Speak Out October 9 to November 16, 2008

Comments by Palmtrees deleted at the request of the user.

It is my opinion that children should be accompanied by their parents at the skating rink and any where else that parents choose to "dump" their kids. A great example of that is the movie theater some times that place is like a zoo the children are terrible and not a parent in sight. If you want to be a parent then BE A PARENT and teach your children to respect others and the property of others. Disipline your own kids and don't force business owners to step into your role as the parent.

I myself was there with my children last night also. I have been there many times with my children and see the way that the owner speaks to children who are out of line. As a parent it concerns me and this is why I choose to stay with my children while they are skating. While it is a skating rink, more children opt to socialize instead of skate. It is a place for them to hang out too.

I observed this situation you all are speaking about and it was blown out of proportion on both sides. Yes, the young lady over reacted and was totally out of line. However I seen the owner follow her outside. I overheard several comments he made to her which were unprofessional and not necessary. I understand this is his establishment,however when he acts like the children,it makes you wonder who is really in charge.

I was at the skating rink last night with my own children. I saw everything, I'm sorry your child didn't tell you everything. The owner did NOT step in to the problem, till she was AWFUL with his staff. Your child's language was that I had never seen before in a young lady. The owner didn't chase her out. He asked her to sit down and SHE is the one that choose to leave. Your child change a lot of facts of the evening.

It's interesting how Mr. Gieringer and MMU trys to justify his rate increase by telling us that rates on the East And West coasts are about 18 cents per kWh.

Nice exaggeration to try make us feel like we are getting a bargain on electric rates...but a false statement.

Check out the average cost per kWh state by state at this link:

http://www.neo.ne.gov/statshtml/115.htm

Granted, a few states are in the upper teens per kwh, but what sticks out is the fact that the average price per kWh across the country is 10.68 cents with several states well below that average.

Moreover, Missouri's average is 7.99 cents per kWh...both are well below the "bargain" that Mr. Gieringer and MMU are telling us we are getting of 11.26 cents per kWh.

Looks like we wouldn't need this "bargain" rate hike across the board on all services if there was better financial management going on.

Plan and simple...spend less that you are taking in each year!

This just reeks of poor management and overspending!

i'm sure there is another side of this story, so please voice if you know what happened, as to all my children have attended, heck growed up thier and always have had a great time and have had for many years, as to i have lived here all my life and hot wheels has always and still is 1 of the only place's kids have to go in this town, it always seems that people are quick to cry race, remember where all supose to be equal, so maybe the new black president will stop this racial thing, rich you always have and seem to be a good man, so rich stay proud of what you do for the kids of this town, i think most everone will agree and we got your back, stay strong !!!!

Cosa Nostra,

Excellent point. Let's not forget that those spiffy new meters will undoubtedlly put those who read meters out of work. If we have to have a rate increase I would rather see it go to keep those people employed as opposed to buying some fancy meters.

Cheetah, I like your public housing project example. That's the way it works. My brother operated a mechanical contracting business in Columbia for many years, and he told me that he was forced to use union labor, so what he did over time was to pick out the best from the pool and put them on his payroll. He said as long as he was having to pay the going rate, he'd at least have control over the quality of his workforce.

Smokin' Cheetah, during my construction years I had two union eight man traveling work crews. On more that one occasion I was informed that I would have to pay the prevailing rate (Bacon-Davis). I told the general contractors that my workers wouldn't work at the prevailing B-D rates because that would require them to take a cut in pay. I you know of any construction projects for the state or federal government check what the prevailing rates are. There are unlicensed, uninsured, non-union contractors in the Marshall area who pay more that the B-D prevailing rates.

litlmissme you nailed it right on the head

I on the other hand have worked in both union and non union jobs and have found that the people who use the union the most are the ones who never show up to work and are the troblemakers, I have never needed a union steward to help me out to keep my job. I am on time, only miss work if there is an emergency (1 day in the past 5 years)and I do my job like I am suppose to I do not need a union steward in order to keep my job and the union dues are money that could be going toward food or gas. Just my opinion.

Notgv...

I agree with you that union people are hardworking and deserve to be paid for what they do, as well as deserve the benefits that they are given. However, I agree with Slater that they have gotten out of control - not only with automakers, but with airlines, too! Unfortunately, even though I am a highly skilled employee as well, there's no such thing as a "financial planner" union and the actions that *some* unions have taken have affected ME directly - in higher costs passed directly along to me.

Thanks for the link, Gal66. Although I agree with Bill B. philosophically about government bailouts, he isn't offering much of a solution in this article.

What would make more sense to me, at least, is for the automakers to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions and establish a REASONABLE AND WORKABLE reorganization plan, then the government can loan them money to keep going.

It's pointless to give an organization money to pay interest on its debts when that avenue nets nothing for anyone except even greater debt.

People in charge of these organizations have either forgotten how to manage money or they never learned to begin with. The automakers have been living in the fog of escalating union contracts way too long. It's time they learned how to live within their means, like the rest of us have to do.

Another Bill Balsamico blog post

"Dear Friends,

On 9/24/08 in the letter I sent out stating my displeasure (along with the majority of Main St.) with the possibility of a WALL STREET BAIL OUT, our outrage and concerns were ignored. Then on 10/04/08 in another letter I stated that now that the BAIL OUT PACKAGE was passed this would now become the first day of the next crisis. Since then it has become a daily routine for Big Business to stand in line for their HANDOUT. The latest is the Big 3 Auto Makers."

Here is a link to the rest if it

http://billbalsamico.com/blog/?p=57

er,

Excellent comment!! You have a talent for hitting the nail right on the head.

I apologize for using a word that apparently has insulted someone. Guess I heard too much of Rev. Wright and thought that had become accepted.

er: I was complimenting you for putting a link to the facts for others to read. Guess you didn't read it that way. oh well. I'm not wasting any more time.

Airforce Wife- you responded to me last week with the following 'advice'. "Talk is a waste of time because many times people only hear and comprehend what they want to believe anyway." and that posting my link was the only communication that I need to make. However, you have done nothing but respond to every post with YOUR views. It's like your either preaching or 'instructing' others how they should behave in these posts. I suggest you take your own advice and remember that talk is a waste of time because many times people only hear and comprehend what they want to believe anyway. Funny how it's ok for you to do but not for the ones that want to express their views.

MrsAKGrizzly...

...like many neoconservatives, you have a very odd view of patriotism. From what we have seen over the last 8 years, the neoconservative view of patriotism has a lot more to do with flag waving and very little to do with substance. For example, many neocons want to point to McCain's service and status as a former POW and say that is patriotism, while simultaneously ignoring the heros of the civil rights movement, the organizations like the ACLU that have fought for enforcement of your Constitutional rights, and you ignore the anti-American policies of the Republican Party and its leaders John Mccain and George Bush over the last 8 year period.

Frankly, MrsAKGrizzly, for the majority that just elected President Elect Obama, patriotism is about protecting our Constitution -- for our Constitution is what makes us unique and provides the freedoms we so dearly value. For many of us, patriotism is telling the truth about our Country -- even when its wrong. For many of us on the left, patriotism means nothing if our Nation is doing all the things you used to think only "other countries" did -- like torturing prisoners, launching unlawful and immoral wars of aggression against 3rd World Countries that are no direct threat to the United States, conducting government policy in secret, denying criminal defendents their Constitutional, God-given, right to habeous corpus (ie Jose Padilla, et al), ect.

Yes I am sure given your ideology that you will not like many things that are coming. You will see less flag waving and more logic driven policies designed to correct the wrongs of the past 8 years of Bush/Republican Government policies and to provide a better future for generations to come. I would remind you that President Elect Obama won by a landslide, has a mandate from the People, and in addition, We the People also fired quite a few Republican Congressmen. There is a reason for that.

I recomend you get used to being disapointed because your idea of patriotism is the minority view and We the Majority are now in charge.

GOD's blessings to us all

&

a sincere "Thank You" to our Veterens.

I just wanted to share something nifty that a friend told me about. I had a question the other day about a song, and my friend told me to ChaCha it! I asked my friend what was that and he told me just text the question to ChaCha or 242242 and they will answer it. I asked how much it costs? He told me it is free, they do limit your question to 20 a month, but you can get free weather, trivia, and stuff unlimited. I did some research about the place, and it is legit and I wanted to share it with my Marshall Family.

Regards,

Riclin

pressman and Slater: Thank you.

I am saving the comments from the past couple months into a document and in 2012 will read it to see if the people who curse our current administration will be making the same comments about the Obama Administration. Odds are that a great number will. That's just politics and government.

Congratulations at your awesome showing at State Cross Country today Katie Wells. You are sure to make a lot of people in Marshall proud! WTG girl! You are loved by many. We are all proud of you.

Air Force Wife,

I Salute you and your family for your service to these United States of America.

I did and still do live in Illinois. As you probably know, you would have to look long and hard to find a state with as many problems as Illinois has.

WTF,

The results of President Elect Obama's works and deeds will determine if it was the "smarter" general population that elected him. Let's hope it was. Regardless, he is "our" President for the next four years.

Also, since I've been ruminating for a while on the aftermath of the election, I want to say a thing or two in defense of Air Force Wife, not that she needs me to defend her, and not that I'm implying anyone has been unfairly critical of her statetments.

Even though I don't go so far as to accuse someone of being unpatriotic for not precisely carrying out the standards when recognizing our flag as the situation warrants, I see nothing offensive about AFW's attempt to educate us with the proper etiquette. Maybe it's time that our country began using one set of rules.

As to her bitterness, she's said on more than one occasion that, in spite of her disappointment regarding the outcome of the election, she intends to do whatever she can to support the incoming adminsitration in its effort to resolve the problems facing our nation, and she even called on the rest of us to set aside our idealogical differences and work for the common good of the country.

I know her feeling is the same as what the rest of us feel, and as Missy expressed it so succinctly the other day, that all of us must work together if America is to regain its prominence and admiration among the nations of the world.

This may sound superficial, but all of us know it's true, so it's just a matter of deciding how serious we'll be when the time comes.

Well, commish, I can easily think of one state more out of step.

i miss marshall and go owls and vikings

GOCHIEFS- Were you aware that Obama won in Iowa? What urban areas are in Iowa again? There is more to America than Missouri (as pointed out earlier, where McCain narrowly won in). Just go ask Uncle Jesse. He'll tell you.

Go Chiefs...

Obama carried plenty of "rural" counties across the nation...it's not just urban counties where he won!

And even if it was, since it's the overall popular vote in a state that determines who wins the electoral votes, what does it matter if they are in an urban area or in a rural area? Since the whole state of Missouri was only won by a couple thousand votes (5,859 at last count), seems to me the state was pretty evenly split (and in Saline County as well, with only a 252 vote difference!)

OK!?

Wow, Airforce Wife. It does seem like there's a chip on your shoulder. I am an Obama supporter and live in STL. I am from Marshall and have many relatives there. I never said you didn't do research on Obama. I said the conservatives spread these false stories around to hope that at least one would stick. Apparently, one did because there's a long blog about it. Also, I received an email from an educator in the Marshall school district, from their school email address, regarding the link I included (which is very scary that a teacher would believe something like that- who knows what lies they spread around within the kids). I was referring to those people who didn't take the time to research but were the first ones to pass emails around saying how he was muslim, didn't pledge allegiance to the flag, etc. The link was to clear up those lies and anyone who believed that to be true. You were never included in what I was saying, so calm down. And yes, you are correct. The media, which I was referring to about researching- not you, has been doing research on him for OVER 2 years. My point was, and I hope you would have gotten this, was that since he began running for President the media has DEFINITELY researched every possible avenue- even past what they would for a senator. There will be no surprises like everyone is claiming with the whole patriotism issue. As far as calling him a man, he is- I'm sorry, but he is a man. If you'd like to call him by a correct title and be literal, his title is not president. It is President elect.

WTF - who said I'm bitter? I made a point and now that proper flag etiquette links are on here perhaps you and anyone else who doesn't know can learn the proper way. I said NOTHING about the national anthem. My comment was regarding proper flag etiquette. As for accusing you of anything - I did not. My only response to you was that I had read snopes but thank you for putting it here for everyone. The general population comment was referencing er who insinuated that I am a conservative and not as intelligent as the general population. Why are you Democrats so defensive? Talk about an angry bunch of people. If you would read my first post on here, you will see my feelings about President Elect Obama - he should now be addressed properly as opposed to some calling him "the man". I'm not angry or bitter as to the outcome of the election. It's over. Now it's a matter of hoping he can bring Congress together for the good of the country. He has worked hard to get where he is and I hope he does well.

er - you stated people have been doing research on the man for 2 years...let me correct you. I lived in IL when he ran against Jack Ryan for and was elected to the Senate in 2004 so I became very familiar with "the man" long before most Americans ever heard his name. I even had his campaign sign in my front yard. I thought he would make a great Senator. So please don't put me in a category of conservatives who are less intelligent than the general American population. Even the conservatives are Americans.

A good post, ER. It never ceases to amaze me how some people are either unwilling or unable to formulate a reasonable opinion about a topic.

I have a sister living in Saline County who's in that category. A week or so ago while we were talking I mentioned that I'd voted early and she responded by saying she didn't want to vote for either of the candidates, especially "that one who was born in Kuwait." When I asked her where she'd heard that fairy tale, she said, "Well, EXCUSE me." I reminded her that only native-born citizens are allowed to become candidates for the presidency. At that point she moved on to Fred Thompson and how she planned to write in his name.

Some people simply refuse to exercise any sort of rational thought, I guess.

Thanks for posting the link.

Basically, it's all part of a smear campaign that didn't work. The general American population is smarter than the conservatives give us credit for. If you think, for one minute, that all media outlets missed this story and their opportunity to raise questions about his patriotism- you're wrong. You don't just stumble upon something like this and think you're the only one that caught it. Fact is, people have been doing research on the man for the past 2 years and anything that's true, has stuck. Anything false, seems to fall in the laps of pushovers that will believe anything for the sake of their own cause. Take a look at this link as well:

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/...

AirForceWife

On that occasion Obama did not have his hand over his heart. Maybe you would like to go here and read about what he was taught as a young man. His grandfather taught him to put his hand on his heart for the pledge of allegiance and to sing for the anthem. As children people are taught different things and not everyone is familiar with what the US Flag Code says about the National Anthem. I was always taught to remove a hat,show quiet reverence and to sing if desired but was never told explicitly to put my hand on my heart for the anthem although I was for the pledge. Different strokes for different folks.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/ant...

Syndey - thank you for the links on proper handling of our flag. This is taken from one of those links:

The Salute

To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

Could someone please inform our President Elect of this. He doesn't seem to follow this and ESPECIALLY as Commander in Chief of our military, needs to set a proper example. Actually, this needs to be taught to everyone at a very young age.

I hope the majority was correct in their choice for our next President. As military, I respect him just as I do current President Bush. Don't have to agree or like them but I do respect them. If things turn around and he does what he promised, I will be the first to say I was wrong.

WTF I really don't know what I believe anymore.

Yes the buck stop with the president but he sure cant do it my himself.

born-n-raised the problem is neither side has done anything to help the problems

Appears to me sidetrack63 that if you are so upset over the looks of a flag and it really upset you. You should ride out to wal-mart buy a new one a donate it to the church. I agree strongly that flags flown should be presentable. On the other hand you can't juge an idividual on the looks of there flag or a church. If you feel it needs to be replaced help them out

I think its so funny when all these people blame the President for all the problems when we have 535 Members of Congress.

So whos faul is it really?

Go Chiefs,

I think it is only a sad day for 46% of Americans. The other 52% don't think it's such a sad day. If more people thought Obama winning would be such a bad thing I think the vote would have went the other direction. Some people seem to think that now that the President is going to be a Democrat and we have a Democratic majority in Congress that things are going to change for the worse. How can that be when the vote of the people not only elected a Democrat for President, but also elected those in Congress. Is it possible that a majority of people think that the Democrats can make a positive change for our country? I think the polls tell us that. I think this is only a sad day for those who want to make it that way. The way I see it the faster we get George W. Bush out of the White House the better! If there is anyone responsible for a sad day (or eight sad years) it has been our current President.

Plenty of good if you let it. If McCain had won and you were posed that question, what good would have come from a McCain win?

A sad day for America

Rmb4Life: Did you see John McCain's concession speech? It was filled with the heart, and strength that are among his better qualities. He was not ugly in defeat. You can catch it on youtube if you can spare the time.

Concerning your prayers, they are between you, and your God. I can't resist the observation though (since you made your's public) that it might be proactive to consider praying for our new president instead of your first inclination.

Missourians, we have no one to blame but ourselves for what is coming for this state and nation. Apparently we are satisfied to see what has been to be no more. God help us!

Here on Time Warner in Marshall MO you can

get old Tom & Jerry cartoons on the Cartoon

Network. Most of the other junk they offer

on that station is just that,,,"JUNK"! But at

least Tom is still chasing Jerry and Jerry

is still outsmarting Tom. Just like the good ole days.

Oh yeah, and one other thing -- Good job to Ken Bryant and also to Paul Gieringer. There were a lot of people voting this a.m. but everything was moving smoothly -- no long lines, no chaos or confusion. There may have been headaches "behind the scenes" but there was nothing evident at my polling place. The students that were working were doing a great job -- friendly, respectful, and professional. Thank you!

"...we will pick up, work together, and make our country the envy of the world."

I like that, Missy.

Yes, but I believe that tommorrow will be the start of the 2012 election. uugh!

I did my civic duty this morning and voted. All I have to say now is thank goodness that after today I will not have to hear these words, "I'm (insert candidate here)and I approve this message." for a really long time. I am so sick of political advertising I could hurl!!

I think being lazy is great. I dont have to work because i got you people payin taxes. Let me tell you, i love it. Raise the rich peoples taxes by 300% i say. I mean if you make 200,000 a year you dont need the money, so you can let me sit in my lazyboy and watch jerry springer all day. I mean being lazy is so great. You all should quit your jobs and try it. We can all live the lavish life of a lazy man. Its so great. Why the hell should i have a job? Haha, i dont even pay income taxes. Doesnt this sound great?

Does anyone know what the pecan crop up highway 24 has been like this year? I was thinking back to teh days when my mother would pin me down and sort of coerce me into helping her shell pecans and walnuts. The walnuts I didnt' mind messing with, but I could NEVER get the hang of shelling pecans.:) She finally gave up when she noticed I was eating most of what I picked out of the shells.

Can anyone recommend a good device to use? I feel the urge to crack a few this season. :)

Thanks Kathy!

This is kind of "off the topic" but I was wondering if anyone knows the name of the "boss" or high-up of GE energy in Slater. I need to get a hold of him for an interview for school.

Slater: Nope. All the flips have favored the Republicans. However I am sure that has nothing to do with the fact that the machines were made by corporations that are huge supporters of Bush, and now McCain. It also does not concern me that the chief executive of Diebold said prior to the 2004 election that he would do anything he could to get Bush elected. It also does not worry me at all that Diebold fights tooth and nail to keep anyone from knowing how their machines work.

What me worry?

Very disturbing! Two or three weeks ago I sent an email to the DNC asking about voter machine problems and related matters, and all I got from them was a deluge of emails all asking for money.

When you mark your choice for president, it then marks all Democrat or Republican. Then I went down the list of each candidate and made whatever corrections were needed. I wouldn't know if that made much difference.

Do you know which counties reported the problem? I'm in Bexar County. I haven't heard anything on the news about it, but that doesn't mean anything either.

Does Oklahoma have early voting? I was readign online today that all states supposedly have some form of it, known by different names. I asked a freind in St. Charles, Mo. about it and he said MO doesn't have it. Maybe not by that name. Another item needing some uniformity.

By the way, we had a total of four groups trick-or-treating the other night. All the kids in this neighborhood are grown now, and that leaves us old fogies, I guess.

This one has got me scratching my head.

How can it be that the same conservative pundits who proclaim that Sarah Palin is not qualified to be president, thought that Bush was qualified?

Are they wrong in both cases, neither case, or either case? No matter which, it begs concern when leading conservative pundits have a lesser opinion of Sarah Palin's competency, than that of George Bush.

There is concern about the security of the Diebold voting machines that are used by about half our country. Below is a site that discusses the existence of software programs that can check, to some degree, the veracity of vote counts by the suspect machines.

http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6587

Congratulations to Katie Wells, Matt Bledso and Stormy Morrison for their excellent performance at District Cross Country today. These three will be going to State in Jefferson City next weekend. A extra congratulations goes to Wells for bringing home the honors of District Champion for Marshall High School! The first time a girl from Marshall has brought home the honors since Dana Gaddy.

This team is very tallented with all girls that are underclassmen. They will have a strong team for at least 2 more years.

This is just another sport, like swimming, that gets no, to little support and attention from anyone in this town. All everyone cares about is the losing football team.

Here's an even more important fact. Our country has a massive debt, most of due in large part to the Bush administration and this debt has to be paid some how. If somtime in the future our taxes have go up to pay for it we shoudn't be surprised. We won't like it but we shouldn't be surprised.

BRAINWASHED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg98BvqUv...

THIS IS REALLY SAD.

There's been a whole lot of folks warning us that Obama will bring higher taxes to all of us. Its pure bull, and they know it. Ever straight shootin source says it jest ain't so.

Seems those kinda fellers jest cain't get it through their haids that this here election ain't about what Obama might or might not do, it's about what Bush already done did, with the hep of'n his sidekick John McCain. The old "maverick" was ridin with him ninety percent of the time. Right there when the posse was sent in the wrong direction. Right there when the bank was burnin an they never smelled the smoke. Yes sir, McCain tries to say where he disagrees with Bush, but that's like Gabby Hayes arguin with Roy Rogers.

Here are the facts as I see them: the economy has tanked and we are in a recession; oil companies are posting the largest profits of any corporations in the history of this nation, while still receiving enormous tax breaks; we have the largest deficit in history that will take our children's children's children to pay off; the dollar is the weakest it has been in decades; we are in a war that we entered under false pretenses in which hundreds of thousands have perished, with no end in sight. All of this in 8 short years.....the proof is in the pudding, so to speak.

I would love to keep all the money I earn; sadly, there are roads and bridges that are falling apart, an army to finance, and a multi-TRILLION dollar debt to repay. Also, there are millions of people who are born with developmental disabilities or serious illnesses who cannot take care of themselves, and require the government's help. This is what taxes are for. Its not so black and white. Its very simplistic thinking to believe that most of your taxes are going to people who are lazy and refuse to work. Yes, those people exist and get welfare. There will always be people like that. I don't like them either!!! But what about the huge oil companies and other corporations who get billions in tax cuts, while making billions in profit? Aren't they getting welfare as well? And what about farm subsidies? I would rather have my tax paying dollars going to people who CAN'T help themselves, and if that ends up including some who WON'T help themselves, so be it.

I feel compelled to note that the biggest welfare reform in the nation came under Clinton's administration. He instituted the welfare-to-work program. It ended lifetime dependence on welfare and encouraged those using welfare to obtain employment by offering training opportunities. I'm proud to add that he modeled his plan after Missouri's own highly successful welfare reform program.

Typesetter, you're on the right track, but in order to round out your thinking you could give yourself a hand up by studying some of the research that's been done on welfare and attitudes toward immigrants.

To tommob, Obama doesn't intend for anyone to have a free ride any more than McCain does. What he's saying is that he wants to help those who are willing and able to help themselves. Those are the people who need the hand UP. If you talk to the director of your local welfare agency, that person will tell you what the research shows about people caught in the so-called cycle of poverty, and what can be done to help eradicate it. I must say, your earlier statements didn't sound Christian-like. You put me in mind of the crowd throwing stones at Mary Magdalen.

At any rate, the fact remains that whoever is elected will need help from ALL of us, not just those who side with one party or the other.

Sorry to offend typesetter. I am not talking about the people that have lost their jobs. I'm talking about able bodied lazy people that expect to be taken care of. THey do not appreciate it, they expect it and I for one am sick to death of it. I know people get down on their luck, and yes, they need a helping hand not a lifetime handout!!!!

Please read BEFORE YOU VOTE

Part 1

Remember the election in 2006? Thought you might like to read the following:

A little over one year ago:

1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;

2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;

3) The unemployment rate was 4.5%.

Since voting in a Democratic Congress in 2006 we have seen:

1) Consumer confidence plummet;

2) The cost of regular gasoline soar to over $4.10 a gallon;

3) Unemployment is up to 5% (a 10% increase);

4) American households have seen $2.3 trillion in equity value evaporate (stock and mutual fund losses);

5) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $1.2 trillion dollars;

6) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.

; 7) Food prices skyrocketing over 30% in 1 year.

America voted for change in 2006, and we got it!

Remember, it is Congress that makes the laws and spends our money -not the President.

He has to work with what's handed to him.

Part 2:

Taxes...Whether Democrat or a Republican you will find these statistics enlightening and amazing.

www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/...

Taxes under CLINTON -1999 Taxes under BUSH-2008

Single earning: Single earning:

30K - taxed- $ 8,400 30K - taxed $ 4,500

50K - taxed $ 14,000 50K - taxed $ 12,500

75K - taxed $ 23,250 75K - taxed $ 18,750

Married earning: Married earning:

60K - taxed $ 16,800 60K - taxed $ 9,000

75K - taxed $ 21,000 75K - taxed $ 18,750

125K - taxed $ 38,750 125K - taxed $ 31,250

Barack Obama promises to return to the higher tax rates if elected. It is amazing how many people who fall into the categories above think Bush is screwing them and Bill Clinton was the greatest President ever.

If elected, Barack Obama has already promised that he will repeal the Bush tax cuts, and amazingly, a good portion of the people who fall into the categories above can't wait for it to happen.

PART 3:

You think the war in Iraq is costing us too much? Read this: Boy, am I confused. I have been hammered with the propaganda that it is the Iraq war and the war on terror that is bankrupting us. I now find that to be RIDICULOUS. Read on...

I hope the following 14 reasons are forwarded over and over again until they are read so many times that the reader gets sick of reading them. I have included the URL's for verification of all the following facts.

1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year by state governments.

Verify at: http://tinyurl.com/zob77

2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens.

Verify at: http://www.cis..org/articles/2004/fiscal...

3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.

Verify at: http://wwwcis..org/articles/2004/fiscale...

4. $12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English!

Verify at: http://transcripts.CNN.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...

5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies.

Verify at: http://transcripts..cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/...

6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens.

Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0... t.01.html

7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens.

Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...

8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare & social services by the American taxpayers.

Verify at: http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/2...

&nb sp; 9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens.

Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...

10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two and a half times that of white non-illegal aliens. I n particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US

Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...

11. During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth, heroin and marijuana, crossed into the U. S from the Southern border.

Verify at: Homeland Security Report: http://tinyurl..com/t9sht

12. The National Policy Institute, 'estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period.'

&nb sp; Verify at: http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/p...

13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin.

Verify at: http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm

14. 'The DaRk Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States .'

I'm with tommob, nObama wants to (redistribute the wealth)which means take from the working class and give to the lazy people and illegal alien's who dont want to work!!!!I'm tired of paying for these people!!. Dont blame Bush. The democrat's have been in control of Washington for the last 4 years, not bush. Do you really want a man from the south side of Chicago running our country? have you seen what a mess that city is? By far more murders there than in Iraq, and that's a war zone!!! they are millons and millons in debt and getting worse everyday. THINK PEOPLE--- DONT BELIVE THE SERMONS!!!!!!!!!!If he gets elected it means higher taxes for all of us so the lazy people dont have to work!!!!!

I'm tired of supporting lazy people that do not want to work. If you feel the same way, and are tired of "sharing the wealth" then we need to keep Obama out of the Oval Office. All of you people that are waiting with your hand out, GET A JOB! Maybe if you start paying taxes you will see how the working class feel.

Raytown Bill, I believe you and California Ray came from the same egg.

'Twas the night before elections

And all through the town

Tempers were flaring

Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe

With a cat in my lap

Had cut off the TV

Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden

There arose such a noise

I peered out of my window

Saw Obama and his boys

They had come for my wallet

They wanted my pay

To give to the others

Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money

And quick as a wink

Jumped back on his bandwagon

As I gagged from the stink

He then rallied his henchmen

Who were pulling his cart

I could tell they were out

To tear my country apart!

"On Fannie, on Freddie,

On Biden and Ayers!

On Acorn, On Pelosi"

He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause

And as he flew out of sight

I heard him laugh at the nation

Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think

On this one final note-

IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM

GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

This is from the secretary of state's Web site:

Polling places open at 6:00 a.m. and remain open until 7:00 p.m. Those individuals arriving after the polling place has closed will not be allowed to vote. However, those individuals in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Additional voter information can be found here:

http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/faqs.asp...

Many of the conservative pundits have been critical of the McCain-Palin ticket. Here is an article by George Will in which he takes shots at the ticket.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn...

For Republicans, Independents, as well as conservative Democrats who admire Mr. Will it may be worth your time to read this article in the Washington Post.

It is also worth noting that over forty newspapers that went for Bush the last time around have endorsed Obama-Biden.

News, everything okay with you and the Frau these days? I hope you're busy making lots of money. What kind of money is used there in Oz, by the way?

My long-time friend and his wife are down in your vicinity. They departed Kansas City for Aukland, NZ on October 18, and should be showing up in Sydney sometime early this coming week.

OKReader has convinced me that I should go trick-or-treating tomorrow night. The weather here will be good for a change. In the past, Halloween has been cool and rainy, but not this year.

I'll save you a tootsie roll. :)

Thanks

The live feed was great. Thank you Eric.

Palin is taking the stage now.

It appears that Joe the plumber was a poor example for John McCain to use to disparage Barack Obama's tax plan. If the rumors are correct that Joe's income in his present job is $40,000 or $50,000, then he will get a tax cut under Obama's plan. As long as his adjusted gross income (AGI) is under $100,000, he will get a tax cut. During those years, he can use that additional money to save up to buy this business that he plans to buy. Then, if he is as successful as he hopes to be and joins the 2% of small businesses that net over $250,000, if he is a smart business man he will invest some of those profits back into the business, thus growing his business and reducing his tax burden. The way to do this would be to invest in capital items and/or hiring more employees. So, you see, Obama's tax plan is not a jobs killer; it is a jobs generator and an economy stimulator.

Mrs.AKGrizzly,

You said:

"I do not call the annual PFD socialism because we are not taxing one private citizen at a higher rate to turn around and give it to another who is not paying any."

But what you are doing is "spreading the wealth" regardless of how you want to dress up the pig before applying lipstick. If your Governor just doesn't like the fact that tax rates will go up for those making a specific amount of money (and that probably includes her)then she should just say it,period,without all the drama,doom and gloom. Our tax system will never seem to be fair to everyone, especially when for the past 8 years that system has favored those of wealth. The proposal is to roll back the cuts for the wealthy made by Bush. Maybe those affected should just increase thier BEFORE TAXES contribution into thier IRA's by the same percentage as a tax increase. The irony being wheter or not they trust the market enough to put in more money.

Now we here Wayne Hyzinga(don't know if that is spelled right) part owner of the Miami Dolphins and ultra rich is wanting to sell his half of the team right now for fear that if Obama gets elected he will have to pay more capital gains taxes. He is crying the blues very publically about this while I watch my health insurance rates go up yet another 34% this year for no apparent reason. So pardon me if I don't shed a tear for this man and his football team or others like him who reap the benefits of tax loopholes and everthing else this country has to offer while they move company headquarters to mail boxes in the Cayman Islands or reside in other countries all to avoid taxes.

Governor Palin acts as if the govt. is going to force someone to let a less fortunate family move into her finished basement and drive her cars.

Your point is well noted and if that's the way you feel then I would expect you to do the right thing and spearhead the Alaskan movement not to pay into the federal system or take one more dime from the socialists in the lower 48.

No What the F..., you clearly do not get it. Your last post implys that Sarah Palin bought her approval rating. And I am telling you that, as a citizen of Alaska, that is only a tiny fraction of what she has accomplished to earn her her approval in this state.

What gives you the impression I am taking this as a personal attack on her? You addressed me by name, you certinly expected me to disagree with you, and I told you just what I though of what you said. That's it.

Speaking of hypocrisy, I would think you would all be in favor of taxing the living daylights out of big oil in leu of state taxes. Is your new label of Alaska as Socialist because Sarah Palin is governing us? I know how you dislike her so. It is alright to do this on a national level, but Alaskans are socialists to disperse big oil tax on a state level?

I do not call the annual PFD socialism because we are not taxing one private citizen at a higher rate to turn around and give it to another who is not paying any. The PFD is given out to the owners of the oil EVENLY to EVERYONE. I've said all this before. I don't know why it's so hard to get.

None the less, neither opinions are going to change one the topic.

My explaination is simple. It is my opinion. If your curious, ask anyone planning on voting for John McCain if they think Obamas tax policies are socialist.

Hince the word "Roughly" half.

What the F.....

Once again your biased reading has lead you astray. No fear! I am here to educate you :)

First of all, ask roughly HALF of the US population if they think Obama's tax policies are socialist and they will tell you YES! So, failed attempt? I think no.

I know now that you don't read what I write because I've already explained this. And thank you for informing me of this huge sum of money I recieved. I was not aware. I'll go check my bank account immediatly!

Sarah Palin is not to be credited for the PFD..that was set up in 1976, loooong before anyone knew of her. And the Energy Rebate allowance you are refering to was first introduced in Feburary - many, many months BEFORE her VP announcement and directly ment for those living out in the bush where their sole heating source is the fuel we here in Alaska were paying $5.00 a gallon for - imagine trying to heat your entire house with that 10 months out of the year.

We produce the oil. We pay higher in retail for it. THAT is the reason for the rebate.

Don't quote someone who presumes to know why I like my governor and then stand there with your hands on your hips and think you know how it works up here. YOU DON't! YOU DON'T GET IT. YOU WON'T GET IT BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT TO.

(BTW, if we hadn't gotten that rebate money, it would have been lost in October when the market when went down the toilet)

For Mrs. AKGrizzly

From Hendrik Hertzberg's New Yorker commentary about McCain and Palin's failed attempt to convince people that Obama is a socialist is the final paragraph containing this boast from Gov. Sarah Palin:

The state that she governs has no income or sales tax. Instead, it imposes huge levies on the oil companies that lease its oil fields. The proceeds finance the government's activities and enable it to issue a four-figure annual check to every man, woman, and child in the state.

One of the reasons Palin has been a popular governor is that she added an extra twelve hundred dollars to this year's check, bringing the per-person total to $3,269. A few weeks before she was nominated for Vice-President, she told a visiting journalist--Philip Gourevitch, of this magazine--that-

"we're set up, unlike other states in the union, where it's collectively Alaskans own the resources. So we share in the wealth when the development of these resources occurs."

Perhaps there is some meaningful distinction between spreading the wealth and sharing it ("collectively," no less), but finding it would require the analytic skills of Karl the Marxist

This business about Socialism and Marxism no doubt also came out of Rove's bag. People like him make me wonder how they managed to talk their way into the human race.

I believe the controversy with the Barbara West interview with Senator Biden began in earnest when the Obama campaign staff canceled all future interviews with that station. In other words, they got out of the kitchen. Heat too hot?

The Biden/West interview was quite a contrast to the McCain/West interview. Questions to Sen. McCain included: the 'Palin/McCain staff rift; Sen. Obama's well coordinated campaign; Joe the plumber; Sen. Obama's tax plan; Rep. Barney Frank's defense spending reduction plan; an Obama interview "did several years ago." Biden's questions included: ACORN; 'spread the wealth'; Karl Marx/marxism; turning America socialist.

While I understand that Ms. West is an 'anchor', she is also listed as the stations "health reporter"; an area she has received several awards for. I would think that the interviews would have been better left to a reporter that covers 'politics & election news' for the station.

I may be because Barbra West is married to Wade West who is a republican political consultant.

http://www.bluetidalwave.com/2008/10/con...

If we believe that every story has two sides, then we need to see West's inverview with McCain to determine whether this is even a story. If she asked McCain the identical questions, we can then compare apples to apples, as it were.

I assume you're referring to the interview referred to in this clip:

http://tinyurl.com/5suozk

I didn't think the interviewer's questions or manner were inappropriate. Nor was Biden's response. The only thing I'm puzzled by is why the exchange itself has become a story. It looked like good journalism and fairly typical political speech.

For a politician to use a bit of ridicule directed toward a journalist who asks an uncomfortable question is kind of standard operating procedure for both parties.

For a journalist to pose a question that is based on an opposing party's rhetoric is fine, too. What's West supposed to do, just pitch big fat DNC softballs to Biden?

Seemed to me like she and Biden were both on their game that day.

Eric and Kathy,

What do you think about the Florida "Biden interview". Do you think the reporter was "unprofessional" and asked "inappropriate" questions? From the professional media/journalism point of view? Just curious......

The way I think about it, I suppose I'd be the Law and Order candidate. I'm not able to understand why our society believes we should be paying $60,000. to $80,000. or more per year per convict to keep them in jail, when something along the line of what that sheriff in NM or AZ is doing would be more fitting.

I believe people like this Morisette guy should suffer more than national heckling for his wooden-headed action. Halloween art, my a_ _.

Thanks for the links, KF. As I expected, the rules governing felons are as convoluted as the rest of the legal world.

Wouldn't it be nice if a simplified but effective system were in place to govern every legal issue.

A few years ago a basketball player (Rickey Paulding) was being recruited by MU. His mother wanted to come to Columbia from her home in Michigan, and the school wanted to pay for her trip, so the school's legal department was asked to look at the NCAA rules to see if the offer would violate any regulations. It turned out that two different rules, both with nearly identical language, were cited. At that time the NCAA rules book had nearly 1,000. entries. One thousand rules to govern amateur athletics. Hard to imagine why that's necessary, but who knows how many duplications, or repetitions, of rules are in place throughout our legal system.

Thanks, KF. A convicted felon is what I intended to say.

I was just thinking about how the Miranda Decision has impacted the legal system over the past 40-some years.

Does anyone know if convicted criminals still lose the right to vote?

I'm with you, capitalistchick, the noose is an icon of hatred that can't be employed as a "joke" -- its history cannot be passed off with a cavalier wave of the hand. And the use of it as a political gesture is completely unacceptable.

Of course, Obama has been subject of worse: An actual plot (with plotters accumulating the actual firepower to carry it out) to assassinate him. That's not a gesture of hatred. It was a plan for violence.

The fact that both stories broke about the same time may explain why the Palin-noose story (which is being reported nationally) is getting a little less attention.

I for one sure will be glad when Nov. 5 gets here!

Captialistchick,

You seem to be very emotional this morning. Good thing your finger isn't on the button.

Sorry, I don't pretend to aspire to the saintly standards of Okie. I definitely have stuff I hate. I hate mosquitoes, my itchy hemorrhoid, Pink, Obama, changing the cat box, and cleaning the toilet (especially after a night of drinking). I will promise you that I won't go link up with the skinheads and go shooting at mosquitoes, my hemorrhoid, Pink, Obama, the catbox or the toilet. Speaking of cat box, where is my smoldering ******** this morning? BFF...where are you? Sniff.

Thanks Slater. I never knew the correct spelling of that nurse. I never read the book, just saw the movie. I'm okay with chapstick.

Obama supporters, what do you all think of hanging a look-alike Sarah Palin by a noose in your front yard? One Obama supporter said this was all in the fun of Halloween and called it a piece of art. What do you think? Is it art?

http://www.smh.com.au/news/us-election/h...

Heh heh heh...no ms. chapstick, not mildred ratcheD (yes, that's right, RatcheD). No, not Mildred, you're not mean enough. Nurse Ratched wasn't a fun-loving person like you are. :)

Slater your showing your age. I just don't understand why this would remind you of OFOTCN. Who would you cast me as. If you say Ratchett, I'll just die.

Hey nicotine stained kitty, can't tell you how much it has made my day to have provoked all the classic lib indignation today! I will cop to hating Obama. I totally think his best buddy Ayers was the inspiration behind the Oklahoma City bombings, that involved the murder of many children. I think he is a terrorist sympathizer. But I don't hate him because he is black. Thanks all. You crazy libs all just make my day. Especially when I **** Ya'll off. Sorry about the grammar errors in that one post. Trying to blog and work doesn't mix. Now all of you go upstairs from your parents basements and ask for some dinner.

I've just been reading an article in the Washington Post about Obama's lead in Virginia (8% today), and this is what McCain is doing to counter that:

In recent weeks, McCain and state and national Republicans have sought to slow Obama's momentum in Virginia by sending out a flurry of mailers and automated calls that try to link him to 1960s radical William Ayers.

"I honestly believe Obama is a socialist, a Chicago thug," said Donna Tilley, 58, who lives in Chesterfield County, outside Richmond.

Actions of a desperate party.

"Obama will be a great president...."

You can bet that Putin and Kim Jong Il are licking their chops at the chance to deal with him instead of McCain.

Ya know...I'd love to see health care for everyone, I'd love to see cheaper energy, I'd love to see tax cuts for the middle class...but more than anything else I'd love to be sure that my family and I will be kept safe and free. Of the four candidates, Obama is the one I fear is least capable of accomplishing those two things.

The other things...we can deal with them.

Your right, this isn't just about party ties. It's about a superior candidate (Obama) being held back by his race and his name.

Obama will be a great president, that is if small town bigots can open their peanut-sized minds and give him a chance.

Cap chick,

Why do McCain supports continue to make racist remarks about Obama.

Furthermore, Palin is a fanatical conservative that feels small town residents are the only "real Americans".

As for McCain, he's a billion years old.....he may not last four years......then Governor Crazy McLooneypants would be our president.....

captialistchick.

Now you are just showing your ignorance to call Obama that. It's not a thoughful criticism nor does it add any creedence to any policy disagreements that you may have. It's just mean,spiteful,childish and unfortunately typical.

I served in the armed forces under the nightmare called Clinton from 1994 to 1998. I was thinking of Him, and his atrocious blowing off of the USS Cole attack, Gore and his pathological lying problem, and Kerry who now doesn't seem so terrible to me anymore. I don't like him and would never have voted for him, but at least he appears to be mentally stable and does love his country in his own little way. Barrack Hussein Obama bin Laden is worse than all the prior 3 put together. So how old are you?

Anyone see the radio interview shown on Drudge showcasing Barrack Hussein's redistributive ideas? The man is the worst Democratic candidate they come forth with to date. At least McCain doesn't view our country as his own little social experiment lab.

Missy, weather in south-central texas: blustery but not cold - 74 for the high today.

You better watch out! If you find too many things we have in common, capitalist might start calling YOU a flaming liberal. :)

From the It Was Bound To Happen File.

Many on this blog, and other blogs across the net have used Snopes.com to debunk right wing statements that are untruthful. I had often wondered when those squelched in that manner would attack the credibility of Snopes.com. After all, such behavior is a favorite Rovian tactic.

This weekend I received an E mail doing just that. It proclaimed that Snopes. com is owned by "flaming liberals", and went down hill from there.

Within that same E mail was the comment that truthorfiction.com was a much more reliable source. Curious person that I am I immediately went to the truthorfiction.com website. Lo and behold, I found an entry there totally debunking the E mail I had just read that attacked Snopes credibility, and had recommended truthorfiction.com as reliable.

I can only surmise that the originator of the E mail must have flunked Karl Rove 101. an important maxim of that school of thought is that never give sources unless you must, but if you must, be sure the source you cite supports your allegation. Yee Gads.

P.S. Politifact.com is another good place to do credibility checks.

Obama leads in newspaper endorsements, one hundred and eighty to seventy five for McCain. Included in the Obama endorsements are thirty five that supported Bush in 2004.

Wealth is relative and I'm sure many people would look at what you have and be envious. I bet they would not feel bad if the big bad arbitrary taxing authority you are complaining about confiscated more from you. You aren't being a very compassionate liberal today.

Capitalist, I don't object to paying my fair share. My objection is to the manner in which my property taxes are levied.

The local government here is inhabited by public servants with the greatest distain for the people who pay their salaries. They do pretty much as they please, and I'm not exaggerating when I say this. The example I cited reflects the prevailing attitude. There was a report on the local news a few weeks ago which revealed that the property (the land his house sits on) owned by the head of the taxing authority had been decreased by $23,000.+, along with that of two or three of his neighbors, while property owners on the street behind him saw theirs increase. Every change made is made arbitrarily, and the property owner has no effective recourse.

I don't mind paying my fair share as long as it's calculated properly.

And, no, I'm certainly not a wealthy landowner.

KF, thanks for your thoughts, but I fully understand what happens here.

In the case of the increase in the land valuation, that makes up for the tax deficit the county would have realized if the land value had remained the same, as it has for the past few years.

Our taxing entity constantly plays these games with property owners, and most people never file a protest, since we're "fighting city hall," so to speak.

I generally file the protest, as a matter of routine to let them know I'm still here, watching them.

A couple of my friends living in Jackson Co., Mo. experience the same thing. It isn't unique to Bexar County by any means. I was just wondering if any Saline County residents have encountered similar circumstances.

And what would your "easy explanation" be, Chiefs fan?

Slater apparently your neighborhood improved but your home didnt keep pace. easy explanation

MrsAKG: Palin as mayor, huge earmark amounts accepted. Palin as governor, disparaged "bridge to nowhere" ear mark but kept money, built road to nowhere. Brevity.

Obviously. Don't fret, I won't express my humorous side to you ever again.

Slater, oh my yes, your post.....

"Mrs. Grizzly, your admission to verboseness is the understatement. I'm surprised that Editor Crump hasn't gotten on you for filling so much space. He chastised Gal66 for pasting one article she'd copied, which wasn't even as long as most of your posts have been."

.....was halarious. Thank you for pointing out my lack of humor. Perhaps our 'humor' wiring is different as well?

You're wrong, Mrs. Grizzly. I have no sincere disgust for anyone. I may not agree with everything you say, but you certainly don't disgust me, sincerely or otherwise.

We're all entitled to our opinions, and I don't have to agree with everything you say to respect that entitlement.

You're the one who brought up the point of verboseness. I merely agreed with you (in a good spirited way).

If we can't laugh at ourselves once in a while, we're in big trouble, I'd say.

Alaska appears to be in a vacuum when it comes to socialism as that only applies to the lower 48.

Mrs. Grizzly, your admission to verboseness is the understatement. I'm surprised that Editor Crump hasn't gotten on you for filling so much space. He chastised Gal66 for pasting one article she'd copied, which wasn't even as long as most of your posts have been.

Mrs. AKG: Thank you for taking the time to give a detailed response to my post. Thanks to you I know more about The financial system of Alaska.

However, it makes me wonder why should Alaska, a state apparently in better shape financially than any other state in the nation be getting more federal pork, per capita than any other state in the nation?

In a strange dichotomy Palin's Alaska is the highest at $506.34 per capita in ear marked funds, while McCain's Arizona is last at $18.70 per capita.

That is also a form of redistribution of tax dollars paid by all Americans, in this case from poorer states to the richest. I hope that you are going to say you are also against this form of redistribution.

PBS OCT. 28 - DINNER WITH THE PRESIDENT

A documentary film by a Pakistani woman reporting on her conversation with the former president of Pakistan, and a serious look at conditons in the country.

KF, thiis is the program I mentioned the other day, indicating that it was being aired possibly in November.

OKR, it's pretty cool that you're out chucking the ol' ball around with the grandson. I hope you're able to watch them playing now.

:) As you know, my memory isn't completely accurate in some instances, but I'm pretty sure that we've never formally introduced ourselves to one another, and it could be that we've never even met. Craig and I have been pretty good friends from the time he moved to Slater from Marshall, but he's never talked much at all about any of his Marshall friends.

Did any of your brothers play football at MU? I'm remembering one with the same last name as yours.

Where is the story on Casy's getting robbed on tuesday evening? Has anyone heard anything about it.

missy08: You have no idea how taxing it is to be a part-time brain surgeon AND a reporter. :)

Kathy, my warped sense of humor is acting up today... I was just thinking about how tired you must be -- working all day at the paper and all night at the hospital -- ;-0

Have a great day!!!!!!

What The F.....

I am hearby, from now on, going to call the acceptance of tax credits at the expense of successfull, $250,000+ small businesses, VOTER PROSTITUTION, because that is exactly what you are doing if you vote for Obama's tax plan.

And did I just hear you admit earlier that most ACORN new registrees are Dems? mmmmm.....ACORN workers are Dems. And the new registrations they bring in are Dems. (When of course they're not Mickey Mouse or a starting line-up of a football team or one of the seven dwarfs).

**Insert bewilered, yet enlightend expression here**

The word incompotent comes to mind. ACORN should be desolved and started anew.

Off to work everyone, have a good day! :)

Good morning!

WTF, "Hey, I wish we just had a flat tax and maybe someday we will but until then I see no problem with tightening the loopholes for those who can afford it." Those who are not affected by this tax probably don't have a problem with it. Those of us who will see our taxes go up -- certainly do. You realize, that taxes are taxed by percentage, right. I am already paying higher taxes than those that make less money. I am not "freeloading" or "living off others" as has been previously stated on this board. A flat tax would be great but we all know......

"rabid republican Governor" Oh come on. You don't have to agree or support but stick to the issues. I think that is another way that we are "wired differently". I find this offensive. Consider yourself "called".

"..no one will vote more than once." How do you know? Some were allowed to vote "absentee" on the spot.

Again, just clearing up....

Have a great day!

Oh my goodness! Much has been "discussed" since I signed off last night.

Mrs. AKG, thanks for picking up the slack. I so enjoy reading your posts. I knew when I responded to the guns, etc. and socialism post that I was wasting my time but the temptation was too great. As I have stated before, I believe that we are "wired" differently. Bumble bees and Christmas trees!

Have a great day!!!

You would be spot on except for one thing. The thing that your missing is that there are no taxes in the SOA. There is no income tax, no luxury tax, only a few fees for things like fishing licenses, DMV stuff, that sort of thing, no personal taxes of any kind. So the people don't pay anything to the state from their income at all. Some local communities levy sales and property taxes to a certain extent, but with the exception of the largest city, Anchorage, even that is fairly limited.

The SOA leases surface area to firms like BP, Exxon, Conoco Philips, etc. Those firms pay for leases for surface area to explore and extract resources. Then there is the Alyeska Pipeline Company. This is a private for-profit firm that is in charge of administering and maintianing the Trans-Alaska pipeline, an 800 mile pipeline that transports oil from the North Slope production fields to the southern south-central coast of Alaska, at Valdez, where it is transferred to tankers and delivered to market. Every step of extraction/production and tranporting of petrol products is taxed. These revenues and other less significant yet still substantial production taxes on various things like mining and other heavy industry pay for the entire state budget, but that's not the whole story. The deal with the money is called the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend. A certain portion of revenue realized by the state goes directly to general fund budget, then there are things outside of the general fund that get paid for by legislative mechanisms. Another portion of revenues gets set aside for rainy day money in a fund called the Constitutional Budget Reserve. This is a hedge against a crash in the value of petrol products. Then there is the PFD fund. This is an account, currently valued in the 40 to 50 billion dollar range, depending on the market from day to day. This fund is administered by finance people and widely invested with a stable, low risk profit in mind. It fluctuates with the market, but a sum of that size conservatively managed always comes out ahead, it's a financial juggernaut, it barely feels the current market volitility. Each fall, every qualified resident of the state, man woman and child recieves an equal dividend taken from the Permanent Fund.

It's more complex than that however, first the annual dividend only takes into account a portion of the fund, it's not based on the entire balance, some is reserved to hedge agains market volitility and again against serious economic downturn. The other component is the formula by which the annual dividend is calcualted. Simply put, the annual dividend is based on a five year rolling average of the appropriate portion of the funds balance. To illustrate this, five years ago the price per barrel of oil was in the toilet, dividends were rather smallish, and there was nothing we could really do about it. Basically each year over the last five has seen bumps in the average ppb of oil. So this year, we dropped a bad oil year out of the rolling average and added a better year to the average, bumping PFD checks significantly. For the next five years we'll drop a year out of the formula and add a better year, so over the next five years, we'll see ever increasing shares of oil revenue out of the PFD fund. In the event of a major collapse of oil as a valued commodity, we'll have five years to figure out what to do about lost PFD revenue, and five years to alter our economy and state revenue structure before the wounds actually hurt. It's not a lot of time really but it IS a buffer against calamity. If that ever did happen, I have a lot of faith in Alaskans, we'll pull it together.

This may not all be precisely accurate, someone who really knew the guts of the industry and the state would probably correct me on a number of semantic points but those are the basics. I'm doing my best not to make a novel out of it. You can read up on the structure if your really interested but that is essentially the basics of the matter.

This year, with oil prices freaking out the way they did, the state realized and immediate and significant increase in general fund revenue, in fact they took in so much money, so quickly, that even politicians in the legistature couldn't figure out what to do with it. That's when Palin proposed the Energy Rebate checks, a suspension of fuel taxes, and a bunch of money to go toward alternative energy sources, (we have a really cool wind farm) and other diversification projects designed to put a portion of the revenue increase to work in different ways as well as return some cash to the population. We suffer at the pump, we suffer when it comes time to buy heating oil, my heating oil bill was 4.00 per gallon one week ago today. It wasn't right that the state took in obscene amounts of tax revenue for petrol production while the people pay market prices to gasoline in a major oil producing state. So Palin said hey, give em some cash back to take the edge off of heating oil and fuel, it's their money anyway. There was more money there than the government could have spent in any sane way at all, they're still drunk on what's left after Palins energy package passed. Even if the blow it all and oil collapses for good, we still have the CBR and the PFD and about five years of cash reserves to figure out what we should do about funding state government. It's an absolutely beautiful arrangement, and it has nothing to do with Socialism.

Also, under Palins administration production taxes were increased, and failure to produce known reserves is also penalized, preventing producers from sitting on known quantities in a manipulative posture. This creates a darned if you do, darned if you don't policy trap that boxes the producers decision making into delivering the reserves and paying the state, all the while turning an obscene profit. Not as obscene of a profit as they made under the previous, incredibly corrupt Repbulican administration. In fact, the Republican establishment despises Palin for stepping on thier sweet action and making "honest joes" out of the oil producers, meanwhile, corrupt republican legislators are being jailed by the van full for being on the take from oil related firms, to the cheers of the public and much to the chagrin on the dirty rats who haven't been caught....yet. They (Rs & Ds alike) break out in cold sweats at the thought of Palin working out of DC bending ears at the Justice Department because while Palin has made huge strides in remaking Republican politics in the SOA and cleaning up the corruption, there is still much to be done with corrupt Alaskan Republicans AND Democrats who are equally dishonest and corrupt.

Mrs. AKG: Maybe I am missing something so please let me know if I am wrong, but I think your logic may be a bit flawed on this one.

The state of Alaska takes in money from its natural resources, which goes in the pot with other collections such as income taxes, and any excess after state expenses is returned to its citizens. Each qualified citizen gets the same amount. However each citizen does not pay the same amount in taxes. The citizen who pays one hundred dollars in taxes gets the same dividend as the citizen who pays ten thousand dollars in taxes. Would it not be more equal for all to get a pro-rata share depending on how much they have contributed?

It seems that Alaska's program is just a back door redistribution of wealth. The fictional Joe the plumber who has income of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and is taxed accordingly, should be squealing like a pig caught under a gate, lipstick or not. Meanwhile, the real Joe the plumber who makes forty thousand dollars should be slopping like a happy pig at his disproportionately full trough.

Am I missing something here?

It would seem to me the largest act of socialism (under the current Republican Party's watch) was the 700 billion dollar bail-out and now government management of this country's financial institutions.

Obama, a Socialist...I think not!

Ok Mrs. Grizzly,

From dictionary.com

SOCIALISM

--noun 1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.

I think it's fair in this case to include natural resources as the "land,etc'" as described in the definition.

2. procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.

Nowhere in that definition does it say:

"take money from one individual, and give it to another" which from your post seems to suggest that as the definition of Socialism.

You said:

Here's the reason it's usually a form of Socialism in most places and NOT Socialism in Alaska. In Alaska, the state constitution declares expressly that the resources of the state belong to the public, and not to the States government. The State of Alaska does not take money from one individual, and give it to another in any way shape or form. All of the revenues used to fund social programs and return funds to the people where appropriate come from the development of natural resources that belong in equal part to each living soul in the state, period.

Once again, the definition:

--noun 1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.

and again no where does it say:

"take money from one individual, and give it to another".

Your post of Alaska's form of generating revenue is virtually verbatim to the actual definition of Socialism.

The problem is that we all benefit to some degree from socialism. What the GOP wants to do is equate any socialism as total socialism and then use that to demonize Senator Obama.

This takes us to the 3rd part of the definition as noted by dictionary.com which is apparently the only part of the definiton that the GOP wants people to focus on.

3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles.

True to form they want to play on either the fear of the populace or more likely the ignorance.

Keep in mind that ignorant doesn't mean stupid it just means someone doesn't know any better and that is what the GOP and Sarah Palin are banking on.

I fail to see from your arguement where Alaska in not technically speaking a socialist state more than any other in the union. Speaking of the union, how is that whole secessionist movement in Alaska going? You know, the one that Todd Palin was a member of and the one Sarah Palin told to keep up the good work? How's that workin' out for ya?

BD42: Thanks for recognizing that we can't be in three (or four, or five) places at once. Eric has done a truly wonderful job of juggling the many priorities we have every day, but news happens when it wants to, not when it's convenient for us to cover it.

just think,

I'm sorry that your cousin was hurt. Hope she is doing well.

Just wanted to point out to you (and others who post such comments) that I have heard that the newspaper staff has been greatly reduced these past few months. Basically, one person and several part-timers have been doing 4 people's work. I've heard that they have recently hired one reporter and are soon to add another, brining them back to full staffing.

Perhaps people who post notes about items that the newspaper misses could take that into account and not make it sound like it's a personal thing when something gets missed. Even with full staffing, the reporters are not superheroes -- they can't be everywhere at once.

I think they do a fine job of covering what they do with a limited staff.

Smokin' Cheetah,

That was an excellent post and I must say that you are much more eloquent than myself. I am just so angry that just like in the last two elections the GOP is reverting back to basics. Guns, Abortion, Religion and Gay Marriage. This is apparently all they will ever have for a platform. Period. Now Obama is a Socialist. Well, that's not really new just look at Goldwater v. Kennedy. Redistribution of wealth is the battle cry dujour when Obama's remarks or tax policies taken out of context. All taxes and social programs are by definition socialist. The GOP hopes and to some degree are correct that some people will equate that to communism. Typical fear card.

What I find interesting and troubling is that alot of people are more than willing to assume the worst in Obama while turning a blind eye to what our current administration and the GOP have done and are doing right now.

One final point. To the question of character. What does it say about John McCain's character when the same horrendous tactics used to defeat him in his last presidential campaign are the very tactics that he is using today.

He's even employed the same people who used those very tactics against him do do the same to Senator Obama. Keeping in mind of course that Senator McCain vehemently denounced those tactics after his loss and promised us in this election that he would not resort to those tactics. He lied about that and trust me we have enough of that in Washington.

Senator McCain's closet is well stocked with skeletons that could be used against him but Senator Obama has chosen not to to go that route. I think that is but one reason that he is ahead in the polls and we should all be grateful that at least one politican is willing to risk his campaign by doing the right thing instead of just being willing to do anything. That is what I want in a leader and I hope a majority will join me on Nov. 4th. when I vote for Senator Obama.

Well said working mom. I agree 100% as a Slater parent. Maybe part of the money from some of these silly fundraisers the PTO has and the sports teams now should go to some sort of lunch fund to help cover for those who can't afford to pay here and there. It's not the students fault. Have a heart.

The "rules of the board" are posted and it says "any" issue.

Until/unless Eric changes that......

I wanted to post this here to rouse some draw attention to the article on Slater's school board meeting.

McEachern's statement "we must be good stewards of the school's money" concerning the lunches bothers me immensely. Being a good steward of the schools money means making school a safe haven, and a place that children can get something to eat without ridicule-- school may be their only hot meal of the day. Some parents have applied for free or reduced lunches and do not qualify, because those standards do not rise as fast as inflation-- many parents are struggling to keep the lights on and gas in the car to continue to work-- so I wonder if a Slater parent made it known that they are having trouble with paying their account-and they do not qualify for conventional help-- what would be done-- would the children continue to be served just the basic minimum---the ULITMATE concern should be the well being of the child here-- that is how the money of the district would be best put to use. Where is your heart-- can you imagine a child who's parents couldn't afford to pay their account and couldn't afford to buy the food to pack a lunch because the car blew up and the money had to go to transportation-- walking to the lunch counter, tummy tied in knots due to embarrassement, head held down hoping no one would say anything to him or notice he has to get peanut butter and jelly, and going to sit at a table where all the other kids are enjoying a warm filling meal---I would rather the schools money be spent on filling this child's tummy with good warm food than buying anything else-- it's not his fault his parents did not/could not pay---Is your heart so cold my Mr. Mcearchern as to not feel sympathy for this child-- how is that being a good steward of the school's money

NEW SUBJECT: HOW LONG CAN A VEHICLE STAY PARKED IN ONE SPOT IN THIS TOWN? I AM REFERRING TO THE BIG WHITE TRUCK PARKED JUST OFF THE SQUARE ON ARROW STREET. IT HAS BEEN PARKED THERE FOR OVER A MONTH... AS FAR AS I CAN TELL HAS NOT BEEN MOVED AN INCH.... JUST WONDERING?

YIKES!!! Snow already, maybe?

Mmmmm, a nice fire and a steaming cup of hot chocolate made with Mexican chocolate!!

Well, chalk the corner is much like hide and seek, except it's played out over a several-block area. The group is divided in half - one bunch is "it" and the other goes to hide, taking a block or two lead before being followed by the second group. A piece of chalk is used to mark directions (arrows) at each corner (hence the name). When the first bunch decides to hide, arrows are drawn pointing in all four directions. It was a fun game, especially when there was an equal mix of girls along. :)

Missy, yesterday you mentioned the falling leaves, and that reminded me of how much I enjoyed walking in the leaves, and the smell of them burning. I suppose burning is now against the rules? It would be here if we had trees that produced leaves worth burning.

Your comment about dark nights also brought back a memory of the times we played Chalk the Corner. Do you know that game? It's best when the trees are full of leaves (like late summer), casting shadows around the street lights.

Slater,

Mmmmm. Thank you.

Yes modemocrat I did cut and paste from the NRA website.

It had the information I wanted.

Do you have a problem with that?

WTF

"To those of who are hysterical about the 2nd ammendment."

I for one am not hysterical about the 2nd ammendent I am just trying to get the facts out on Obama's record.

WTF

I do not agree with the things that have been done under the flag of Home security.

And I support the rights of everyone!

Even yours to freedom of speech

I'm not sorry if I've hit some nerves. I find it annoying that the local hospital does not feel that it has to answer to the public it serves. I find it weird that the Nursing home is not claimed as part of the hospital, yet seems very much like a department of the hospital, and is physically attached to it! The community is investing heavily in this hospital. It is reasonable to expect the Hospital and Ott to answer to everyone about these issues. I have higher expectations of a Nursing home that has access to an entire hospital full of Nurses and Doctors and ancillary support departments; yet it falls into the 15% of homes that have patient harm deficiencies?! Why? I've not been impressed with how TLC has been run, and I want to see the management take responsibility and fix it. This is not about me!

Thank you gal66. I posted earlier on that organization that is endorsing Obama -- Hunters and Shooters. Ha!

Personally, I am still hung up on "spreading the wealth"............... Just can't get beyond that.

Have a great day!

Para chic,

There are gays in every walk of life. In or out wheter you know it or want to know it is another matter. The rest of your post made no sense at all regard my earlier post.

Smokin' Cheetah,

I disagree. The way one chooses to live thier life is a lifestyle be it gay or Christian or a gay Christian. Thanks for your comments though.

What the f......

Do you have a clue what your talking about regarding the Military. As a soldier myself I can honestly say that I have not encountered a gay/lesbian soldier. We have a policy that Clinton established "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The military is very good about recognizing religion and every soldiers special needs. The US Military is at war it Terrorism, yes the Constution plays a part but who cares when you have haji shooting at you. Every soldiers bible is the ROE or Rules of Engagement, no matter if your straight, gay/les, swinger, or morman, were all fighting the same war. Obama is going to try and down size the military, The service is already hurting for soldiers. I wonder if you will cry the same story when Obama get's his hands on the military and weakens our defense to allow another terrorist attack...

Klop

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/21/p...

Better now?

Of course, I am still looking for the article where Obama says that "spread the wealth around" wasn't what he intended to say..... And, that he is re-thinking his "plan".

And, maybe that he really does have a friend named Bill and he is sorry that he tried to decceive the good citizens of this country....

KF, a C-5 just floated by, I think with a student pilot - throttle up, throttle back... :)

American History, 1958

During a lecture on James Polk, my friend next to me asked how the name was spelled, so I told him. Mrs. Branble (what an appropriate name she had) gave us the boot, and the principal used chalk to mark off two boxes against the wall in the hallway, and we stood in those boxes for a week during school hours. At the end of the week he asked what we'd done to be sent to the office.

If the principal had worn a little mustache, he'd have been given a new name.

It was a JOKE.....

Raytown Bill, I'd guess your information is pretty accurate re the movie. I was trying to remember when the GM&O merged with the Ill. Central to form the Ill. Central Gulf, and I'm thinking that occurred in the early 70s.

The trains running through Slater, in order of name were the Chicago & Alton, GM&O, ICG (not certain about this one), Gateway Transp., and currently I believe Upsedaisy said it's the CSX.

I spent 6 years (69-75) working for the Santa Fe (AT&SF) which is now merged with the Burlington Northern. I discovered by looking at photos in a railway newsgroup on the Internet that a number of mergers have occurred since I left the Santa Fe. Some, like the CSX, are new to me.

BillfromRaytown: This technique is no secret to drug traffickers. Here's an article from 2004 that discusses its use and its legality:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa...

Kathy, My question was not if you worked at the newspaper. My question was if you worked at the hospital. Some people do have 2 jobs. I think we all are aware that you work at the newspaper but thank you for pointing that out.

I used to ride on the "Puddle Jumper" when I was growing up, sometimes to Marshall, sometimes to Kansas City. It brought the mail to our town every day. As a young man I worked on that railroad, then it was called the GM&O (Gulf Mobile and Ohio). My dad worked for many years on that railroad.

For some reason it always brought comfort to me when I would hear the freight trains coming through town every night, maybe because I connected it to my dad.

I dug the following information up off the internet; I can't verify its correctness:

GM&O engines and passenger cars were featured in the 1967 film In the Heat of the Night. Although the film's opening and ending shots of the GM&O are implied to be in Mississippi, where the film's fictional small town Sparta is located, GM&O had ceased all passenger service south of St. Louis, MO eight years before the film was made. The fictional Mississippi town in the T.V. series is actually in Georgia. And the city where the GM&O engines and cars were filmed was actually Alton IL.

Sleep tight

Ice cream is good - plain vanilla, no exotic flavors and ingredients.

I don't like being near the ocean, unless I'm indoors - don't like the wind. The last time we were in CA we drove along the coastal highway from Monterrey back to San Francisco - lovely views!

Partly right. I do like the fall the best, when the air begins to get crispy.

Green Eyes,

Your memory serves you correctly...wood floors!! When I was a little older and taking my son to Hot Wheels it was harder to skate on the urethane floors there because you didn't slide as well. Skating at Johnny's is what my Mom used against me if I didn't behave during the week. I'd better straighten up or I would not be going skating on Friday! I was grounded one time for 3 weeks...I was so heartbroken about not getting to go skating I know I was probably impossible to live with, but my mom lived through it!

No, to my knowledge, Kathy is not a hospital employee. She is employed by Democrat News.

Without taking a position on the touchy subject of gay marriage, I have this to offer from the Bible:

When Jesus was asked what the most important commandments were, he said (I'm paraphrasing), "First, love God above all else; second, love your neighbor as yourself."

I think that's pretty good advice, and it has nothing to do with what your neighbors are doing when you can't see them, gay or straight.

What the f.....,

What is wrong with banning gay marriage? Don't necessarily believe that everyone in the USA supports this just because some think the time is right! Marriage is "one man, one woman"! That is stated in the Bible. I don't believe in equal marriage rights for gay couples. This is just like "life begins at conception", which it does! Why should I have to support someone else's "radical belief", such as Obama who could not even tell us earlier "when life begins"! Sarah Palin is not that far from most pro life protestants and evangelicals. If I would have found out that my baby had Down's Syndrome, I probably would have had that baby too! And teenagers get pregnant everyday! Families deal with these problems through prayer and family love! You seem to be the one who does not want to bend your ways. When was the last time that you attended church? Our government and constitution were founded on Christian morals and principles!

It is not radical to believe and practice the principle's of biblical teachings which we were all raised with at some time in our lives. I bet that your parents, grandparents or great grandparents went to church somewhere! Where did you lose your way? It is not to late to find your way again!

capitalistchick: We asked the hospital for comment on accusations you made and reported their reply. I'm sorry you chose to attack my ethics and my journalistic capabilities in such a public way, when a phone call might have served your purpose better. As Eric said, my email address at the newspaper has nothing to do with my job there. If you would like to be more specific with your charges, please feel free to contact me at that address and provide more specific information.

Slater,

Yes, the Teenage Club was on the second floor of a building on the northeast side of the square. I think it was there on and off for years. My older sister went there some in the late 70s or early 80s. My parents didn't like the place much and so it was not some place we were allowed to frequent often. I think in that time it may have been run by the Eagles Club?? I remember being there a time or two but if I was a teenager I must not have been one for every long when I went. I remember they had a large room where you could dance, another room with a pool table, darts, and other games. One of the other places I remember hanging out as a teenager was the arcade that was on Odell Street in a little building next to the Doughnut Shop. (Another place my parents didn't approve of much!) The building is not even there anymore. Of course, one of our favorite places to be on a Friday (or Saturday) night was the roller skating rink owned by Johnny Williams off of Vest Street just down from the Marshall Inn. The building is still there. Every time I drive by it I get a little nostalgic.

Could we have at least some attempt at journalism in regard to the Hospital/TLC inspection failure? Did KF ask for a list of the deficiencies? Why not include them in the story instead of allowing the director of the department involved to be vague and dismissive about the issue? Is KF a hospital employee and is that a conflict of interest if she is? Her e-mail name seems curious to me. Specifically what is the misinformation. I would like the misinformation defined so that I may know where I would be incorrect on this issue.

Hey Folks

A comment related to the way the world is outside of the US.

Not long after the former Soviet Union fell apart I had the good fortune to be working with pastors in Ukraine, Russia, and the Baltic States.

There were many people we met there who were very upset about the collapse of the Soviet Union and the failing of their communist society. One person described it this way:

"It's as if both of our parents were killed in an automobile accident. We are all like orphans who have no one to turn to. We are alone and lost." And they were not talking about being spiritually lost.

Some of us were surprised to hear that. Obviously - for them, the American way was not the best way.

Thanks, KF. I always felt that Americans should take advantage of the opportunities to learn as much as possible about their hosts.

It's been a long time for me, as well - early 60s, so I know things have changed considerably. Although I didn't know enough of the language to communicate effectively, I discovered that in every group there seemed to always be one or two English-speaking people (Germany,I'm meaning), and a dialogue was maintained through those individuals. As you expressed, the anecdotal contact wasn't necessarily representative of the national feeling. One interesting realization for me was the number of people who still believed in the Hitlerian philosophy.

A few weeks ago on the PBS program Now, I listened to a Pakistani woman talking about her interview with the former head of that country (her documentary is supposed to be aired next month, I believe), and she voiced what you said about "meddling America" and its brand of democracy. Her feeling is that Pakistan needs to grow its own brand of democracy and America should keep its nose out. I mean, it's a logical way to think, and I never understood why any American leader would think that what we have here is a perfect replacement for any country.

The only people I found unapproachable were the French - rude and proud of it. :)

Mrs. Grizzly, we had the same experience 16 years ago when we applied for a loan to build this house. We produced everything, short of the kitchen sink. Perhaps if the truth had been a part of the qualification process for subprime applicants, not so many would have chosen to proceed.

You know it's too late to blame anybody, since it's already happened. All we can do now is form a cooperative spirit, move forward together, and deal with the crooks once things level off.

Get out your favorite Christmas tree ornaments and focus on them for a bit and keep one thing in mind - the Democrats will embrace you just the same as they will everyone else, and you won't be any worse off for it.

So, while pondering the Christian and racial overtones of this election, the song Blue Tail Fly came to mind:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Tail_F...

Nana- you and I will never see eye to eye on this issue. The poorest of the poor in this country will NEVER know what "absolute poverty" is. Even the pennyless & homeless have a shelter to go to to get out of the elements. A soup kitchen to grab a meal. Churches to get free clothes from and emergency rooms who will not refuse them medical care based on their situation. You have NEVER seen imacieated children (or adults) starving on the streets of this country with a shirt and a pair of pants as their only asset while they suffer from easily treatable medical ailments. The people of this great country would never stand for it.

I do NOT support the bailout. As my children will atest to, I believe the most effective way to learn, is to learn the hard way. I am not afraid of what will happen to our financial industry if we don't buy these bad loans. The mountain of blame for the mess is spread amongst many. Home ownership is not a right. The line of logic you support would say that everyone has an equal right to sit at the other end of a loan origionaters desk and be approved for a home loan. Some of these new home owners were mearly asked a few questions without even showing that they had proper ID. I don't know what it was like when some of you went through the home loan process, but my husband and I had to produce every piece of employment and financial document every printed on us to be approved for a loan.

As far as inflated prices, these same people who got these joke loans in the first place were willing to sign their name to any dollar amount just to get the opportunity to buy a house. (This is where the blame really starts to fan out). California, one of the most liberal and sympathetic states in the union, had the worst cases of inflated prices.

Others thought they were being smart buy buying up these sub-prime loans and trying to flip the house for a prophit before their interest rates went up and tripled their payments. The soon found themselves with a worthless pile of lumber because nobody was able to buy it.

You taking the blame away from these people who accepted the terms of these sub-prime loans and placing is solely on the shoulders of the financial industry is very, very left wing of you and I shake my head in disappointment at your biasness.

It funny, the moment you mentioned Ben Bernanke, my mind immediatly flased to the C-Span video clip of Obamas financial advisor, Franklin Raines (Dem & former CEO of Fannie Mae) who told us all that buying these homes was "riskless". And to other Democrat such as Author Davis, Lacy Clay, Maxine Waters, Gregory Meeks & Barny Franks who lied and covered up and excused and turned their a blind eye to the problems and upcoming disaster back in '04 while republican congressmen such as Ed Royce, Christopher Shays & Don Manzullo (who points out the outragous bonuses these exectives at Fannie were getting) pleaded and warned Democrats that reform and change needed to happen otherwise taxpayers were eventually going to have to pay a huge price of this reckless behavior.

Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_cSi7...

Quote Bill Clinton:

"The responsibility that the Democrats have may rest more in resisting any efforts by Republicans in the Congress or by me when I was president to put some standards and tighten up a little on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac."

OKR, I asked my sister about the bus service in Marshall, and she talked about the group of girls she ran around with going to Marshall and catching the bus out to the gym at MVC for Saturday night dances. Apparently there was some sort of pass card needed to get in, and that got me thinking about the place where kids hung out, on the second floor of the building that sat on the northeast corner of the square. I was up there a couple of times, but the reception was just a wee bit chilly. :) Am I right about this, or is this like my memory of the movie houses? heh heh

I do remember the 65 Drive In and the Valley Drive In.

By the way, are you the person Craig Gann (Hubbard) believes you to be? After I received the email with his thoughts, I asked him if you had a brother coaching in the NFL, but he didn't answer the question.

Thanks for the conversation, Upsedaisy! It warms my heart to know that others value their memories of like experiences the same way I do.

You know, I was thinking that maybe the train running to St. Louis was known as the Galloping Goose. Sadly, there may not be anyone still with us who would know about the nicknames.

OKR, I do recall the Doodle Bug designation, also. I hadn't heard that in a LONG time! :)

Yes, GM, along with Standard Oil, Phillips Petroleum, and Firestone Rubber Co. got together and did away with the rail lines in Los Angeles so that GM could sell buses to the cities once served by the rail network. I see that Californians will be voting next month on a high-speed rail system connecting San Francisco with points south.

Am I right in thinking the Liberty Memorial was restored in recent years? It had fallen on hard times during my days of living in Kansas City. One day I'd like to have a look at what's been done with the Union Station, as well as parts of the downtown area. Some wonderful architectural examples were destroyed down there in the name of "progress."

Have you been to Slater in recent years? I was there in 2006 for a family gathering, and we drove down Main Street - 4pm on a Saturday afternoon - and there was no sign of life at all. Even the City Pharmacy was closed. Amazing!

I'm thinking seriously of riding the train the next time I go to Missouri. The train leaves San Antonio at 7pm and arrives in St. Louis at 730am, then on to Kansas City at 5pm that day, arriving at 940pm or so. Some would be pretty antsy by the end of that, but the idea appeals to me. At this stage in my life I'm definitely not in any rush! :)

Slater, thanks for the reminiscence. I remember the Puddle Jumper, if my memory is accurate it was also called the Doodle Bug.

Does anyone know whether or not Marshall is considering restoring city bus service such as they had in the early nineteen forties? I doubt it as the times are not yet right.

Kathy Fairchild,

I don't usually respond to blogs such as this, but found your comments regarding 'radical christianity' interesting and had to take the time to respond. A quick look in Webster's dictionary tells me that radical is simply defined as 1. "of or from the root; fundamental; basic. 2. favoring extreme change." Now when we think of radical muslims, we picture the Twin Towers, 9-11, or even a few extremists who are willing to kill and die for their religious beliefs. However, if you'll note the first definition of the word radical, I think this is what truly applies. You see these muslim extremists are going back to the basic fundamentals that are taught at the core of the muslim faith. I don't say this as a brand to all Muslims, just those who are "radical" in their faith. Which brings me to the point of 'radical christianity'. The very basic fundamentals of Christianity can be summed up as this: Jesus said the first and greatest commandment was to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind." He goes on to say that the second greatest commandment is to "love thy neighbor as thyself." (I might interject here that our neighbor is anyone with whom we have contact.) When a person loves God with all of their being, they will want to please and obey Him and His word, even though that may not be considered popular or even seem extreme. Certain things that society deems as acceptable are considered unacceptable by God in His Word. This is where the "rubber meets the road"! As a Christian, I will not cave in to the demands of a politically correct society. I will stand for what the Bible teaches. At the same time, I will continue to love people even though we don't agree because Christ commanded it. This is not popular with most and is labeled as extreme or "radical". Christ condemned the sin but not the sinner. That is radical Christianity in its truest form. Many times we think of radical Christians as those who shoot the abortionist or commit some other heinous crime in the name of Jesus Christ. But that is not the basic, fundamental root of Christianity.

The second definition of the word radical is "favoring extreme change". When a person lets Christ control their life, there is an "extreme change" in that life. It's not natural to "love thy neighbor as thyself". Admit it! We're all about number one in this day and age. But with Christ's help "old things are passed away, behold all things are become new." He makes us into a new and better person.

So, am I a radical Christian? Yes, I am. Christ made an extreme change in my life. I am trying to live my life by His word which would be the basic, fundamentals, or roots of the Christian faith.

In regards to the article about The Living Center: Let me begin by saying it is true 90% of nursing homes receive deficiencies. Some well justified while others are just at the discretion of the surveyors interpretation of the regulations. Let me also say that according to the Nursing Home Compendium 2007 that in 2006 only 15% of nursing homes in Missouri received citations for deficiencies at the actual harm or higher level. Guess who was in that 15%. Refusal of payment to facilities for new Medicare & Medicaid admissions are not as common as Mr.Ott & Ms.Stanley would have you believe. I think we're having a little play on words when Mr.Ott uses the word "terminated" in relation to Medicare funding. You must have extended noncompliance before your Medicare contract is "terminated". Having your contract "terminated" and having Medicare funding withheld for new admissions are two completely different things. When I read the quote "this penalty has no effect on our current existing residents" it reinforced to me that possibly Medicare money is being withheld for new admissions. I think Mr.Ott & Ms.Stanley would both agree (or maybe not) that it takes more than a few documentation issues to make this happen. Anyone who wants to get information on an inspection not yet posted can call 573-522-1516. This will put you in contact with the MO Department of Health & Sr.Services. The number was posted on their web site.

Slater - Travel by rail is one of my earliest memories. When my father was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, we frequently went "home" to Newark by train. My mother always traveled by train to visit me when I lived in Illinois, and I made it a point to take my daughter on a couple of train trips when she was very young. When I visited my daughter last April, to see my new grandson, I went part of the way by train then, too. It beats the daylights out of driving.

I can't claim I fell asleep to the drone of a B-36, though. For me and my family, it was B-47s, then B-52s, and for a brief time, SR-71s. Pleasant memories, all of them.

Typesetter: You're absolutely correct that Marshall does not have everything. I shop locally when I can and out of town when I need to, and that's what everyone has to do in a small town. I'm just pointing out that the cost of driving is a good deal more than merely the cost of the gas. Driving anywhere costs at least 50 cents a mile no matter where you go, and that figure itself is probably a little low by now.

Marshall is my hometown and I love it. I support lots of Marshall's causes to include the Lighthouse Shelter, Saline Animal League, and more. All I'm saying is that whenever possible I shop Marshall, but there is no Lowes in Marshall. Yeah, I could get hardware at a local hardware store, but not after say Noon on a Saturday. There is no longer a JC Penney here, we do have Stage, but most of the clothes there are smaller sizes, the larger sizes they have are limited and often reflect the tastes of people that are much older than I. (I do like Catos though.) And as far as I'm concerned this town needs a nice buffet restaurant, steakhouse, or some other nice go in, sit down, restaurant. I know Marshall has Applebees and Bloomfields, but if you don't leave town often you get tired of eating at the same limited choices of eating establishments here. Plus, if you want to eat after 9:00 p.m. your choices here become even fewer. Thus, all I am saying is if you are heading out of town for something different to do, because you would like to have a little different choices when shopping or eating, or you are needing something you cannot find in Marshall, Sedalia would be a good place to go due to the gas prices being much cheaper there. I know gas prices in Columbia are higher, and people may not want to drive as far as KC...where gas prices are also lower. I will bet that most every Marshallite has at one point or another shopped in a different town when they couldn't get what they needed or wanted here. So I don't believe I'm the only person that has ever not allowed every penny of my tax dollars go toward my hometown and its causes.

Typesetter: At the prices you cite, you saved between 60 and 70 cents in the cost of gas on your 60-mile roundtrip, assuming your vehicle gets at least 15 miles per gallon. On the other hand, you chewed up about 50 cents per mile ($30 in all) when you count depreciation, insurance, etc., which is the true cost of what it takes to drive to Sedalia and back.

I'll grant you that there are more stores in Sedalia than in Marshall, but unless there is something you really need that you can't get locally, the actual cost is a good deal more than it seems at first glance.

I don't have a reliable source, so I don't think it would be appropriate to name them in a public forum, but I did hear about the 3 restaurants. It is my understanding that 1 was cited for mouse droppings, 1 for mouse droppings and roaches, and 1 for reusing bread that had been served but not eaten. That's all I know about that.

Additionally, I wanted to just say that I got gasoline in Sedalia over the weekend at Walmart for $2.25 per gallon and that was not even with the 3 cents off I could have gotten if I would have used my Walmart card. In Marshall this weekend Walmart's gas fluctuated between $2.49 and $2.41. Shop Marshall first...but then go to Sedalia because it's almost worth the 30 mile trip for 20 to 25 cents less a gallon on gas. Plus, you can go to Lowes, JC Penney, Ryan's Buffet, Colton's Steakhouse, etc. When gas got really high my family quit making as many trips to Sedalia as we once did, but when gas is that much cheaper I don't think we will mind making the trip. Can anyone explain why Marshall's gas prices always seem to be higher than some of the towns around us?

tommob - Which three restaurants? And what is your source of information?

My all-time favorite Christmas story is O'Henry's Gift of the Magi.

If I lived alone I'd leave the decorations up year round, so that maybe the spirit of good will would stay with me all year long.

Wonders never cease, as they say. :)

I'm not a fan of the ever-increased commercialism associated with the holiest of holiday observances.

Farmersgranddaughter,

The consv. have had it for 8 years. How can the libs possibly do any worse? Calm down and take a breath. The libs are NOT the demons that you make them out to be.

Editor Crump, how about putting up a survey question about voter dress code?

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/st...

Glad to see some people care about the local hospital and what is going on. This issue directly affects the community. The way I understood it, the Skilled Nursing Unit that was shut down was part of the hospital, separate from the nursing home. When the SNU was built 3 or 4 years ago, there was worry about how it would be staffed because no positions had been opened. At employee forums Ott would answer this question by telling us "existing staff" would be pulled into this new unit. This was upsetting due to the understaffed nature of all areas in the hospital. So the SNU was staffed with people pulled from the nursing home? Which was/is desperately understaffed also. Can someone clarify this for me? I'd sure like to know what corrective actions are being taken to fix this problem (the failed medicare inspection and revoked swingbed status). Apparently the hospital is going to be allowed to not have to answer to the public about this.

BillfromRaytown,Mrs.Grizzly,

Again I ask, especially after the past 8 years, give me one good reason why I should reward the GOP with my vote. Should we reward those who gave us an illegal war for profit? Should we reward those who gave us the outing of a CIA employee(Treason)? Does anyone want to start a pool for the exact date that GW pardon's Scooter Libby?Should we also reward those who gave us suspension of Habeus Corpus, illegal wire tapping and torture? The list goes on and on. This is America, or least it used to be. Think of all the men and women who died to make sure that those things never happened, yet here we are.

We can no longer pride ourselves on taking the high road but we can aspire to getting back on it. So I'll ask again, give me one good reason why I should reward the party that gave us all this.

Hey! I refuse to accept the title of Grand Geriatric among those posting on this blog. I am certain that White Tornado has a fortunate few years on me, and I suspect that Jo may be the most ancient of active posters.

Having said that I will own up to living in Marshall so many years ago that I had the good fortune to ride a Marshall city bus from our residence in northwest Marshall to downtown with my older (twelve) cousin. I also had the opportunity to stand in our yard looking south to the tracks, transfixed by the big black locomotives, steam puffing from their stacks, hearing the haunting wail of the whistle as they hurried through town. In that same yard I would peer into the sky when I heard a distant rumble from the east of huge flights of propeller driven bombers being ferried to the west coast to continue the war against Japan. The sound was deafening as they passed over head, and I would cover my ears against the barrage.

Sadly, I remember older friends of my parents, and their teen daughter, coming to our house in tears, having just gotten word that their only son had died in combat. I particularly felt sorry for the daughter who was kind enough to read her comic books to me when they visited. No comic books on that day.

That experience gave me, even as a little boy, some appreciation of what it was all about the evening my father burst in the house, with a huge smile on his face, and shouted the war is over! A sense of joy and well being consumed me.

He packed us all in the car, Dad and Mom in the front, we kids aligned across the back seat, and drove to the square. People were driving around and around the square, bumper to bumper, horns honking. I particularly recall one car with a sailor in his whites, astride the front fender of an old car, waving a big red, white ,and blue, as the impromptu people's parade continued. What a Grand Marshal. The sidewalks in front of the stores were thronged, more people were waving flags, some were shouting, and, or jumping around. In all my nearly sixty eight years I have not again seen any crowd, where every countenance beamed with ecstatic joy and relief. I was mesmerized.

So, Slater, NanaDot, John Q., and the rest, you missed something, something magical. Don't you wish you were as old as dirt like me?

Kathy; you might want to read about the Marxist roots of "Black Liberation Theology" as preached by Jeremiah Wright at Trinity United Church of Christ (Mr. Obama's so called "church" for many years). There you will discover that re-distribution of wealth is part of their misguided, distorted, dangerous, ultra-liberal teaching.

Nana, your a bleeding heart, and god bless you for it!

"wouldn't it be great to have a chance at a hand UP, at fairer trade and labor policies, instead of HOPING that the rich will 'trickle down' a little of their 80%?"

What do you mean by a 'chance at a hand up'? Do you feel you don't have the opportunity to step up in the world? Your leaving it up to us to interperate your meaning. Labor policies? Explain. Why do you want their money to trickle down to you? Those 'rich' are wealthy in your eyes, but I guarantee you theres many out there who look at what you have and feel the same about you. Their not happy with the income you have, the house you live in, the car you drive. What do you say to them when they tell you how unfairly life has treated you in respect to them? "How dare you afford to have a computer and internet access when I can't!"

The way I see it, it is not ok that they take a higher percentage from you to give to that guy, Nana.

Insead, give him a break on College education - I mean a big break like 100% for the first 2 years for anyone from a household making less than, say $45,000. That way they have the same opportunity to have an interview with the company you'd hope to work for. Anyone who comes from a disadvantaged home in a bad neighborhood and broken family with little income and still manages to complete High School is a hero to me! Hell yeah I'll pay for his college! TEACH him to fish in a sense.

" do we really value work, do we accord those who WORK the same 'respect' that we PAY the wealthy; do we feel DIGNITY in doing our work, do we HONOR those who labor?"

Of course we value work. The lady who checked my gorceries this afternoon has a value. The guy who put new brakes on my car last week has a little more value in his time. The woman who filled my child's prescription has a little value in her time and the anastheologist who put me to sleep for my surgery last year has a little more value in his time still.

Dignity in doing our work? I would hope, otherwise you might want to find a different line of work. Honor those who labor? Your starting to loose me there....

Anyone looking for information on the lopsided distribution of wealth in this country might take a look at Kevin Phillips' "The Politics of Rich and Poor." Very enlightening.

Mr. Dot, ordinarily the time one awakens is not the imperative. Please lie down on the couch and describe for me your usual mental processes and physicality as you reach consciousness... :)

But, seriously, I've come to realize that my bones don't ache as much if I get up after 5-6 hours.

My 4am alarm comes in the form of the cat leaping on me and planting herself until I begin stirring.

Nana, will you cite your source of those percentages for me? I'd like to do my own homework on that..

Thanks

PBS TUESDAY NIGHT - FRONTLINE: HEAT

For years, big business -- from oil and coal companies to electric utilities to car manufacturers -- have resisted change to environmental policy and stifled the debate over climate change in America and around the globe. Now, facing rising pressure from governments, green groups and investors alike, big business is reshaping its approach to the environment, fundamentally transforming the politics of the debate. Producer Martin Smith travels the globe to size up the climate problem firsthand and to test what big business is really doing to solve one of the most urgent issues of our time.

PBS TONIGHT: THE 9TH ANNUAL SPHINX COMPETITION

This is a classical music competition featuring finals performances from the 9th Annual Sphinx Competition Concert. The competitors, all Hispanic and African-American, are accompanied by an orchestra composed entirely of Hispanic and black musicians. This program features performances from the three junior division finalists and the senior division laureate.

It was 1984 when I last played the golf course there, and I think my favorite hole would be the par 3? (don't recall the number) where you hit off the tee box sitting high above the green and overlooking a wild and wooly gulch which I'm sure has gobbled up many a ball over the years {(including one of mine :))}.

I was just thinking about how I'd like to play that course again, and I'm wondering how it's changed since the last time I was there.

Somebody out there might be able to help me. I've been thinking a lot about this election and something that bugs me. Seems to me there are fewer and fewer people working and more and more people collecting. Obama is proposing a tax that will affect only 5% in order to help 95%. What happens when he figures out that there aren't enough people making over $250K to support those on the other end? Then will he keep lowering the top end? And they keep saying on the news that like 30 or 40% don't even pay tax? How do you get in that club?

Former Sec. of State Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for President this morning. Sen. McCain has called Mr. Powell 'one of the most credible, most respected men in America;' he was considered as a running mate for Sen. McCain & has advised the last three Republican Presidents. He made several, well thought out reasons for his decision and at the same time showed the respect(rightfully earned from us all)and admiration that he has always held for Sen. McCain.

Don't forget you're paying some extra for the courthouse renovation.

I think I'm going to be glad I didn't go up to Austin for the MU-UT game tonight. It has the makings of a UT massacre. :(

Slater, NanaDot is very intelligent, articulate and well read and full of it information. It comes from many many years of formal education and life study.

Does the term three days older than God come to mind?

By the way, I was off on the time of Castro's visit. It was in 1959, rather than 1954.

Nixon was noted for a couple of other things, also. He was behind the commie witch hunt investigation of the movie industry people, many of whom were wrongly accused/convicted of being card carriers.

During Eisenhower's first term, when Castro came to Washington seeking financial assistance for Cuba, Ike turned him over to Nixon, who proceeded to belittle Castro to the point where he left and subsequently signed on with Kruschev; hence Castro's hatred of the US.

I can't believe I'm going to say this.... Pelosi is wright. I didn't hear that, though I would tweek her comment to say that you need an equal Democrat and Republican presence ALL the time. If Obama is elected, we'll have a decocrat in the white house followed by a democratic House and Senate. The Democrats will have complete control and even level headed Dems has to know that means no good. There's no Checks and balances.

Government needs people who are just this side of the right and just this side of the left to give it the best opportunity to work well.

My eyes will be glued to SNL tonight. Tina Faye has said she's quitting the face of the earth if McCain & Palin are elected. I wonder how their personal interaction will go.

I bet you it'll have one of the best ratings SNL has ever seen. I can't wait! :)

No Slater, Fosters post was robotic and without thought. (I believe this was a cut and paste job - you know, going from one forum to another).

Not that I would ever tell you about it, but I agree with Obama on more than one issue. There are good arguments to be made on Obamas behalf and I seek and do my best to have a good healthy back & forth. Foster made his Obama supportive debut here, and it was uneducated, generic, and unmotivating.

Stop illigal immigration & enforce english speaking to be taught in our schools!

BTW, if I had come on here as a McCain supporter & produced that grammerless piece of "writing", I would have sufficated in hate rebuttle and you know it.

WhatTheF...., in response to your comment, I remember my first post here - apparently I need to think like you to be treated with decentcy as is the general theme with this Democratic campaign.

THE "ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED" AMERICAN WORKING CLASS

Throughout the last few months of the campaign, I've wondered why neither candidate has mentioned the working class people of the nation. All I've heard referenced is the middle class. A guest on Bill Moyers' Journal talked about this.

Last night Bill Moyers had as one of his guests, Michael Zweig, economics professor at the State University of New York-Stony Brook, who has done a study of working class individuals in America. He made a number of interesting comments as he reviewed the highlights of the study.

If you're interested in what he learned, open the link I've included and read the transcript of their conversation last night:

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/101720...

Mrs. Grizzly,

It's hard to say if Foster's post is legitimate or not but then again that is the case with all of our posts. Maybe you should give them the benefit of the doubt since they seem to be new here and let them post thier opinion without your being condescending and sarcastic. You seem to reflect the general attitude of the GOP and it doesn't reflect well on you.

HELLO EVERY ONE I HOPE THAT NO ONE TAKES THE PERSONAL BUT WITH MY FREE TIME THAT I HAVE I VOLUNTEER AT THE BROCK OBAMA HQ IN PETTIS COUNTY WHERE I LIVE AND I SOMETIME DOOR TO DOOR AND PHONE BANKING AND WERE TRYING TO GET MISSOURI WON OVER FOR OBAMA AND IAM A VERY PROUD SUPPORTER OF SENTOR OBAMA FOR THE REASONS BELOW

1THE LAST FOR YRS THAT BUSH WAS IN OFFICE WAS NOT DONE RIGHT IT WAS JUST WRONG TO THIS DAY I BLAME BUSH FOR THE PRICES RAISNG AND EVERY THING IS JUST GOING WRONG AND MACAIN IS JUST ANOTHER GEORGE BUSH

2 OBAMA WILL BRING THE CHANGE THAT THE US NEEDS HE WILL FIX THE MISTAKES THAT BUSH AHAD MADE

3IN MY HEART I KNOW OBAMA WILL BE GREAT HE REALLY CARES AND WHEN HE SAYS WHAT HE WILL DO HE MEANS IT REALLY MEANS IT

THAT IS JUST A BREIFE SUMMERY OF MY OPINON THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS

AND OBAMA HQ IN SALINE AND PETTIS COUNTY HOPE FOR YOU THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND FOR VOTING FOR BRACK OBAMA FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA

Okay, folks, the Obsession video has been distributed by the Clarion Fund because we are a swing state. Do some research on this organization. Its intent is to try to persuade voters to vote for McCain. Yes, there are extremists, but the majority of Muslim people are peace loving. Be very careful about making generalizations. While we should always be vigilant, we cannot get sucked into a McCarthyism mentality. Here is an NPR article that gives it all some perspective.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story...

Don't let this video determine your vote. Its distribution was very well timed...on purpose.

Eric, the only thing that I have noticed is signs showing up here that I didn't put there.

They cannot keep help at Fitzgibbon because they pay crappy wages.Mr. Ott apparently doesn't realize that if it weren't for the support staff the hospital wouldn't make it. Too many Chiefs and not enought Indians!!!!

MY APOLOGY

This is my apology to everyone in here for my rude behavior toward a certain individual yesterday. I'd just been talking about not disrespecting others, and I allowed myself to be drawn into that very thing, I'm ashamed to say.

I want you to know that this gesture is made in good faith.

Hey capitalistchick,

The bad part about all this is we've known about this for over two weeks, but once again our local newspaper avoids running a story. If it was one of our other health care facilities (i.e. Marsaline Manor or Golden Oaks) they would be pounding it into the ground. People need to quit drinking the Kool-Aid.

Our community needs to know how poorly that place is being run. The record is not that great out there. Our community is sinking ALOT of money in that hospital and it is time they are accountable.

If anyone missed the Alfred Smith Charity Dinner speaches by both canidates, you should find it on YouTube or a newschannel website and watch. It's really funny and light years away from the poo slinging.

It's worth watching. I promise you'll laugh.

I recommend anyone with an emergency go to I-70 medical center in Sweet Springs. You will be treated with respect, have your emergency treated in a timely manner which more than justifies the drive, and will have better care all around. I bet people who go there get their business done and are back in Marshall in half the time it takes to do anything at Fitzgibbon. It's called being competent.

Anyone hear about Fitzgibbon hospital failing a Medicare inspection and losing it's swing bed status? The entire skilled Nursing unit has shut down. Meanwhile it's leadership blames the understaffed people that were in that unit for this debacle and sends them to training on what their jobs are supposed to be. Hey Ron,how about providing appropriate staffing levels in all the departments? This is the fault Ron Ott who refuses to hire enough nurses. How embarrassing to have it made public and on record that Fitzgibbon can not provide good care to its patients.

notgvnasht - The topic of that movie might give all that watch it some minor insight as to why President Bush reacted as he did after 911. I am certain much more is known about these people by our government than is displayed in the film. I don't like a lot of the decisions made by our government over the last several years but I have to say that they have at least tried to do something about it instead of just sit back and let it happen. No matter who is in charge this is a sevious problem that must stay very high on our priority list and it will envolve decisions that will not be popular. I only hope we can elect someone that we feel we can trust and stick with through these tough decisions. I don't know if either of the two gentlemen we have to choose from fit that bill but we are going to find out very soon.

pulpitrider, have you seen this youtube video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L3kMuN8s...

If your theory is correct regarding the "pointless questions" then all questions to candidates are pointless.

"Your concern is one that I believe Obama needs to directly address to the public, so that people will at least have a better understanding of how his proposed system will work, and also how all of us may need to bite the bullet for a time - for the common good.

-- Posted by Slater on Tue, Oct 14, 2008, at 5:51 PM"

Hmmmm, guess you've changed your mind about this.....

You make whatever you want out of it. There's nothing there to absorb except for a foolish question with an equally foolish answer.

If you watched the debate last night, you most likely heard Shieffer ask the two if the deficit could be eliminated in four years.

Think about that question, and, if you can, imagine all the variables that impact ANY answer put forth. It's the KIND of question that NO one knows the answer, because of all the things that could happen in the four-year period.

Joe asked the same kind of question. I don't know how on earth he SHOULD expect ANYONE, other than a tax person, to give him the answer he was seeking.

Answers to questions are shaped by the context in which they're presented. Pure and simple. Joe the Plumber asked a pointless question, and Bob Shieffer asked a pointless question. Many,

If you don't understand what I'm saying, then you get an F and you have to stay after school. :)

Slater, I hate to break it to you. You didn't make a point. You asked an opinion. I gave one. You obviously didn't like it.

Joe asked a question. He got an answer. Of course, he didn't say "thanks, I'll vote for you". It is nobody's business who Joe plans to vote for.

The answer is what was important. Maybe you should watch the video again. And maybe this time you could "absorb" what it says.

You've missed the point of the exercise. Joe could have said on camera, thanks and I'll be voting for you, and it wouldn't have made one bit of difference in the point I've made.

As Shakespeare said, it's much ado about nothing.

That's the point and I don't know how I could make it any clearer.

Here's the way I see it. It doesn't matter who Joe was talking to - it could be anyone - McCain, Obama, Clinton, Bush, Carter, anybody.

The point is, it's a total stranger asking a question that had no real answer in that context.

How could he expect anyone to tell him definitively about his potential tax liability?

Obama made the mistake of trying to give him a more detailed answer than was possible in that situation. Joe should have realized that his question couldn't be answered by Obama, or by anyone else in that same context.

Bob Schieffer asked a similar question last night when he asked if the deficit could be elimiinated over the next four years. That was a dumb question and one neither could answer no matter how hard they might try.

It had no relevance.

What if it had been McCain explaining his tax plan?

And I still want to know how you see it as being relevant, not just the video, or McCain's commentary last night, but rather the context in which the conversation took place. Maybe this will clarify my questions.

JOE THE PLUMBER

I have two questions:

1. How many believe the video conversation betweetn Obama and Joe the Plumber, and McCain's reference to it last night, has relevance?

2. If you believe it has relevance, in what way is it relevant?

I might also add that it appears to be VERY easy to be mis-interpretted on this sight.

The fact that some people are not comfortable with anyone who disagrees with them having a forum to warn others about what IS NOT being said on newscasts and in print should not preclude those with differing opinions from posting here.

Trying to get others - conservatives and liberals alike - to open their minds to other, non-mainstream viewpoints and ideas is not an easy task.

To get personally attacked for such efforts seems like senseless complaining and a feeble attempt at self-preservation and/or self-elevation.

Peace

The 545 People Responsible For All Of U.S. Woes

By Charlie Reese

(publication date unknown)

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason.

They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing.

I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash.

The politician has the power to accept or reject it.

No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House?

She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.

If the Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ .

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the power.

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

Momaster, maybe you should become a plumber. :-0

I think Joe, the plumber, is buying the business and that is the business income. Of course, he also said he was working 10 or 12 hours a day. (I'm sure that is 12 months a year.) There are a lot of things to consider -- insurance (health and workman's comp), sick time, retirement, liability, etc.

I think teachers should make a heck of a lot more than they do but if we want to criticize incomes, why don't we talk about pro sports?

You figure this one out. I really do not understand how Ms. Palin's thought processes work.

The report found that Ms. Palin violated a statute of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act, which says "each public officer holds office as a public trust, and any effort to benefit a personal or financial interest through official action is a violation of that trust."

Reacting to the report in a phone conference with reporters on Oct. 12, Ms. Palin stated the following in regard to the report's findings."Well, I'm very, very pleased to be cleared of any legal wrongdoing, any hint of any kind of unethical activity there. Very pleased to be cleared of any of that."

Ms. Palin's interpretation of the finding, as she expressed it has to be either prevarication, an outright lie, or she just does not understand the finding. You tell me.

I was just looking at the 1860 election numbers, and Lincoln won with .3986% of the vote. I had previously thought the number was somewhat lower, based on some figures I thought I remembered from a chalkboard at school.

What significance does this have, you might ask?

Absolutely none, other than a testament to what you can find online.

I like your list, Pulpitrider. Interesting, accomplished people who generally don't fit neatly on an ideological continuum.

What's frustrating about the election process nowadays is that no one of their ilk can get through the primaries.

Oddly enough, the highest achievers at the campaigning game aren't necessarily the best at governance. I'm not sure what the solution to *that* problem is, but I know that we voters have to take a good deal of responsibility for the situation, because we seem to favor the campaigners over the competent governors most of the time.

After two Bush terms and an endless campaign season, I admit I've developed a longing for a little less bold leadership and little more boring old competence.

PulpitRider, I'll give it a try:

Huckabee - A children's book about bugs;

Pryor - A city in Oklahoma;

Beebe - A projectile fired from an air rifle;

Hutchinson - A city in Kansas;

Pawlenty - A substitute for Grey Poupon;

Gibbons - Belongs in the ape family;

Richardson - Played football at Slater HS 60 years ago;

Sebilius - Composer of some interesting music.

How'd I do? :)

THE CHOICE 2008 - PBS FRONTLINE SPECIAL last night

Anybody watch?

face it neither party is worth voting for , so what is a person to do ????

Huckabee

Pryor

Beebe

Hutchinson

Pawlenty

Gibbons

Richardson

Sebilius

Just to name a few -

Anyone who isn't a Bush insider, anyone who isn't comfortable inside the beltway, and anyone who has at least a LITTLE bit of executive experience. And someone who doesn't have an anti-gun agenda.

Any of these names familiar to you?

Ok pulpit rider,

Who could get it done? Who should be president?

One more thing pulpit rider,

Way to play the fear card (golf clap). Typical.

I know that level headed conservatives are few and far between on this forum, and crazy not-so-level-headed conservatives are even harder to find here. But here I go again -

Though many of the regulars on this forum are obviously HIGHLY EDUCATED, WELL READ individuals - Apparently, many supporters of Senator Obama know very little when it comes to 20th century history.

As one commentor on another forum said -

"Let me see: PLATFORM OF CHANGE, INDOCTRINATION OF YOUTH, REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH, etc, etc, etc. IF IT DOES NOT SOUNDS FAMILIAR, THEN YOU MUST HAVE SKIPPED THAT HISTORY LESSON IN SCHOOL. ALL THESE HAS BEEN DONE BEFORE BY EITHER THE SOCIALIST/COMMUNISTS IN RUSSIA AND/OR BY HITLER IN GERMANY."

And did anyone read what the honorable (?) Rev. Jackson had to say about Obama and how he will take care of the Zionists in America in a dramatic fashion and move the nation away from our alliance with Israel.

And to think that I've been called hateful, or a racist, or just plain stupid. Having the support of Jesse Jackson is reason enough NOT to vote for Obama. The man (Jackson) is a self-agrandizing, anti-Semitic lunatic.

And history should speak to the outcome of such attitudes.

Slater......why do you always seem to think you have the last word on everything??

Mrs. Grizzly,

I couldn't help but notice while reading your post, taking a nap and then reading the rest that you you managed to omit Todd Palin's membership in the Alaskan Independence Party.You know, the party that advocates secession from the union? Sarah even went to rallies with him and this past summer made a video for thier membership telling them to "keep up the good work". Where was that little jewel?

Wheter you like it or not she did abuse her power but after 8 years of the Bush admin. doing the same thing on a much larger scale I can only surmize that for conservatives that must just be SOP.

Do us and yourself a favor. Next time you get one of those "e-mails" get off your brain and do a little research before you forward the BS.

BTW, thanks for the past 8 years. Your children and grandchildren are going to have to pay for it.

Mrs. Grizzly, if you'd been reading and absorbing my posts all along you could have saved yourself a lot of babbling.

End of discussion.

Folks,...

Most of you who visit this forum and have read my posts are probably aware that I am a Marshalite now living in Australia as a permanent resident of Australia.

Most of you probably are aware that as an American who still also maintains a residence in Missouri as well as in Australia, I retain my right to vote in every American/Missouri election, and I make no secret of the fact that I will be casting my vote for a straight Democrat ticket.

I could give you a lot of reasons why I am doing so. I could go through a long list...but I won't.

I will simply tell you this. I am voting Democrat because I look at recent events -- primarily America's rapid downward spiral into the pits of economic hell -- and I look at who has been in charge -- yes I mean the White House. The President sets policy and no bill becomes law with out his signature. Its that simple. The Government policies of the Republican President -- following standard Republican economic theory -- neoclassical economic theory -- have resulted in America's seriously dimished position in the World as a leader and cast great doubt on the future for our Nation. As a businessman, I am interested in results -- not excuses, and those are the results of Republican economic policy of the last 8 years -- a failed economy. That is the bottom line for this voter.

Now we have an election and a chance to change the course of history. As a voter, I have every reason to believe that the Republican party seeking to continue its hold on the White House is the exact same party that got us to the point of economic collapse that we are today -- different names, same party, same ideals, same failed policies.

I really don't care about all the smears. I don't care about all the nonsense. I just care about the future of my Country. I know which party got us where we are today and I know which one will continue the same policies that got us here. Those are the only 2 things I can be sure of. Those are the only things the facts point to.

That is why this Independent Voter is voting straight Democrat ticket this election.

Its that simple.

The smears are entertaining. The smears are fun. But the smears won't put food on our tables. The smears won't put clothes on our kid's backs -- and neither will Republican economic policies.

Slater

Thank you for taking the time to write a half-way thoughtfull reply. As a conservative minority in this blog, I certinly know ahead of time not to take political comments personally. That being said, you should be clarified on some of the things you and Nana said.

Concerning the sports arena..."She" did not have anything built or in anyway do anything wrong concerning it's location. The voters of Wasilla voted in favor of it in March of '02 and knew full well where it was going. I'm not sure what you read or where you read it, but as I realtor here I can asure you, that is a common occurance in new construction of non-residential property as it probably is in many other states, to start construction without a clear title. Partly because of the very short construction season and in many times in Alaska it is native owned land, in which case they commonly give out 99 year leases on. This was decided 6 months before I moved to Wasilla so I don't know, and neither do you. Aside from that it's an old tired issue, only relevant to dogma guzzling partisans bent on destroying Palin at any cost. Voters in Wasilla and the entire state have overwhelmingly approved of Palin over her entire political career. Her approval only dipped when she was selected as a V.P. candidate, a completely organic reaction during the high tide of election season. Please don't even try to tack to the "Red State" label, this is a very independent and in many ways a highly liberal place.

And why does Wasilla, Alaska not represent mainstream America? Please tell me it's not because of our geographic location, or our weather or snowfall. We have EVERYTHING you have in Texas (excepts palm trees and Olive Gardens). Our little towns look exactly and operate exactly as any other in the lesser 48. You should visit Alaska sometime and I think your opinion of how detached and Un-mainstream American we are would change - I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion in the first place, because it's patently false and completely ridiculous, and your comment regarding the National Organization for Women is the proof in the pudding, as if NOW somehow represented ANYTHING mainstream at all. Residents of Wasilla are sick and tired of watching Palins record distorted beyond recognition. Partisan dribblers like the dwellers on this board just continuously regurgitate lies when they don't even know what they are talking about. I can assure you that her lifestyle and how she lives her life works for her and that she and her husband and their family all seem to be happy and TOGETHER. What more do you want? The idea that Palin somehow amounts to a threat to womens rights is utterly ridiculous and demonstrably false based on her record and her rhetoric. It's a lie and a political hot button designed to appeal to "single issue voters" who operate on some mysterious ideological fuel that burns white hot and never runs out. It's also designed to appeal to the ignorant reactionaries who have no idea about middle school civics and the functions of each co-equal branch of government in the U.S.

As far as Tasergate is concerned, the only people, and I mean the ONLY people who even give a half **** about this are the jokes like Hollis French, a man whos far reaching connnections to both Steve Branchflower AND Walt Monegan are certain to never find their way to CNN or MSNBC, and the partisan lunatic Obama bots who look for even the slightest hair out of place to attack her on. Trooper Wooten was a POS criminal cop and Monegan should have done his job and fired him. He went against the govorner at every turn and was offered another well paying ($107,000 a year) job and he didn't want it. I use my common sense in deciding wether or not I think Todd was in the wrong in protecting his family and the public from this DUI, child-tasing, poaching "law enforcer". End of story. Where were the headlins, "Governor Abuses Power","Trooper Tases Stepson", "Monigan Refuses To Take Complaints About Trooper" before August 29th? I've said it before, and I'll say it again, nobody gave a **** about this story untill she was selected for VP and it was years in the making! I just love how they called an EMERGENCY session to decide on this while she was still running. Why was this not an emergency 6 months ago or last year? They spent $100,000 of my tax dollars on this BS "invesitgation"/witch hunt by-they-way.

As for Todd bothering Monegan over the rogue trooper in question, if you visit the State of Alaska website and look at the FAQ section, you'll find that the state directs any citizen who has an issue or complaint against a peace officer to the office of the Comminsioner of Public Safety, Walt Monegans former front door. Does Todd forgo the right to complain to the commissioner over a rouge cop once he becomes the 1st spouse of Alaska? I think not. He did everything he should have done exactly as he should have done it. Palins only "abuse of power" was that she didn't reign either Todd or her staff in on the Wooten issue, small potatoes, but just enough to make national headlines. Anyone with a credible non-partisan perspective knows very well the entire issue is a hit job on Palin designed to embarass her during her bid for the V.P. slot. There's way more detail on the issue that isn't being reported but we'll leave it there for the moment.

And inciting "HATE" based on "rumors" Nana? Give me a break. The brilliant political minds of Sanda Bernhart & Madonna & Pam Anderson are just some of the few I can't have my morning coffee without. I don't see Obama or Biden condeming the hate vomit coming from their mouths. You fling lots of fecal matter at Palin, but I noticed neither of you gave any explanation as to his connection with committee-sharing and non-disapproval of Ayers from Obama. The U.of Illinois released last week in their Chicago Annenberg Challenge that shows their relationship was an intimate collobaration and that it lead to the only executive experience in Obama's life. What about the America-hating Rev. Wright or that nut-job, Father Pfleger. And how about that now imprisioned, criminal, pal Tony Rezko of Obamas? How about the brother he has living on $5 a month in Kenya...Obama makes a decent living, couldn't he help him out? Oh wait, he can't vote for Obama; to hell with that!

Now, what, you ask, is my explanation for her not knowing what the Bush Doctorine was? Charlie Gibson didn't even know what the bush doctrine is. The man who coined the term, Charles Krauthammer, even wrote a piece on "Charlie Gibsons Gaffe" regarding that question. The truth is that the definition of the Bush doctrine didn't even exist in any singularity until Charlie played gotcha with Sarah. We ALL know what it is now though don't we?

Here, from the horses mouth:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...

Why didn't she name any Supreme Court Cases she disagreed with? Brain ****? I don't know - I can't defend that one. She should have mentioned the Exxon Valdez decsion. Why would she not name a few publications she reads? That's a terrible question to answer. You wouldn't give kudos to say, the New York Times or Time magazine who couldn't write an informative, objective piece if their lives depended on it. Yet she did cave at her second interview. I personally don't make much of it. Nor do I make much of Biden saying that FDR got on tv during the crash of 1929 to explain the economic situation. Or when he said paying taxes was our patriotic duty. Or when Biden said the US would not build any new clean coal plants which directly contradicts what Obama is saying. Or when he had to appologize for an ad saying McCain couldn't use a computer when it already known he can't raise his arms much because of his war injuries. The difference between Biden and Palin there? Biden has had 30-some years to perfect his answers and stances in the camera of a national spotlight. Palin has had a few weeks.

I think Obama belongs in a straight jacket if he thinks my kindergartner needs sex ed. It's very disturbing that he wants to kill babies who survive botched abortions. His collective group of America haters and terrorists as advisors and friends is dangerous for this country. Lets not forget that his wife said that she finally had something to be proud of in her country when her husband was elected as a presidental hopefull. He's privately asked an Iraqi foreign minister to stall an arrangement to have U.S. troops removed untill after the elections, so the messiah himself may take sole credit for "saving us" from this war.

Point is, the bucket of overly-liberal BS Obama is surrounded by just may drown us all. Some of us are trying to avoid it and the rest are embracing it and excusing it. Sadly, I believe the Pied Piper will win this election and then god help us all. I personally look forward to watching the national collective roast Obama on a spit for four years like they do every president, and if he doesn't resign in disgrace before four years are up, or fail to secure his parties nomination as he shouldn't have in the first place, Palin will make short work of him without McCains people around constantly trying to stuff her into a conservative mold that she will never fit into. Bottom line, if McCains people have botched the Palin brand and reduced their chances with their cynical approach, it's no fault of Palins.

It sounded like all the guy was thinking about was the $278,000. the business grossed last year.

He should have an accountant go through the books of the business to make sure he's buying what he thinks he's buying (no hidden debt, etc.), and to make a preliminary determination of expense items.

"scheduled deductions" -- isn't that tax deductions? Won't that just be a smaller portion at a time? Did I totally misunderstand that?

I've been there and done that. My problem is working my tail off to become educated. (No loans, no grants -- just hard work.) Continuing to work my tail off only to be taxed at a higher rate. The "American Dream" just became a nightmare. Work harder and pay more?

Now, before you scream, I am not implying that others don't work just as hard. But I don't agree with his plan.

Your concern is one that I believe Obama needs to directly address to the public, so that people will at least have a better understanding of how his proposed system will work, and also how all of us may need to bite the bullet for a time - for the common good.

You have nothing to worry about if you earn less than $250,000. In fact, if that's your situation, you'll most likely end up money ahead.

Don't get me wrong. I don't believe in freeloading, but I do believe in helping those who do what they can to help themselves in the process.

Yes, Janis. And Etheridge has a voice like no other.

Regarding the tax plan ... it is wealth re-distribution no matter how you cut it. I don't agree with that.

And my music choices would have to include --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef-f-l2Pb...

ND, here's one way I have of connecting with God:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP3yeqkkY...

BEATLES 1968

Dedicated to the McCain/Palin campaign:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf-Q2rDd6...

Missy, I didn't say that women FEEL inferior, what I said is that women are looked at by the male chauvinists of the world as BEING inferior to the male gender.

I would hope that NO woman feels inferior to anyone, but I'm sure that a certain number do, given their particular situation. I'm thinking of the Tennessee (yes?) woman who murdered her preacher husband because of the mental/physical abuse she suffered at his hand. She's the example of the certain few I speak of.

It's a travesty that our legal system refuses to do what's right by women in those situations.

It amazes me that the same people get on here and argue over the same issues over and over again and don't bother to comment on the good things going on in Marshall. There is an article on the front page titled "Owls win and so does cancer fundraising campaign: Thousands raised by Marshall students" that shows how great Marshall High School students can be. I for one would like to applaud them. They are doing something to actually help the community and it is nice to see that from kids now days. It gives me faith that our younger generation isn't just a bunch of idiots wondering aimlessly through life. Anyway, you people go ahead and argue over republican versus democrat, which by the way is pointless since neither one cares about us, they just want to get elected, and ignore the good things going on in the Marshall community.

What The, that's a tactful way to put it. Mrs. Grizzly will like you better than she does me. :)

Hey News, haven't seen you around for a while. You been on walkabout? :)

Slater,

As you know, you and I rarely disagree and I don't think we are in disagreement now.

When I say a woman is born equal, I am refering to her inherent rights as an equal human being, endowed by God...or nature if you prefer...and as such cannot be justly denied equality in any walk of life.

This is not the same as saying that women's equal rights ARE actually reflected in the way our society treats women. That is why I supported the Equal Rights Ammendment that just barely missed being ratified by the requisite number of states. I still support the ERA and I think it is necessary if we ever wish to be truly free of the chains and bonds of sexual discrimination.

In addition, the 14th Ammendment also is intended to guarantee equal rights for all Americans and mandates that a woman's body is exclusively her own -- including her reproductive system. Yet even today we have a large minority of Americans -- including Senator McCain and Governor Palin -- who would like to take that exclusive contol over a woman's body from the individual woman and give that right to the state.

So clearly, our society still has a long way to go before it manifests God's -- and/or nature's -- intent and firmly establishes women's equal rights as the law of the land.

Let's hope we can make progress in this regard after we remove the Republicans from control of our Government (yes filibustering is a method of control that needs to be taken away from the irresponsible Republicans)in November!

ADDENDUM

If women are truly thought to be equal, why was there an ERA in the first place?

Why do males belittle and scorn women's efforts to organize and become empowered? Women in the 1960s who marched and organized, burning their bras and proclaiming their freedom from male oppression were rebuked and called lesbians by politicians.

To say that women are born equal in America is a cop-out in my view.

Mrs. Grizzly, I don't expect, nor have I asked, anyone to accept my opinions about anything.

Since you asked, no, there's nothing about the Republican ticket I like. Nothing.

The Democratic canndidate is dreaming if he honestly believes he'll be able to deliver on all the changes he proposes. Obama has a lot of life and seems to have the ability to energize people, younger people who are on the hook for trillions of dollars of debt that the current crop of politicians saddled them with, and who have a greater stake in what happens because of that.

I don't make Palin out to be an idiot. That's your choice of a word. She's clearly out of her element, since there's a lot more to being the vice president than smiling on camera. You're welcome to her, and you'll get her back on November 5th.

Slater,

You don't rise to the level in politics, or any profession for that matter, by being an idiot that you make Sarah Palin out to be. Please, Please, Please, before you start typing a hatefull reply just think about what she has accomplished. Set aside your love for the democrat party for just 2 seconds and compair her to every successfull female friend or family member you have and what they've done to achieve that level of success and then put that on a level of national praportions. Disagree with her, but Sarah Palin has not done harm to womens' image in this country. Your calling her a disgrase like you have does not do your Obama cause any good. It makes you only look like a hater and a devout follower of Obama no matter what - a disturbing concern I have.

Let me ask you, is there anything you approve of in the McCain/Palin views or anything you disapprove of in the Obama/Biden team? If your answer is that McCain & Palin has done nothing right and are doing their best to destroy this country and Obama/Biden are the sole answer to exactly what this country needs all across the board, then it might be a good idea to do some deeper thinking.

I respect your approval of Obama, but to toss Sarah Palin aside as a total waste of this country's time is uncalled for.

I'm happy to hear that you have a good self-concept. You shouldn't feel the need to defend yourself to me.

Missy, I think the Sarah Palin's of the world do a great injustice to any rational-thinking, self-respecting woman who aspires to be recognized as the equal to any male, chauvinist or otherwise.

She may not have turned back the clock on the gains that women have made in recent times, but she's done her work to reinforce the age-old thinking that women are innately inferior to men.

It's a sad story, hers, and one we would have been so much better off not having it shoved into our faces.

Actually, no, I haven't seen that video before, and, after viewing it, I'd have to say I didn't miss a thing the first time around.

What???? Me inciting hate??? Not my style.

ANOTHER THOUGHT ABOUT THE "ARAB" COMMENT

I suppose it's within the realm of possibility that the incident was staged in order to portray McCain in a more humane light.

I choose not to believe this sort of tactic would be employed, but it is a fact that desperate people will sometimes resort to desperate measures.

AN ADJUNCT THOUGHT

I do hope that Palin takes all the loonies, like that deranged person shown on the news, to Alaska with her on November 5th. Maybe they can organize a hunting party and go kill off all the Grizzlies and Kodiaks and Polar bears and moose and caribou (but leave enough of these for Santa).

Missy, I missed what was said to prompt McCain's comment about Obama, and the other part goes without saying.

It surprises me that he would go so far as to publicly state Obama would be a trustworthy president when all along he's said just the opposite. It's the kind the remark that would ordinarily be made in private during an informal conversation, for example.

I think he feels his opportunity slipping away. It's a little harder to tell about the person who's not animated, so you have to interpret the language, so when McCain says to his own supporters and the national tv news viewers that his opponent would be a trustworthy president, many of the undecided voters would look at that as a sign of anticipating imminent defeat.

I'll use the analogy that's been said about Tony LaRussa, the St. Louis Cardinals manager, that oftentimes he manages the game not to win but to try and keep from losing - a half-empty, half-full glass perception. That's the distinction the public can pick up on in situations like McCain found himself in the other day.

What is said and what is meant are very often two different things, but what is said is what gets the attention. By the time he got around to saying "...but I would make a better president," he'd already tripped himself. One of the biggest problems I see with McCain's approach to compaigning is that he adopted the half-empty glass mindset which has made his odds of winning a great deal larger than they may have been otherwise.

missy

I am totally not comfortable with this election - either way it goes - I think we might be in for trouble for the long haul.

Much of what is happening now - I believe - is being orchestrated by an unseen few who will ultimately benefit from the ruin of many.

And - though a McCain presidency is very scary - I am not sure anyone knows the whole story on Sen Obama either.

Just a wierd place we find ourselves in these days.

To All

I stand corrected - except that I did not claim my previous post as my own.

Maybe bad judgment - but nothing malicious intended. On this forum it seems that anything goes.

Let it be known that it was not my intention to spread untruth. Goes against who I am.

Thanks to all who felt compelled to correct my error.

Cosa Nostra, isn't there a state law against such exhaust systems? There was when I lived in Missouri.

Why don't all of you write letters to the Highway Patrol, if the city police don't have any interest in the matter?

We can't hear the noise in here.

A few of life's little universal truths...

The louder the stereo,

The bigger the truck tires,

The louder the engine,

Or the louder the "pipes"

The smaller the IQ usually is.

Slater,

I think you make a valid point but I have to wonder,especially as the Democratic nominee for president, how much inside info Obama is really privvy to. I do think that Obama is our best hope for change but I am not naive enough to think he has a magic wand.

At this point I can only hope that Barack can steer us back on course as a nation.

I am dusgusted with politics as usual and especially with the McCain campaign that has demonized this man so much that Senator McCain has been forced to defend Obama at GOP rallies from the lies that his campaign is responsible for. Actually rally may be inaccurate, hate-a-palooza is more like it.

My hope is that American voters will see past all the BS. This goes deeper than the economy and a lot of people may not want to admit that to themselves. Yes, Obama is a black man and I think this country has never been more ready for Barack Obama. In my opinion, anyone who would knowingly further the policies of the past 8 years would be complicit in the damage done.

Illegal war for the purpose of profit and yes that is why we went there and why we might just remain there, indefinately,......suspension of habeus corpus.......Torture.

Now we find out that the NSA did indeed listen in on personal calls from soldiers and journalists overseas, then taped and made fun of the converstations. It should be no surprise that Bush assured us that would never happen.

I think of all the men and women throughout our history who fought and died to make sure those things never happened here, yet here we are.

What I find most disturbing of all is the amount of people who still support a republican ticket. I wish someone,anyone could give me one good reason why. GW said said he has alot of work to do before leaving office. If it were anyone else I wouldn't be that concerned, but this is GW. No telling how much damage he could do in the next few months. Would anyone like to speculate on the date in which he pardon's Scooter Libby?

Oh and before anyone goes there, Obama is NOT going to take your guns, give them to married gay couples for them to abort babies with.

NanaDot, thank you for making me aware of the web site. It's content is interesting.

Gee, I was afraid you would agree with me, "Say it ain't so".

I guess instead of getting a New Deal, or a Square Deal, the people get Deal With It from the Bush Administration which remains fixated on a "trickle down" solution to every problem. I am not sure that the people will ever learn to resist getting trickled on. I am concerned that far too many people are getting used to it, to say nothing of the many who proclaim they like it. Does that proclamation make them some sort of political perverts?

I am wondering if the key to the end of the stock market slide might be the point when all the older investors have pulled out their money.

Most of the financial pundits emphasize that there are great bargains to be had in the market at this moment, and if one is carefully selective that may be true. They also advise investors to stay the course, (where have I heard that phrase before?), to ride it out. It is in their personal interest to be as upbeat as is possible. When pressed, they mutter quietly that it may be a long ride until the market makes a full recovery, and yes, if you are an older investor, it might not be until after you are dead.

So, through their own rational thoughts, and the low profile admissions of the pundits, I suspect that older investors, particularly those mid range investors among them that were not diversified, are getting out now. There is little to persuade them to do otherwise.

The problem with that happening, it seems to me, is that as more pull out, more slightly younger than those that just pulled out will do so, and a vicious cycle will begin. The more it drops as each wave pulls out, more people will retreat from the market. Will it be those over seventy first, followed bt those over sixty five, then will it be the older boomers, where will it end? Making it more fretful is that older investors, who made their piles during the golden economic years make up a large portion of the investors.

I have not seen, nor heard any discussions concerning this speculatory concern of mine, and would welcome any one that has, sharing such resources with me. I would also appreciate the opinions of other posters to this blog.

Looking at my typing, you'd think I must be using a keyboard that was once hooked to the HAL 9000 that ran the space ship in 2001 oddysey. heh heh

Hey Missy, glad you're back. It's been pretty quiet around here lately. :)

I take it CNN must have a legal staff versed in Alaska state law.

I believe the Alaska legislature will make the determination whether she violated any statutes.

Personally, I don't care one way or the other. Soon enough she'll be back home, to stay.

Hmmm. It's official. It looks as if an Alaskan bipartisan legislative panel has determined that Sarah Palin abused her power as governor. So much for what little credibility she might have had.

you know, its not that i dont care what my neighbor or anyone else thinks, i dont think of just myself, my children and wife come first, but i live in the city limits like others who are complaining,and that is a choice i made. if i wanted it to be whisper quiet i would live outside of city limits without neighbors. i dont have any complaints of noise until it gets late and my kids are sleeping, and they are night owls, or three four in the mourning, and the bass from a car or truck starts rattling my walls, or the next door dogs are barking their heads off, because their owners work nights and dont have to hear it. during the day i keep my dog in the house as to where it wont interupt their sleep and time to rest. it would be nice if more people were a little more considerate of others, and i am sure i have room for improvement also. enough of my rantings, good day!

If you ask me - the whole mess is getting scary!

I've got four kids - two in college, one living in another state, and one still in school.

Just glad that - no matter what - God is still on the throne!

This should be of interest to anybody who is concerned about the futue of our economy.

3 Men who brought down Wall Street..

Note: Be sure to read the "where they are now"!!

Here is a quick look into 3 former Fannie Mae executives who have brought down Wall Street.

1. Franklin Raines: was a Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Fannie Mae.

Raines was forced to retire from his position with Fannie Mae when auditing discovered severe reregulates in Fannie Mae's accounting activities. At the time of his departure The Wall Street Journal noted, "Raines, who long defended the company's accounting despite mounting evidence that it wasn't proper, issued

a statement late Tuesday conceding that "mistakes were made" and saying he would assume responsibility as he had earlier promised. News reports indicate the company was under growing pressure from regulators to shake

up its management in the wake of findings that the company's books ran afoul of generally accepted accounting principles for four years." Fannie Mae had to reduce its surplus by $9 billion.

Raines left with a "golden parachute valued at $240 Million in benefits.

The Government filed suit against Raines when the depth of the accounting scandal became clear. http://housingdoom.com/2006/12/18/fannie....

The Government noted, "The 101 charges reveal how the individuals improperly manipulated earnings to maximize their bonuses, while knowingly neglecting accounting systems and internal controls, misapplying over twenty accounting principles and misleading the regulator and the public. The Notice explains

how they submitted six years of misleading and inaccurate accounting statements and inaccurate capital reports that enabled them to grow Fannie

Mae in an unsafe and unsound manner." These charges were made in 2006.

The Court ordered Raines to return $50 Million Dollars he received in bonuses based on the miss-stated Fannie Mae profits.

2. Tim Howard: Was the Chief Financial Officer of Fannie Mae.

Howard "was a strong internal proponent of using accounting strategies that would ensure a "stable pattern of earnings" at Fannie.

In everyday English - he was cooking the books.

The Government Investigation determined that, "Chief Financial Officer, Tim Howard, failed to provide adequate oversight to key

control and reporting functions within Fannie Mae."

On June 16, 2006, Rep. Richard Baker, R-La ., asked the Justice Department to investigate his allegations that two former Fannie Mae executives

lied to Congress in October 2004 when they denied manipulating the mortgage-finance

giant's income statement to achieve management pay bonuses.

Investigations by federal regulators and the company's board of directors since concluded

that management did manipulate 1998 earnings to trigger bonuses. Raines and Howard resigned under pressure in late 2004.

Howard's Golden Parachute was estimated at $20 Million!

3. Jim Johnson: A former executive at Lehman Brothers and who was later forced from his position as Fannie Mae CEO.

A look at the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's May 2006 report on mismanagement and corruption inside Fannie Mae, and you'll see some interesting things about

Johnson. Investigators found that Fannie Mae had hidden a substantial amount of Johnson's 1998 compensation from the public, reporting that it was between $6 million and $7 million when it fact it was $21 million."

Johnson is currently under investigation for taking illegal loans from Countrywide while serving as CEO of Fannie Mae.

Johnson's Golden Parachute was estimated at

$28 Million.

So ... WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

1. FRANKLIN RAINES? Raines works for the Obama Campaign as Chief Economic Advisor

2. TIM HOWARD? Howard is also a Chief Economic Advisor to Obama

3. JIM JOHNSON? Johnson hired as a Senior Obama Finance Advisor and was selected to run Obama's Vice Presidential Search Committee.

Would you trust the men who tore Wall Street down to build the New Wall Street?

Just a simple question.

Unfortunately, I think a lot of the comments about loud pipes reflect a bigger and growing problem/trend in our society.

Gone are the days when people actually thought about how their actions would affect others in a town/community/neighborhood. People in society today are only worried about one person, and that is themselves.

It is a me, me, me world. If you don't like how loud my car's muffler is or how loud my car's stereo is or how loud my motorcycle's "pipes" are then you are too old, too whiny or just being a baby and you can go "blank yourself".

Sadly, the thinking is that I will do what I want to do no matter how it affects my fellow man. We all feel we are entitled to do what we please. It is our given right to be loud and you just have to deal with it..."babies".

I've seen it covered on here before about cigarette butts. 90% of the trash I pick up out of my yard everyday comes from smokers. Butts, wrappers and packages tossed out without regard to where they go or who has to deal with them.

No man is an island. All great civilizations have eventually failed because of greed, selfishness and lack of common respect for their fellow man. This one will too sooner than later I am afraid.

"My loud obnoxious pipes save lives and you will just have to deal with it", should be the saying.

I ride a motorcycle and also have aftermarket pipes on it. I truly enjoy riding it around and the fuel mileage is better than almost all cars available. I also have seen others who disrespect people around them and for that i am sorry but the few people who choose to be loud with theirs bike does not represent the many who try and respect the general public. If we are going to try and police everything that upsets people we might as well do away with automobiles and electricity and go back to walking everywhere. OH but wait that would upset some people. The problem is people are way to stressed, serious and high strung that the least little thing will throw them into a bad mood or give them yet another excuse to complain about something. If we could fix the world so people don't have to work all the time to survive and put food on the table we could lighten up and stop to enjoy life. Some day we will wake up to realize we didn't enjoy life to its fullest and ask ourselves why did I let things bother me so much to the point it robs you of happiness.

Can I ask how old all of you are that are complaining about these loud motorcyles? What's that saying? If it's too loud.....?

Motorcyles are not as loud as a lot of muscle cars or sound systems. And cars with loud pipes? More than just teenagers drive those...they are the above mentioned muscle cars. ;) We have a lot of gear heads around here.

I will reiterate, loud pipes save lives.

I've heard from a few people this week reporting political yard signs being swiped. The Marshall Police say they haven't gotten many complaints. I'm sure it's illegal -- since stealing generally is -- but it probably isn't high priority for police (who have more serious matters to deal with). It's kind of a petty, mean act, I guess. I was wondering if others were having the same problem.