh called and he wants his talking points back.
Sensitive nerve? Nah. This November, I will be voting in a presidential election for the 11th time (and I haven't missed any) and I seriously doubt that anyone who does not know me very, very well could ever guess how I voted in most of them. I pick my candidate by considering both sides, and figuring out who, in my opinion, is the better candidate.
You are entitled to your opinion, of course. It would be nice if you could do it without always going for the throat, and without personal attacks - that said, I fully subscribe to the constitutional right of all citizens to speak their minds.
Kathy; wow, apparently I touched a sensitive nerve. Since the original comments were directed at Mr. Crump (who is obviously a staunch liberal and socialist) you really shouldn't be so offended. But it was you who weighed in on my comments and thusly became entwined in the conversation.
Fact is most of the main stream media has a very liberal bias; they don't even make any effort to hide it nowadays.
By the way, I'm sure it was obvious, but I meant to say "owning up". But, you know "owing up" might be a good term to use, it could imply feeling obligated toward a cause without really understanding why! That's what I find with most liberals when I actually get an opportunity to sit down with them and converse (and most of them actually like me when they get to know me). I have discovered that many of them have beliefs and values that are quite contrary to the liberal cause.
Fact is that most of the people around Marshall are Democrats, but their beliefs, values, and character qualities certainly don't run parallel to the "new" Democrat Party, its beliefs and values, or its platform. They are Democrats because their parents were or they still believe the baloney about the Democrat's being for the little guy.
P.S…..I'm sure Oklahoma Reader's $20.00 words are meant to impress the simpletons out there (including me). Sorry, but when you spew garbage with articulate words, it still comes out garbage!
Mr. Bill - I am "owing up" to nothing. Since I'm not a political writer of any sort, and don't deal at all with politics in my column, your categorization of me as part of the "liberal media" doesn't carry much weight. Within the last several days, this paper has been accused of 1) covering a Republican candidate and ignoring Democrats, and 2) being biased on the "liberal" side. That should speak for itself.
Oklahoma Reader: I grew up in a conservative old-style Republican household, and the debates were fierce... I have not seen an articulate Republican in years... They all seem to have gone the way of OReilly, Limbaugh, and most of Congress. They have no solutions, no principles, no alternatives of their own to offer. All they seem able to do is indulge themselves in self-righteous character assassination. No substance, just name-calling. And it's getting VERY tiresome... Good luck with your quest...LOL
Kathy; apparently you ARE owing up to being part of the "liberal media", just sounds like you are lagging behind on getting your marching orders. The Demorats do still have a Saline County headquarters don't they? I used to go there around election time and get free stuff when I was a kid (didn't know any better then). Maybe you just need to stop by there and pick up a current copy, their computer may be down (no e-mail)..........LOL
At his bidding, eh? LOLOLOL...we must have missed that email.
Kathy; it has a lot of substance and truth; it's all about the messianic image portrayed by Barack Hussein himself and the mindless followers who trail behind him. Oh, and we certainly don't want to leave out his most willing servants the liberal media, who are at his every bidding!
Eric; http://tinyurl.com/5bgetv
"He ventured forth to bring light to the world
The anointed one's pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a miracle in action - and a blessing to all his faithful followers........."
LOL...I had fearlessly read it earlier. Hardly Nobel material, despite the comment that said so. My preference is to read something of substance.
Kathy; you may want to consider up-grading your spell check.
Hopefully Obama will only be a 'flash in the pan', so that spell check won't ever have to include it.
So am I to assume that you did read 'great' piece by Gerard Baker?
Well, now...isn't that interesting? My spellcheck doesn't flag either Osama or Obama as being in need of any change. Please don't change anything to spare this raised-in-a-military-family woman. And "read it if you dare?" Oh, honestly.
Eric; it didn't take you very long at all to eliminate my last comments. I really understand the vital importance you liberals have to protect each other, it's certainly necessary since you really don't have solid ground to stand on relative to your distorted views. To use the term "cover each others backs" would sound way too military for you guys and would probably offend you, so I decided to use "protect each other" in this instance.
Times Online has a great piece by Gerard Baker about the messiah (Obama) who has the "occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow." It's a very humorous article, read it if you dare!
It's amazing, 'spell check' keeps telling me to change the word "Obama" to "Osama". I guess I understand why it is confused; the only difference in the two names is a little b.s.!
http://tinyurl.com/5bgetv
Baker has written several columns recently about Obama:
http://tinyurl.com/5rlc54
http://tinyurl.com/6om2xc
I am assuming there was a board meeting yesterday, Eric you mentioned 72 hour waiting period. Does that mean these teachers will know something before the end of the weekend? What about the public, I mean school starts in a few short weeks. I am sure there are many people wondering the outcome! Any information?
Just when you think no one cares, along comes someone with a great example that proves they do. Workingmom - thanks so much for sharing that story. It made my day brighter!
While there are several posters to this venue that ably post Democratic Party themes, and progressive views on politics there is an absence of well stated conservative, and Republican Party themes. When there has been comment by those who claim to be conservatives, it has too often been either a personal attack on the poster of comments they deem liberal, or an attack on the comment without definitive counter argument. Rarely have I seen a postulation of conservative theory on any topic, with illustration and example to support it. I view this dearth with a sense of foreboding. I am curious as to the reasons for it.
Recently, while reading a conservative blog I found comment among Young Republicans that bemoaned their shrinking ranks. They stated that they were at best small children during the Reagan years, and that the older Republicans' penchant for citing the Reagan Revolution for them, had no relevance nor resonance. They did not want to hear about "the good old days". They stated they were ready to move beyond narrowly constructed social themes such as resistance to homosexual rights. They also expressed great concern about environmental stewardship. So, I post the question what is happening to the conservative movement? Where is your voice? Where is your political soul? Are you in disarray, and despondent concerning the failure of the neoconservative movement? Do you miss traditional conservative values such as fiscal conservatism, and preservation of privacy? Do you feel more akin to Libertarian Bob Barr than Republican John McCain? Are you secretly intrigued by some of Barak Obama's ideas? What do you think your party should do about the horrible state of health care in our nation? What do you see them doing about that problem? I am just wondering where you are, and what you have to say.
It is good to see others interested in the hard work of Mr. Harris and the efforts created to start a glass program at Marshall High. As most can figure out from previous posts, I enjoy the arts and since moving here, have looked for more arts in this area. I am surprised Marshall doesn't have an Arts Council. I have been to Perchils and The Pahlo and even enjoyed the art on the square from the high school students. I would like to see more art opportunities for the students of Marshall High School. This chance for a glass studio sounds like a once in a lifetime shot and as I understand it, Marshall would be the only high school in the state that has a glass program! That's amazing. To be the first! I can only imagine what opportunities that would bring to the students and the community. I will be contacting the high school to find out more about sending in my contribution. I urge others to do so too.
This post is for those who are interested in and support the glass program that Mr. Harris is trying to get started at the high school. This has been a long hard road for Shawn, with many ups and downs. He has persevered through MANY setbacks, mostly due to the ever changing climate of the administration and Board. I would like to ask you and everyone else reading this, if you support the program, PLEASE find a way to help. With so much negative publicity for our district, wouldn't it be great to be put on the map for something so positive for our kids!!!! Even if you only have a few dollars to spare, every little bit helps! This would be such a positive thing for our school, our kids, and our community. He is only $31,620 away from the highest bid........if 64 people donated $500, or if 127 people gave $250, he would have enough to make it happen! If this "village" would work together, we could be a part of history in the making here in Marshall, Mo.!!!!!!!!
If you need information to make a donation - contact the high school.
workingmom thanks for posting this it really brightened up my day.
To who ever the mom was at walmart well done not so much for giveing the $$$$$ but just for teachin your son what compassion is.
Every on have a great weekend
I want to say that some days I see people at their worst-- by my faith in human compassion has been renewed-- walking in wal-mart I saw a little boy that was panicky as he had lost $5 that was meant for a toy ( I know this is a judgment-- but the mother looked also upset and the $5 was a big deal to her and her son)-- another little boy in the aisle whispered-- mom-- can we give him $5 -- the mother took out a $5 dollar bill and the other little boy said -- I found your $5 and gave to that one-- I just wanted to note that there are parents in this area that are instilling wonderful values and compassion in their children--
Greg, the old train depot is owned by Paul Thompson DDS here in Marshall. I've talked to him several times about the building and his future plans for the building. His family has a fascinating yet sad history with the depot.
Typesetter: We confirmed this morning that it's the construction crews you're seeing in the lots near ConAgra, so it's a temporary situation. They expect to finish the expansion project some time this fall.
Typesetter: I think the cars you're seeing in that lot are there temporarily, while constructions crews work on ConAgra's expansion. I'll try to confirm that later today.
I just found the article in the MDN entitled, ConAgra Plans Demolishion Soon of 4 Buildings in Marshall dated January 17, 2008. Here is the quote from the article. "According to Mayor Connie Latimer, ConAgra acquired the Marshall Lumber property from the city in July 2005, with the understanding that it would not be used for a parking lot. The property is to be used only for building expansion."
Correct me if I am wrong (and I'm sure someone will take pleasure in doing so), but didn't I read in the MDN some time back that ConAgra had to assure the City that they would not use the area where the Marshall Lumber Co. building was for a parking area? I drive by there every morning and it is full of cars. It seems to me that taking a building down so that the area would not look blighted is not much better than having visitors to our town see a huge parking lot just one block off the city square.
The original purpose of the grand jury was to act as a buffer between the king (and his prosecutors) and the citizens. Critics argue that this safeguarding role has been erased, and the grand jury simply acts as a rubber stamp for the prosecutor. AMEN :)
oh before i forget.....id like to thank my hero barry bonds for showing me that perjury is almost impossible to prove and is almost always some suit blowing smoke after they ask confusing questions and twist your answers.
i found out today in a friendly chat that my fans are not just local folks but very important people at the courthouse! wow i am so glad that i can make your day better in anyway, shape, or form! if you ever need anything holler, you know ill do what i can to make it on time. :)
love always,
JJ
Cheetah - Do you think the NRA will take him? His ability to aim a weapon seems questionable to me. Or maybe that's not a qualification for the position. ;)
modemocrat: As I mentioned, I was not sure whether we'd been notified or not. Either way, my point is that we don't pick and choose what to cover on a partisan basis, as you seemed to suggest. I notice that Eric has also posted a reply. Between us, I believe we have responded in more than adequate fashion.
Ms. Fairchild, I know for a fact that this newspaper was notified. I know that a news release was sent and an ad was also puchased that appeared in your paper.
"it *MAY* BE that organizers of the event didn't let us know beforehand..."
Then why mention it??
modemocrat: I think you've mentioned us missing this particular event before. Our failure to cover it wasn't intentional. When an article or photo does not appear in the paper after some event, it *may* be that organizers of the event didn't let us know beforehand. I'm not suggesting that's the case here, because I'm not sure, but one thing I'm sure of is that we don't deliberately cover some events and ignore others on a politically-motivated basis.
It is interesting that when ONE Republican candidate for governor (Rep. Hulshoff)appears in Marshall it garners a photo & a 600+ word article. I agree that this is a newsworthy item. However, it is equally interesting that when SEVEN state-wide Democratic candidates appear at a function with 400 guests, it is not worth a photo or even a mention in this paper.
I may have failed, but at least I failed bipartisanly :-)
Well, I don't know that it was reported but a little bird tells me that Dick Cheney plans to succeed Heston as top gun of the NRA once his stay at the Oval Romper Room is over. Apparently Cheney realizes the great fortune this prestigious position brought Heston and he figures he could use the clout to help save Anheuser-Busch.
You guys are beating me to death with your illustratios of humor. Nice James.
It was just reported in the news that while President Bush thought he was off camera yesterday he commented that "the people on Wall Street had gotten drunk and were now suffering the hangover." FINALLY, we have found a subject that President Bush can speak on with some expertise!
One of your best Smokin Cheetah. Thanks for the LOL at the end, now that is humor.
My comment regarding the questionable user names was tongue in cheek. Sometimes my expressions of delight in the absurd are far too obscure. I was referencing the rocker Prince, and the media's problems when he changed his name to a symbol. I should have said so, then my feeble attempt at humor would not have been misconstrued which I regret. It probably still isn't humorous, but I can live with that. The remainder of my comment was sincere.
Two points to ponder (cheating scandal):
1) No Child Left Behind has greatly added to the "importance" of these MAPP tests. NCLB is a federal requirement. Isn't it fair to question any security compliance or the administration of any security policy that is rooted in our current federal administration? A little "do as i say, not as i do"?
2) Though budget concerns continue to exist, perhaps in the future the Marshall Board of Education would save public scrutiny by requiring that outside parties investigate and pursue such personnel matters...those matters which are rooted in a policy that is much larger than the student/teacher handbook. In example, though it's been determined that no "law" was broken, the alleged violation of the rules stems from the existence of present law. It may be a loose comparison, but would the school board be handling the matter if a teacher or administrator were caught abusing a child or using drugs on school property? They may very well issue their own *punishment*, but they wouldn't be prosecutor, judge, and jury.
Though I remain neutral on the issue of guilt or innocense, I still believe (at the risk of being overly-pragmatic) that if this issue can soar to the level of public discontent that it has and includes attornies from both sides "squaring off" then it belongs in a courtroom. Otherwise, at this point, there isn't much difference in this mess and a parent's lawyer discussing with their teenager's lawyer whether or not the kid met curfew. Eddie Haskell and Lumpy might as well be the key character witnesses.
Having gone back thru the last few sections of posts, as far as I can see, there are only 3 users with somewhat questionable names, and most of their posts have been reasonable and non-destructive. notgvnasht has explained and kept his/her screen-name, as has wtf. I'll bet that Eff ess listens to Lewis Black. All three are more social comment than gratuitous vulgarity, and I respect that.
I do not have any use, however, for the gossip and slander that has been going on, under the guise of perfectly correct 'nice' screen names... I'll take the honest swearing over hateful back-biting any day.
Maybe it would be easier for those few with questionable user names to transition to a new creative one, if they could have a grace period before entirely discarding the old one. For example norelease formerly known as ntgvnasht. After a set period of time the old name would have to be discarded, with only the new name remaining. Regular visitors to the blog would still recall the old name, therefore the poster's point would continue to be made.
However, I do not believe that it is desirable to force people to post their actual name. It is an erosion of freedom. It is easy enough for those who seldom express an opinion outside the mainstream comfort zone to say I wouldn't lose anything by putting my name to it. For others it would be more difficult. For a few it would amount to supression of their ideas. This blog gives opportunity to people who because of fear of economic retaliation, or other forms of retaliation, literally can not voice their ideas.
On the other hand, personal attacks do pop up from time to time that are far removed from the exchange of ideas. The offenders firstly are punished by other bloggers who deride their comment. They also are punished in some instances by the removal of the offending comment. I believe that there are others whose own remorse is the greater punishment. I know there have been a few times when I have written things that I wish I had not, and it bothered me. I have tried to profit from my errors of that nature by focusing harder on disagreeing with an action, idea, or statement, not an individual, depersonalizing the issue if you will. Harsher measures may be necessary for the few who habitually use the cover of their screen names to hurl insults at others. Three strikes and you are out may be appropriate. Out as in your name is stated on the blog along with your screen name. If the individual would not agree to that access could be quietly terminated. Personally, I have no problem with things the way they are. I think Mr. Crump does a great job, monitoring the blog. He is also spot on with his comment that screen names that many find offensive diminishes the audience, and credibility of the poster.
Actually, I was glad to see someone who wasn't cowed by a general into taking orders regardless of what is going on in the rest of the world, or in this country. If all the president does is take orders from the generals, then who is really running the country?
I think iteach makes a good point.
Just from a rhetorical standpoint, a crude name erodes the credibility of the speaker in the eyes of most readers. The writer may be able to compensate by the quality of their arguments, but I always figure: Why dig yourself a hole you have to then climb out of just to get back to level ground?
Ok,
I'd be happy to tell Obama everything on your list if you will do me the courtesy of telling Bush and Cheney a few choice words that I have in mind.
geez who does obama think he is? what is it with this world tour? could someone tell him he hasnt won yet. could someone tell him being the media, mtv, b.e.t, young hip people favorite is cool but the vast majority of the people in those catagories dont even vote! they just run off at the mouth then complain for 8 years. ask john kerry!
Marshall council considers helping finance ConAgra expansion??
not to be a bigot in anyway....not this time anyways but if we finance this as a town and i see you hire 250 jose's...knowing that there are not that many in marshall we are gonna have a problem con agra.
which brings me to my point....if you dont lie how do you lead a country? honestly you really cant!
Marshall Democrat News, I want to say that I am impressed with your online newspaper. Blogs and comments are a way to give your opinion on topics. What I hate to see is bloggers using offensive language in their comments, for example, notgvnasht. This blogger could make more of an impact with his comments if he didn't use the language.
Thanks to Muffin and Integrity At All Costs for saying what many feel. This forum is great as long as people stick to the guidelines. When it becomes a venue for personal vendettas, it is less effective. My concern, again, is that children/teens are reading these "adult" comments. Sometimes there is a thin line between blogging and cyberbullying. I'm sure there would be much less trash talk if true identities were revealed, as they must be in a letter to the editor.
It's always a challenge to find the right balance between freedom and responsibility, but it helps greatly to hear from members of the community, to know where they would like the line drawn.
There isn't likely to be a clear consensus on the matter, but it helps us continually evaluate how we enforce our guidelines to hear what you all think.
not,
You might be interested in this story about T. Boone Pickens' proposals. He wants to shift from oil to a combination of wind power and natural gas.
http://tinyurl.com/6gvlkc
That strikes me as a potentially wise compromise between going to all-renewable energy, which we just aren't ready to do yet (and may not have time to *get* ready) and non-renewable but more accessible energy sources.
I'm not sure oil is a smart bet in any case.
Comments made on this forum are the same things that have been said in privte settings and public restaurants. Seems it stings more when you see it in writing or when it is directed to people you know or yourself. Heck, if it was the other guy it would be okay just as long as it's not me....hog wash.
To those who have posted ugly, mean comments, defied the guidelines set on what began as a harmless open form for expression of opinions and discussions, do you remember the old Demo News site? It, too, had something on this line and was shut down because rules were broken.
Once again, the few bad apples are spoiling the barrel. Perhaps a good weedding out or, as we do children when they misbehave, a long time out from posting should be envolked.
my name is "integrity at all costs" and i like to cry... waaa waaa waaa.
having this speak out forum (this isn't really a blog) and the ability to comment on specific articles might be the best thing that ever happened for the Marshall Democrat News since they first put their news online. Many news websites from the Kansas City Star's kansascity.com to CNN.com have sections for people to comment on articles. if you have a problem with people commenting about other people in scandals and controversies, then maybe you should they shouldn't get involved in scandals.
I hope the staff at Marshall Democrat News keep up the good work providing us news in print and online in this modern world.
Here's some information about oil reserves in the U.S.
http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/reserves/...
ok have a question.. where is the oil united states has in oil reserve.. or whatever it's called, they can bring down gas prices if they wanted to
Nana Dot: Thank you able fellow traveler.
OKR - well met!
A POINT TO PONDER
Suppose for the moment that you owned stock in a giant complex corporation, and that you were so deeply invested in the corporation, that if the corporation failed, or even took a dramatic down turn you would be ruined. Further suppose that the corporation had not done well for a number of years, and that you are a member of the hiring committee that is to replace the outgoing executive. The new executive will have a four year guaranteed contract from which he can not be terminated even if it turns out that he is utterly incompetent.
An applicant appears before you that has held a lesser position in the corporation. You are furnished background information that states his major weakness is comprehension of economic issues. He has admitted this weakness, and for several years has said he is going to get up to speed on the issue, but as yet has not. He is seventy two years old. He admits that he does not know how to get online on a computer, nor anything about email. He confesses that if he must utilize a computer his much younger second wife does it for him. He also says he is going to get up to speed on that. Though the business of the corporation includes heavy involvement with other nations, he confuses where some of those nations are located. He also gets mixed up as to how the various factions within those nations are aligned. With so much of your future riding on it would you select this man as the new executive?
If so you should vote for John McCain as the next president of the United States.
It's ok JJ - we all know that facts have never stopped you before, why should they now? As for the drug use, so did W, so did Clinton, so did most of the baby-boomers - so what? He grew up and learned better. Most of us did. WE could always lie about it like the big holier-than-thou dorks who have been caught with their pants down. literally.
the only crime bush and chaney commited were being rich, smart, and powerful men in a world of poor, dumb, weak, and jealous people who want to split the wealth.......sorry your family is not smart and are not millionaires.......mine isnt either but you dont here me crying
mccain!!!!!!
wtf fu all......i didnt even say anything bad...why did my post get deleted........dont make me start logging on in the middle of the night and write cuss words....again :) i stated facts.....obama admitted to cocaine use and mdn blogs are trash....50 percent of the readers who comment are my friends causing trouble.....dont flatter yourself
There's yet another tragedy, Bush Cheney and Co.
will apparently never be held accountable for thier crimes which also sends the wrong message to future administrations. Dear Congress, thanks for nothing,
Okay, folks, Jay and Debbie Barton have as much right to advocate for their children as you do. According to reports, Mr. Barton was the only other outside person at the meeting besides Chris Allen. That ought to tell you something. I do wish the term "former board member" had not been used. He was there as a parent. I have no children involved in the swimming program, but I'm thrilled it's been reinstated. ALL activities that promote student participation are positive. MSHAA has strict rules about who can qualify as a coach. I'm sure Mr. Ballard is a great coach, but that doesn't matter if MSHAA won't accept his qualifications. Let's be thankful another program has been made available for our kids and that Jimmy and Jillian have stepped up to the plate to coach. By the way, in his day, Jimmy was an amazing competitive swimmer, I'm told. I know that at least one "at-risk" student benefited from this program last year. In my book, that makes it worthwhile.
While I'm at it, thanks Mr. Barton for your contract for teenagers. You continue to have the best interest of our children (and community) at heart.
Jo - I do thank you, but being correct doesn't save one life, put one dollar in our schools, or get one job back from overseas - VOTE THE BUMS OUT!
Nanodot! You are absolutely correct!
where are the quilts?
I think a previous moron made the statement a few years ago 'When they want us to go, we'll leave...' 0 Well, THEY want us to leave THEIR country - duh!
Iraq/Saddam had NOTHING to do with 9/11.
There WAS no connection between Saddam and Bin Laden.
There were no WMD"s.
When we GOT the wrong guy, we didn't declare victory and LEAVE.
Out of 25 million Iraqi's, 5 million are refugees, up to 1 million are dead, and we HAVE bombed them back to the Stone Age.
When Bremer fired the entire Iraqi Army, and they star