America’s problems
This month, a bridge fell apart in Minneapolis. Katrina was a perfect measure of how much the United States helps its own people. We have two million people in prison and another two million homeless. A third of us have no health care. Our schools are some of the most dangerous places in America. Our suicide and murder rates are approaching the rates of countries that are fighting civil wars or experiencing genocides. Our president tells the world to bring it on while he spends all of our resources to protect us from terrorism. But any attempt to solve real problems for real people results in legislative gridlock. None of this is an exaggeration. What have we allowed our nation to become?
This letter has not been edited.
How dare you insult St. Bush like that.
You are either with us or aginst us. Dissent is treason.
Shame on you.
The answer to your question is simple: the Republican Party.
Posted by Sean on August 2, 2007 02:06 PMThe answer is the liberals that seem to think this is a nanny state and everyone must be treated like we are five years old. Our grandparents generation knew that it was important to be responsible for themselves first, to take care of their family second, neghbors after that and then comunity. But the liberals think the government should take care of everything, and the individual should have no responsibility. Grow up america
Posted by mickey on August 2, 2007 02:29 PMThere you go America, mickey has all the answers, just grow up and our infrastructure problems will be solved. The Republicans love solutions that can fit on a bumper sticker.
Posted by Sean on August 2, 2007 02:40 PMSean, Nice. Not partisan are you? The answer is both parties, but hey it is easier to sit here and argue on who is the worst of the worst. Throw them all out
Posted by bwr on August 2, 2007 02:54 PMFor one thing, our priorities are screwed up. The government that should have overseen the levees in New Orleans fell down on the job for years.
The money that goes to schools, goes to a top heavy administration. Don`t be to surprised if a school building collapses next.
John II will tell you that roads, bridges etc are the job of the Federal Government.
We have a country still run on the puritanical ideas that you can`t have pleasure if no one makes a legal profit, so alcohol is legal and pot smokers, growers, distributors go to jail.
Most of our problems are decades old and do not have easy solutions.
Blacks were lured into the cities of the North during the WWII and when workers were needed. Now, they live in some of the worst areas with jobs going overseas or to other states.
With health care, just follow the money and see who wants to keep the system the way it is.
"The Republicans love solutions that can fit on a bumper sticker."
Democrats love solutions that fit inside the other guy's paycheck.
And most of our problems could be solved with personal responsibility at the beginning growing into societal responsibility which means communities solve problems without micro-managing the lives of the people. People should solve their own problems or at the very least take responsibility for their choices and try to do something about those problems other than whine and hold out a hand for a govrenment check.
Posted by momma y on August 2, 2007 02:55 PMFrom the mouths of children:
Adult: No we can not afford to buy the name brand clothes. They are too expensive.
Child: We can afford it. Use my Mom's credit card. They put money in it for us every month.
The Card: Government welfare debit/credit card.
They: The Govt; Us; Taxpayers
The Mom: Her term is "Stay at Home Mom".....Reality is that she is a drug using, drug dealing mom that does not have a job and on welfare. When that runs out, her mother sends her money for rent(which is regularly)
When we tried getting the child out of that situation, Cops and the court intervened and did not allow for us to do that. The result will be another child that is well on their way to prison.
Posted by bwr on August 2, 2007 03:07 PMIf only those people in Minnesota practiced personal responsibility none of this would have happened. Yep, sounds like a bumper sticker solution to me in that it solves nothing, is utterly simplistic and unrealistic. But I do not expect anything else from the type of individual who votes Republican.
Posted by Sean on August 2, 2007 03:22 PMI can't think of a more fundamental no-brainer than spending money on our country's infrastructure. It's a necessity and benefit for us all.
Posted by Charles B on August 2, 2007 03:23 PMAnon 02:54 PM: You stated -
"Blacks were lured into the cities of the North during the WWII and when workers were needed. Now, they live in some of the worst areas with jobs going overseas or to other states"
Don't forget that many of those jobs now left in the US are being filled at lower wages by cheap working illegal aliens. Not only are they taking many of the jobs from American Blacks, they are suppressing the wages of all jobs for this category of worker.
The acceptance, encouragement and use of illegal aliens is just blatant racism at work in an effort to keep the black spirit broken and without hope. It "keeps them in their place."
Look at a lot of the posters in this blog. Many actively support and promote such policies. For example a guy who calls himself TRUTH is notorious in advocating for the illegal at the expense of the blacks. And he's just one of many.
Posted by on August 2, 2007 03:41 PMYep, the crumbling infrastructure is Bush's fault, yep. Time started when he got into office and no one before him had anything at all to do with it. The states have no way to do any work and Bush should be down in every street with some spackle.
The bridge in Minneapolis was built in 67. Hardly an old bridge. The steam pipe in NY was very old. Now, how in the world did Bush have anything to do with them?
Awww, yes, the great liberal rallying cry...SPEND MORE TAXPAYER CASH! That's right, I forgot. Just because the libs want something and don't want to pay for it themselves, they want you to dig in your pocket.
It amazes me when people like Martin Sheen, et al whine about a problem needing more money, then forget to pony up their own cash. Yes, the Liberal mantra, Throw money at it, just not mine....
Posted by Dravur on August 2, 2007 03:45 PMYes the republicans are to blame for the MN bridge problem. 2 of the more democratic states have disasters and it is the republican's fault. I thought it was politicians that have an (D) (R) or (I) after their names, not bridge inspectors.
Yes Charles we definately need to spend money on our country's infrastructure. It will benefit us all.
However what I have a problem with is the fact that when that money gets allocated to the states and municipalities, the local Govt misuses it and people suffer. Do I think that we should be fixing the levies and infrastructure to New Orleans? Yes I do. But I dont think that money earmarked for NO and the LA region due to Katrina should be using that $$$ to fix and upgrade an equestrian center used by the rich. I see soooo much abuse at the individual, community, state and federal level, it makes me sick to my stomach, and both parties are to blame. We as america are to blame.
It's tempting to reply to Sean, but you cannot argue with a sick mind.
Posted by on August 2, 2007 04:12 PMThe bridges in Iraq that America is building tend to be quite nice and don't fall apart, except when they are bombed.
But once they are rebuilt they tend to work well, until they are bombed again. But once they are rebuilt they tend to work well, until they are bombed again. But once they are rebuilt they tend to work well, until they are bombed again. But once they are rebuilt they tend to work well, until they are bombed again. But once they are rebuilt they tend to work well, until they are bombed again. etc
Posted by on August 2, 2007 04:21 PM"A third of us have no health care"
Where did the letter writer get that propagandated figure? Oh yeah, Sicko.
Posted by KW on August 2, 2007 04:44 PMYea...it's such a terrible country. Thats why people flock here from all over the world...to enjoy our TERRIBLE country and all it has to offer, or doesn't if you listen to the idiots above. Our poor loss of freedoms (maybe some dirtball terrorists in Guantanimo), no food (chicken in every pot?), and that terrible Bush that is responsible for the asteroid that wiped out the dinasaurs. Yep...it's a truly terrible country....
Posted by on August 2, 2007 04:53 PM4:12 if your scared just come out and say so.
Posted by Sean on August 2, 2007 04:55 PMBRIAN...I sure don't see you trying to get out of here. If it's so bad, get out! May I suggest Somalia, Honduras, or heck., even Mexico. They need a new population to replace those that have come here. I say it would be a good trade!
Posted by TMR on August 2, 2007 04:57 PMSean, you and your party line arguments are moronic. Quit watching so much TV, and get a individual thought outside of party lines...you will be a happier person, and much more intelligent. Democrat, republican, they are all the same! Politician is synonymous with liar.
Posted by on August 2, 2007 05:01 PMSean is a sheep...baaaa, I love Hillary...baaaaa....Bush is bad...baaaaa
Posted by on August 2, 2007 05:04 PMI love how Brain talks about 2 million in jail, then in the same breath talks about out high homicide rate. Both are direct resutls of living in a free society. With freedon comes high crime rates...thus high incarceration rates.
Posted by on August 2, 2007 05:06 PMThis is a bad country because a steam pipe exploded and a bridge collapsed? Am I missing something? And the government didn't help during Katrina? What! They are still shipping millions to that welfare state of a city to help people who refuse to help themselves! Get real.....
Posted by on August 2, 2007 05:10 PMSean re 04:55PM...careful, asking if people are scared can lead to calling them a coward. Are you covertly in cahoots with that other intellectual who posts here...you know, your buddy, An American?
Posted by on August 2, 2007 05:12 PM5:04
Wow what a non-stinging and lame retort. Maybe when you get that G.E.D. you will be able to write a full sentence. I will keep my fingers crossed.
5:01
Keep throwing your support behind those all powerful third parties. Maybe one day they might get more than a seat on a city council board or a mayor for a town that has 500 people. If the last six and a half years have not taught you that there is a difference between Republicans and Democrats you are smoking some powerful crack. I suggest you cut down your usage to once a week, and with the money that you would save, you can buy a newspaper or a news magazine since you obviously have read neither.
Brian, We have allowed our nation to become totally complacent when it comes to our basic freedoms. We have allowed our nation to become demoralized, and dumbed down by crooked politicians, elites and greedy corporations.
We are part of a nasty global agenda that is being forced upon us by what JFK called the "Gnomes of Europe" There are American Gnomes also!!
We are kept in the dark by our media and politiicans and I think the worst is yet to come.
Google the NAU/SPP then draw your own conclusions as to what is happening to this country.
Posted by A on August 2, 2007 05:25 PMSean, the only difference between repubs and dems lie at the lower level of the party faithful -- blind sheep like yourself. Once they are elected politicians in both parties are only interested in appeasing their special interest sponsors and retaining power. They throw just enough scraps to small minded party adherents like yourself to keep you salivating and in line.
Posted by on August 2, 2007 05:29 PMIn other words, Sean, grow a mind and drop the party line. What do you have, a sheet of cut and paste talking points to use on these blogs?
Posted by on August 2, 2007 05:31 PMSean why is it that Congress has approx. a 14% approval rating? Because people are finding out that all of them that won in past election are doing no better than the ones they replaced. Any party that maintains power for too long becomes corrupt. (R)s and (D)s do not make the difference in this fact. Yes there are a few on both sides that try to do good, but when you add the lobbyists and all of the $$$$, they too will fall into the trap of politics.
What you seem to be saying is that we have a 2 party system, it wont change, Im not going to try so he/she may be a crook, but they are your crook.
You can settle while some of us fight for something better than what we have.
Posted by bwr on August 2, 2007 05:33 PMWow 5:29, who seems to be unable to fill in the your name box, you certainly have a total lack of confidence in our elected officials. Maybe you should move to a totalitarian controlled country where you don't have to deal with those pesky political parties. Just think, you can scream devotion to the Dear Leader at the top of your lungs and not be bothered with those pesky decisions of who to vote for.
Voting does involve thinking and making decisions, both of which you seem to be unable to do.
I know you have never bothered to listen to a Presidential debate, but here is a line that you will rarely here, if you ever bothered to listen "I am in total agreement with my opponent".
Sean you're even smaller minded than 5:29 said you were! Do you take that brain out and it in at night; or do you just receive your thoughts through electronic osmosis?
Posted by on August 2, 2007 05:46 PMYes bwr, please fight the system and vote Libertarian and they might one day break that 1 percent ceiling they have had since they formed in the 70s.
You can also give to them and they might have enough to move their campaign headquarters out of Mom's basement.
I'd rather be stuck in the intelligent minority of an independent than a toady fool for a majority party. Suck all hind teat you want, Sean, you'll still lose in the end -- and you'll have no personal integrity left.
Posted by on August 2, 2007 05:52 PM5:46
Yawn. Try not basing your comments on that Star Trek episode that you are watching and they might actually have an affect other than me rolling my eyes.
Hey sean, you already don't have any personal thought left! What's a little integrity if you can't even think about it without some political hack telling you what you can consider as being integrity? baa bbaa sucker sheep....
Posted by on August 2, 2007 05:56 PM "Sean, you'll still lose in the end -- and you'll have no personal integrity left."
Oh I doubt that.
But you can take comfort that you are stuck in a very small minority, which will cut down on the catering costs.
Well Sean when you stand up for your crooks and claim superiority based upon people that are no better than your guy/gal, it looks pathetic and hypocritical. You make excuses and justifications for your crooks while hammering their crooks. Pretty funny
In your eyes every republican is bad and want their extinction. Are you fixing the koolaid or you letting others do the dirty work so you dont get your democratic cheerleading outfit dirty?
Posted by bwr on August 2, 2007 05:57 PMbwr are the voices in your head getting louder in order to be heard? Because your comments are getting more jumbled by the posting. If you would vote Democrat you could get that much needed medication at a discount.
Posted by Sean on August 2, 2007 06:02 PMSean in 1775.
But....But....But what if the King gets mad. He really isnt that bad. Most of the people dont hate him. OOOOHH noooooooo. Dont change Dont change please dont change
Posted by on August 2, 2007 06:02 PMDemocrats = politician
Republicans = politician
Politician = corruption for special interests
Party faithful = naive (but well meaning)
06:02 PM: You forgot
Sean = blind sheep fool. Loveable and fun to toy with, but a true mental midget who requires daily infusion of talking points in order to remain whole. Original thought is limited to what the Democratic Party official talking points consist of.
I heard a rumor around DNC headquarters that they are going to declare the world is actually flat after all. Soon, we'll hear Sean preaching the Flat Earth Doctrine. Go figure....
Posted by on August 2, 2007 06:07 PMHahahaha good one Sean. Never give up the good sell. Somebody will buy it. Just make sure to hike up the cheerleading skirt above thigh level. It may work. Enjoy the evening Sean
Posted by bwr on August 2, 2007 06:08 PMThere you go 6:02, go start a revolution for whatever it is you stand for, for which I have no idea other than that you don't like either Republicans and Democrats. The history books will call it "The 2007 Revolution of some Guy who still lives with his Mom who Does not Vote because He/She/It is to Naive to Realize that there is a Difference between Republicans and Democrats".
Well that is pretty wordy, better call it some crazy guy with delusional thoughts
This is rich,
The ray-gun repubs convinced the weak minded that the government is someone else besides We the People, and there are, 20 years later, still some who believe it.
The neo-con mentality is alive and well , but time is running out on them and they know it.
Hence, the rush to privatize everything and grab as much as possible while attention is focused on those nasty ol' terrorists.
Our infrastructure has deteriorated since ronnies, and the bush tax cuts reduced the money in our coffers to address said issues.
And the chickens are coming home to roost.
( I KNOW you neo-cons love that phrase).
Too bad the henhouse is falling into disrepair, thanks to unbridled greed of the righties.
Also, the Democratic party still cares.
Please vote accordingly.
bwr, why does hiking up your skirt get you more customers when you are pulling tricks on Colfax?
Posted by Sean on August 2, 2007 06:14 PMBoy, those lefties have no concept of reality. DNC koolaid must be stronger thatn the GOP's rancid version....
Posted by on August 2, 2007 06:15 PM6:07 at least I believe in something other than "all is hopeless". And if you think third parties are the answer I have a bridge to sell you. But we must act quickly because I do not know how long it will be standing thanks to Republican neglect of our infrastructure.
Posted by Sean on August 2, 2007 06:21 PMHey DMZ are you still advocating the snuffing out the Pres?
Hope not, because I dont think you would fare well in prison.
BTW what do you do for a living DMZ?
Very intriguing fellow......Please tell me what we all should be making since my greed keeps me from giving a reasonable number. Dont worry you wont hurt my feelings. I promise. I have been as poor as they come and has taken me many years to claw my way out. Please let me know what I should expect to earn. I would hate to go into work early and work late if the # you define is not in proportion to my efforts.
Posted by bwr on August 2, 2007 06:21 PMSean I was hoping for you to be able to answer that question..... but hey sounds like you have a problem with the pretties on colfax. Dont hate the players hate the game......... Later Sean
Posted by bwr on August 2, 2007 06:25 PMPeace out I am going to watch the Simpsons.
Posted by Sean on August 2, 2007 06:25 PMliberals
Posted by bart on August 2, 2007 06:44 PMliberals
Posted by bart on August 2, 2007 06:44 PMliberals
Posted by bart on August 2, 2007 06:44 PMbwr,
Thank you for your concern, it's very touching.
But you forget, Your sweetie, W , is our nations very first cheerleader.
And you seem REAL familiar with the nightlife on Colfax.
But we Liberals have always had a live and let live policy.
And, since you asked, I have always worked hard, ( I clawed my way up also) paid my taxes, served my country, raised my children to do the same,
and never whined about it.
What do YOU do for a living? And for our Country? And for the good of future generations?
If it has something to do with Colfax nightlife, you need not answer.
Posted by dmz on August 2, 2007 06:58 PM Oh, I almost forgot,
The penalty for treason IS death. and the 2000 coup was exactly that.
And at the rate things are going for the Cons, it's only a matter of time before someone spills their guts.
My money is on Carl Rove, and he REALLY doesn't want to be someones bitch in the slam.
No wonder W's protecting him so much.
Cmon what do you have against the people on Colfax. Arent you full of compassion and try to help them. Your memory is fading DMZ as I have repeatedly stated and Sean has reiterated as late as an hour ago, I am a libertarian and NOT nor ever have been a fan of Bush, but you ignore those facts and concentrate on the colfax piece :) Sean and I were talking smack and had little to do with anything but badmouth chat. I apologize if that offended you or anyone else.
But Yes I do know about Colfax fairly well. I used to take the 15 bus from Fitz AMC to downtown to go to school at UCD. So I have plenty of stories. In actuality I and my wife are looking to move very close to Colfax as we feel it can be a great place to live given effort kindness and care, or we may be shot. Whatever comes first.
Live and Let Live. Ahhh yes the motto of Montana, my home state. I too live by that credo. I live by it so much that is why I hate having Govt in my shorts at all times. As a Libertarian, I have to make choices on what is the best for me to vote on. That includes Dems, Reps, and Independents based upon their qualifications.
What do I do for a living? Well I started out growing up on a very very very poor ranch w/o a pot to p%&* in as they say. It took me many years to afford college and now I am a Software Project Manager. I assume that both you and I have worked our tails off for what we have and in my personal perspective, do not see very few politicians that respect what we have gone through and are not looking out for us. Dems nor Reps.
I hope that answers your questions and I promise not to give you grief about your comments from past posts unless I have your permission. If I have not answered your questions, please ask as I may have missed something or misunderstood.
Now for a Colfax story. There was this one time.................
Thanks DMZ
Posted by bwr on August 2, 2007 07:14 PMbwr,
Thanks, and as for Montana, I've always had an appreciation fot its beauty and people,
and I spent a lot of time in Wyoming growing up, and still get up there from time to time for a little peace and quiet, but work is here.
And Colfax HAS been an interesting place :)
Posted by dmz on August 2, 2007 07:26 PMWelcome DMZ. Yes love both places. Mo PM jobs in those areas for me to work in. So I am putting in my time here also. But get away to mtns to flyfish at times
Enjoy your evening
Posted by bwr on August 2, 2007 07:32 PMQuite an inauspicious thread.
Posted by Charles B on August 2, 2007 08:45 PMThe answer is simple. bwr is correct, it is both parties. While the so called conseratives complain that liberals think it is a nanny state they think nothing of the billions given to big business like the oil companines, drug companies and the list goes on and on by thier so called conservative friends. Members of both parties pimp themselves to the highest bidders to get reelected and the stupid voters continue to re-elect them. Then we have the idiot in the White House who has the puppet strings manipulated by Cheney and neither thinks anyone should question any decision made which has gotten us bogged down in Iraq in a civil war. Oddly the current nominee for Chairman of the Joint Cheifs of Staff has stated within the past two days that no number of troops and no amount of time will make a difference. how did this guy get the nomination when this is the opposite of what Bush and his stooges are saying? The cost of the debacle will most likely more than double before we are out of there which will mean more than a trillion dollars spent on a mistake. But, the voters will continue to re-elect the idiots to Congress either because they are a Republican or a Demcrat who don't give a damn about anything but getting re-elected.
Posted by A True American on August 2, 2007 09:40 PMThe cons vs the libs,the donkey vs the elephant,the Reds vs the Greens vs the Blues vs the Blacks vs the Browns vs the Whites vs the Yellows,the Boys vs the Girls vs the Boys Who Don't Like Boys vs the Boys Who Don't Like Girls vs the Girls Who Don't Like Boys vs the Girls Who Don't Like Girls......When we get done fighting with each other,the last man standing will become our very own Adolf Hitler.
Posted by Jimminy on August 2, 2007 10:46 PMFirst off, we are not the 'wealthiest' nation in the world. (I'm sorry, I just felt compelled to correct that mistake.)
Richest Countries in the World
Rank Country GDP - per capita
1 Luxembourg $ 68,800
2 Equatorial Guinea $ 50,200
3 United Arab Emirates $ 49,700
4 Norway $ 47,800
5 Ireland $ 43,600
6 United States $ 43,500
7 Andorra $ 38,800
8 Iceland $ 38,100
9 Denmark $ 37,000
10 Austria $ 35,500
from:
http://www.aneki.com/richest.html
As for why our infrastructure is all screwy: IMHO It isn't Republican or Democrat. But rather, due to so many children fighting over which political party is to blame for mistakes that WE THE PEOPLE ARE ALLOWING THEM TO MAKE. It is time for the people to stop arguing along party lines (it doesn't solve anything, and it only serves to keep us apart and/or divided.) If WE THE PEOPLE FORCE OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS... (REGARDLESS OF FLIPPIN' PARTY AFFILIATION - AS THERE REALLY IS NO MEASURABLE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU GET RIGHT DOWN TO IT) to truly WORK, then maybe we can take back this country and get down to repairs. Some things need to be fixed, some things need to be replaced, some things need to be invented and some things need to be discarded. BUT, WE THE PEOPLE NEED TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN AND CEASE FIGHTING ABOUT WHICH STUPID PARTY IS THE WORSE THAN THE OTHER.
Get off your butts, vote for the person most likely to get crap done and impeach or recall any idiot who lies/cheats/steals and doesn't really work for the betterment of WE THE PEOPLE.
Posted by Sheila on August 2, 2007 11:26 PMInternal rot in the USA that is ultra-liberal ideology infested in positions of illegitimate influence.
Posted by Ben on August 3, 2007 07:55 AMThis was sent to me over email. Someone said it was written by Jay Leno, but it’s hard to know for sure. I have my doubts about that. It doesn’t matter who wrote it though, because it answers the whining attitude of Brian Quade and others who complain about America, but yet stay here.
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
“The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
“So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ‘What are we so unhappy about?’''
“Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
“Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
“Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
“Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
“Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
“I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.
“Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
“Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
“Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
“This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents; neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
“How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?
“Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
“Fact is we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen.
“No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
“I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
“Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
“Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in any cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
“So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?
“Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and the media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another.
“Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
“Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your birdcage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country.
“There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed peoples on Earth and should thank God several times a day or at least be thankful and appreciative."
here we go again the brainwashed liberal are at fault for everything. If I can recall the number of presidents in the past 26 yrs most of em have been Repugs. Lets see we've had Prez Alzheimer for 8 yrs, then we had Prez Read my lips for 4 yrs, then Clinton for 8 yrs, now Prez Everyone's got wdms and is out to get us for 6.5 +1.5 left yrs. So....count em up boys and girls and you have Repug in for most of the time. We don't need the "terriorist" to come over and destroy our country WE are doing a great job of that ourselves.
Posted by Buggs on August 3, 2007 09:46 AMMountain Cat: There are so many problems in this diatribe, I don't know where to begin.
First, let me say that the president is not now, nor has he ever been responsible for nor able to take credit for 99% of the claims made therein. (to wit: running water, electricity, restaurants, flat screen tvs, etc...)
Secondly, you claim: in any cases may have died for your freedom. THEY AREN'T FIGHTING FOR MY FREEDOM.
Posted by Sheila on August 3, 2007 10:41 AMWhat Mountain Cat is really saying: As long as I have my entertainment center and all the physical things I can possibly have to be fully distracted 99 % of the time, all's good in the world and I should just shut up and accept EVERYTHING because I am ... oh, uh... distracted... tv's on. lawn is green. mountains in the west.speaking of west.. what's on national geographic tonight.... scrolling through channels. Oh crap a bomb blew up some people... oh, they were not americans, so... doesn't matter.. what channel is national geographic? oh, i think i can get NG on the internet. Oh, wow, my wife bought us matching ipods. I wonder if bluetooth will work with my new system. Let me check that quickly. On the net now, looking for my email. What's this? Death toll in Iraq rises? America accidentally kills innocent.. yada yada.. not important... and just negative... Hey, what's this facebook thing? My girlfriend wants me to join myspace. Yeah, now that's cool and interesting and not negative at all. What are all those people outside protesting? Hey, honey, can you close the double paned windows. Those women out there who are protesting the war that caused their son's death and disfigurement is interfering with my Sunday football. OOOOO RRRAAAAHHHH football!!! Go Broncos. YEAH. What a country. We can kick butt!! Sure miss Elway.
Posted by Sheila on August 3, 2007 11:02 AMSheila,
I never said that the president is responsible for those things, now did I?
And I would add that the current president shouldn’t be the determining factor about which you judge the entire country. If your entire focus about whether or not you are happy with your nation is on who is president, you’re completely missing out on the enormous reasons to be thankful you live here.
But, if it makes you feel better to be cranky-pants all the time no matter how good you have it, then nothing anybody tells you will change that. So, let’s not waste each others time trying to bicker back and forth about it, okay.
I can't let some of this stupidity of Mountain Cat go... so...
as for: Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11?
Where was Bush in the 'dark days'? While conjuring up 7 different stories about his whereabouts during the attacks, Bushie was hiding.
Posted by Sheila on August 3, 2007 11:22 AMIs it Jonathan Edwards or is it Sheila?
Sheila please tell us the day in the life of Sheila.
Nice attack from somebody aspiring for some Nobel Peace prize. Cant believe somebody to go off and make assumptions and attack in such a way. Please explain to me why you find the need to do that to a fellow american. I am truly interested and look forward to your response.
By the way. Is Mountain cat Married or Girlfriend or both?
Posted by bwr on August 3, 2007 11:43 AMMC, bwr - Sheila is the one who claims there's no such thing as al qaeda. Her reasoning is that since none of us have ever seen or met al Qaeda, they're most likely just a made up tale like santa claus.
To engage her looking for rational debate is a complete waste of time.
Posted by KW on August 3, 2007 12:35 PMSheila, so nice to see another women kicked around on these forums, and hold her own.
KW says you "claim there`s no such thing as AL qaeda" when all you did was ask for some prove that they do exist.
KW could read something into a cookbook.
Posted by Sharon B. on August 3, 2007 04:03 PMHey, KW, thanks for noticing my old posts.
:-) I wonder, however, why didn't you offer proof of Al's existance, which is all I asked for in the first place. :-)
Kisses, ya big goof.
Good to see you too, Sharon B. ;-)
Mountain Cat: you started your diatribe with the following: "...67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the PRESIDENT...." “So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ‘What are we so unhappy about?’''
And then you went on to post the sarcasm of someone saying they were happy for all the things they have (whether by chance or hard work ... chance in the beauty of this country and having the good fortune of being born here and hard work in referencing all the things said person owns and can do)
It was precisely at that point that you (well, not 'you' exactly, because you just cut and paste something) claimed, directly or indirectly a correlation between the president and all the following things that I correctly pointed out were not his doing. :-)~ pfftht.
I am not a cranky pants, either. I actually enjoy the banter. And thanks for noticing me. It's been good. hahahah... really. Lighten up.. .all of you. I was also the one that said it doesn't flippin' matter which political party you claim to be in bed with, because they are not showing you the same fidelity you are showing them.
Posted by Sheila on August 3, 2007 06:17 PMSheila:
"Hey, KW, thanks for noticing my old posts."
No problem She, it didn't take a whole lotta effort. When someone has to ask for proof of al Qaeda existence, that sort of thing kinda jumps right off the screen at ya.
And seeing you're still requesting proof, I've just gotta know one thing. How is it you can type with that straight jacket on?
Since one tenth of Mexico's citizens are here, perhaps they could ask mother Mexico to send up some money to help out? Just a thought...
Posted by truthy on August 4, 2007 09:44 AMIf it's not heresy or apostasy or some other heinous crime of the hyper religious for an unrepentant atheist to use the word heaven
Heaven forfend that the party which preaches that government does not work then gets elected and proves it and worships at the altar of "responsibility" be held to some accountability for their actions.
The Republicans have no problem rubber-stamping $144 billion a year into a failed war in Iraq and Afghanistan without demanding results. But if we committed that same $12 billion a month out of a $2 trillion federal budget, and paid for it with a gas tax increase, we could address our infrastructure needs by the end of the next president’s first term. And we would create millions of good paying jobs at the same time and do our economy a world of good, especially if we married it to a redirection of oil and gas subsidies and a gas tax increase towards development of a domestic, sustainable energy industry.
But for the sake of four cents a gallon back in 2004, the Bush Administration said no additional money(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20095291/) would be provided for roads and bridges. Yet we pour billions of borrowed money into Iraq every month.
When a bipartisan majority in Congress suggested increasing the federal excise tax on gasoline back in 2004 for the first time since 1993 to pay for road and bridge projects, the White House threatened to veto the measure because it contained a tax increase(http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot1004.htm). At the time, the White House said they would not support any increase in federal gas taxes to pay for road improvements, and then said that highway needs must be met solely through the existing, woeful level of funding in the highway fund and not the general fund, a position that by all accounts within Congress and among transportation experts shortchanged our true needs to the tune of several hundred billion dollars.
In the name of preemption for you wingnuts. I do think for myself, and research my opinions pretty carefully.
Also in the name of preemption I do not "hate" America or president bush. I think that the things we purport to stand for could be stood for more firmly including establishing justice, promoting the general welfare.How long do you suppose it will take the wingnuts to discover which "communist "or "socialist" document those concepts come from?
Specifically regarding the president- supposedly the leader of this country- I do not "hate" him, I disrespect him mightily and my contempt for him is near boundless.However I still believe in government of, by and for and reckon it's way past time we stood up and reclaimed the country from those called pioneers and rangers.
I can provide a personal answer to sheila and others who are looking for proof of Al Qaeda. I worked as a civilian consruction manager in the Anbar Provence for 26 months. I met many individuals who claimed Al Qaeda allegiance. Fortunately, most of them where in custody of either local militia or the US Military at the time. I met others who at one time worked for me and announced their allegiance to to Al Qaeda when they left.
Al Qaeda is not a rigid, formal card carrying organization. It's comprised of individuals who embrace, for one reason or another, a similar philosophy of Jihad - holy war for Allah. They affiliate themselves with the informal structure of Al Qaeda in order to have the ability to concentrate their efforts toward a common goal via loosely organized local operations.
Al Qaeda is for real. You just won't find them formally registered nor wearing uniforms identifying them as such.
Posted by Trinity on August 4, 2007 12:12 PMdavis X. Machina, 12:10
I must say, your post is one of the best .
My compliments to your teachers and professors.
They can be proud of their student.
It's obvious you paid attention.
And still are. We need more like you .
Posted by dmz on August 4, 2007 01:16 PMWell, KW, after the embassy bombing in Sudan - that Bin Ladin funded - US courts wanted to charge and convict Bin Ladin, and not just the people that had actually done it.
But to do that legally, you have to show that Bin Ladin is connected to the bombings as part of a STRUCTURED CRIMININAL ORGANIZATION. So the US dug up a dubious professional witness (kind of like the guy that testified about all the WMD Iraq had) that claimed for them that Bin Ladin was a member of a complex international terrorist ring which HE dubbed Al Qaeda.
Eventually, Bin Ladin began referring to Al Qaeda in tapes...but only AFTER 9/11, and after it became clear that that was what the Americans had labeled him.
So in short- to be sure, there is a Bin Ladin, with a lot of money that he's willing to spend on attacking the US. Radicals come to him with plans for things THEY want to carry out because HE has deep pockets. And he's more than happy to act as a figurehead for Islamic radicals everywhere.
But the whole idea of a single, unified organization, with formal ranks, intelligence networks, intermediaries, and "sleeper cells" waiting to strike, is basically an illusion.
The vast majority of terrorists in the world -- whether they be mercenaries for the Taliban, dissidents in Iraq, or extremists setting off bombs in Bali, Spain, or England, have little formal connection to one another - aside from shared views regarding Islam. As much as they might support his actions, they often do not report to Bin Ladin or anyone speaking on his behalf, and in most cases wouldn't be able to find or talk to him even if they tried.
So in short, going after terrorism as a single enemy that we can declare war on makes about as much sense as going after murder as a single entity we can declare war on, or drugs. They're all complex problems rooted in deeper issues, carried out by people working in isolation, and prevention and greater understanding of their fundamental roots are the smartest answers.
But Bush and his colleagues are stuck on the idea of an epic struggle of good and evil, a single beatable enemy, and they can't get out of that mentality. I say it is because the Bushies know that some Americans are willing to both believe in - and bomb - anything that has a scary sounding name.
Prior to going into Afghanistan, Donald Rumsfeld endorsed a ridiculous diagram of "one of many" hidden Al Qaeda bases tunneled into the mountains of Tora Bora, with hydroelectric power, secret entrances for trucks, and hi-tech
telecommunications ... something out of a James Bond movie. They got there only to find...dirty caves
Sheila,
It is surprising how many of your arguments can be applied to . . . let's say Christianity, for instance, just as one example.
You state: "But the whole idea of a single, unified organization, with formal ranks, intelligence networks, intermediaries, and "sleeper cells" waiting to strike, is basically an illusion."
Well, let's see now.
My good friend, "G", says he's "Christian". Once in a while, he goes out on a Sunday morning, to a place he calls a "church". There, he sings some old songs, and listens to a fellow who talks about something from a book he tells the listeners is "the Word of God". Sometimes, "G" goes to another place - especially on Christmas Eve - where they sing a lot of familiar songs, and someone in fancy robes puts on a sort of show; and everyone has coffee and cake afterwards.
Now none of these places have anything like what you call "formal ranks" - except, maybe, the place where the guy up front wears the fancy robes. But, even there, a whole lot of folks from the audience get up and do a lot of things in the show too; so maybe the guy in the robes is like the Stage Director, or something?
Now, as to "unified organization", it seems as if the folks in the auditorium on Sunday claim that the folks with the guy in robes on Christmas Eve aren't a part of what they say they are, and sort of vice versa, if that makes any sense. And as to "intelligence networks" and such like, well, they all publish newspapers, and get on radio and TV from time to time; and some of them even come knocking on the door to invite you to come over and visit, too.
So, since there aren't all those kinds of organization and such, all over the same, what they call "Christianity" is "basically an illusion" too. Right, Sheila?
Gee! Thanks for making that clear. I've always been under the "illusion" that there actually was something called "Christinaity". And now you've done away with all that; and I can feel free to just ignore that silly stuff everyone else calls "reality".
Posted by Old Grouch on August 5, 2007 08:31 AMSheila,
Sorry for taking up so much space. But, I forgot to ask. Was the French Resistance, in World War 2, an "illusion", too? Along with all the other underground movements then, as well? And was the old Communist Party, in the days after World War 1, an "illusion"? Like the South American revolutionaries today? How many of those special items you list does something have to have before it stops being just an "illusion"? And who assigns the number? Well, I guess I've used up enough space. But I surely would appreciate a little clarification there. Just to make sure I don't fall back into "illusion" when something happens in the future.
Posted by Old Grouch on August 5, 2007 08:39 AMOG: Excellent example. Your analogy was superb.
Tzn
Posted by on August 5, 2007 09:33 AMDang it OG, we agree again. If not in our positions on what to do in Iraq, at least the existence of al Qaeda is acknowledged.
Now go post something we can argue about before any rumors get started about us.
Posted by KW on August 5, 2007 10:05 AM"Old Grouch": Your analogy of al Qaeda with the loose structure of a Christian church is very appropriate. It applies very accurately to what I witnessed while working in Iraq.
Local groups claiming allegiance to al Qaeda pretty much did what they thought best to advance their cause. Occasionally, many of these groups would pull together for a specific operation being coordinated by another group or individual considered more powerful or knowledgeable in the best way to accomplish a given common goal.
Requests for funding or arms, etc., where passed along among the various groups until one was found that could arrange for delivery. No formal supply chain for materials, nor a formal command chain exists.
Very similar to the evangelical movement in the United States -- loose, but able to work together for a common goal as needed.
Posted by Trinity on August 5, 2007 10:12 AMTrinity: On another post it came out you were a veteran from the Vietnam war. Why did you go work in Iraq? Are you a war lover, a fool or adrenalin junkie or all of the above?
Posted by on August 5, 2007 10:35 AMHi guys: Thanks for proving my point, Old Grouch!!! Your friend gives his allegiance to an organization called the Christian organization. He has an address (presumably, the church he attends has an address?) the old guy in the robe, has a title (I think it's likely priest or minister) and we can see, touch and actually correspond with said 'christians.' Not so with Al Q. You can, in fact, correspond with people... through print, and other forms of media. There is, in fact, an entire city where Christianity is honors a King... actually known as The Pope. We can see, hear and touch the members and the rank-and-file of the Christian organization. We cannot contact nor prove the existance of Al Q. Try again. :-)
Kisses
Posted by Sheila on August 5, 2007 10:38 AMSheila: If we could correspond with them, we could have ended the whole mess a long time ago.
We couldn't correspond with or visit the Viet Cong at their place of residence either. But ask any Vietnam vet if they in fact existed.
You're basing the non existence of al Qaeda on a false argument. You sound like a member of the conspiracy population which believes that the war on terror is a bumper sticker slogan and al qaeda is a construct of government to keep the sheep in line.
Tzn
Posted by on August 5, 2007 10:56 AM"Sheila":
Go back and read "Old Grouch" post of 08:39 AM regarding the UNDERGROUND movements of history.al Qaeda don't need no stinkin' mailing address...only privately raised funding, the existing arms and munitions dealer network, and a sufficient supply of bodies swearing allegiance to a concept of holy jihad.
If we knew where to find them, we could end the very real threat they pose forever. "Tzn" provides another example of an excellent UNDERGROUND organization post WWII in the Viet Cong -- 10:56 AM.
Being in denial might bring a comforting view of the world; but, it doesn't make it a safer world in reality.
Posted by Trinity on August 5, 2007 11:22 AMSheila: Al Qaeda has their own media production house.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070805/ap_on_re_mi_ea/al_qaida_american_video
Posted by on August 5, 2007 02:19 PMThe letter-writer astutely notes: "But any attempt to solve real problems for real people results in legislative gridlock."
I would hazard to guess the reason why is best said in the famous quote "To get more accomplished, we need a lot fewer architects and a lot more bricklayers."
Complaining about our problems is the first step to recognizing them, obviously...but don't just stop there. Get out there and do your part to fix 'em.
Posted by mytwosense on August 5, 2007 07:48 PMAmericas problems?
12-20 MILLION illegals!
Posted by on August 6, 2007 03:27 PMRACISM,pure and simple.....Just read all the hate.........The bigots among you will have you believe all crime and evil are brought about by brown skinned people but ignore history ......You filthy pig skinned pink bigots,you are the down fall of this country ..It WON'T be your's to enjoy much longer....just listen to the news...silly rabbits!!!!!
Posted by ronaldo on August 7, 2007 02:00 AMRonaldo.....
Are you ranting about pink pigs again?
Cool it on the acid dude!