I’m preparing to take my son camping today. After he gets out of class we’re heading for the hills for a few days of quality time, fishing and “roughing it”.
But if I have the time to do so while he’s still at school, I’m heading downtown to change my voter registration status. I’ve been a Republican since the day I turned 18 on December 23rd, 1991. I’ve voted the Republican Party line every single time the polls were open in Local, State and National races, with one exception: GWBs re-election campaign. But the time has come to change my affiliation.
I’m going to register Independent.
Why?
Because I am getting very sick of having my intelligence insulted.
This feeling first began, as I’ve pointed out before, when I realized that it was the Republicans who made abortion legal in this country, and yet they have the audacity to label Democrats Baby-Killers, using the abortion issue THEY BROUGHT TO US to win over the Christian vote. I am disappointed that I didn’t catch on to this sooner. I have no excuse for buying into the lie that the Republican Party is really Pro-Life.
George W. Bush’s last term… I can’t begin to put into words. If I began, I wouldn’t finish for a very long time.
And now the final straw has come: Sara Palin.
I love John McCain. He’s a hero for what he did for this country. But bluntly: he made a huge mistake when choosing his Vice Presidential Candidate. Yep, she’s fiery. And I really enjoyed listening to her speak this past Wednesday evening. She cracked me up with the zingers she threw out there. But the Center for Disease Control says the lifespan for the average American male is 77 years, which means at age 72, John McCain has an above-average chance of leaving this country in the hands of the candidate he chooses for Vice President, and here are a few things I do not appreciate when considering a VP that could become Commander in Chief of the most powerful country in the world:
About 20 months ago, Sara Palin was the part-time mayor of a town the size of Corning (for those of you outside the Northern California area, Corning has about 7,000 people). Based on this fact, I have much hope for my son’s mother. She, after all, was born and raised in a town of the same size. With all the people she knows, I bet she could get the votes needed to become part time mayor of her town, and then just a few years down the road, who knows? Maybe Vice President of the United States! Woo hoo! Go Wendy!
Sara Palin obtained her first passport just last year, when she wanted to visit Alaska’s troops in Iraq. Yes, in 2007. So the potential Commander in Chief, upon whom we must rely to interact on our behalf with all the other countries of the world, has ONLY been outside THIS country once? Just last year? HUH?
Sara Palin is now the Governor of a state who’s population is half the size of the population of Sacramento County. Since many of you don’t live in Northern California, pick a large city within driving distance of where you do live. I’d bet that city has a larger population than Sara Palin’s entire state. I’m not saying it’s not nifty that she’s a Governor, but I AM saying, quite clearly, that she is not ready to be the Leader of the Free World.
As for education, Sara Palin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications-Journalism from the University of Idaho.
And we’re not even going to get into the investigation she’s currently under to see if she abused her power when she allegedly had a man fired because he wouldn’t fire her sister’s husband (whom the sister is divorcing).
The world laughs at us now with Dubya as our President. How much more will that be the case if our Commander in Chief comes with the credentials just listed?
I know stubborn. Believe me. I’m a very stubborn person. I “GET” the reasons some people just won’t leave the good ol’ Republican party no matter what. I get how some people will pretend they’re happy as can be with McCain’s choice for Vice President, following the Party wherever it may lead.
I get it.
But come on! Deep inside you’ve GOT to be insulted by this choice just as much as I am! Aren’t the red flags going off like crazy in your head? Don’t you start to feel like the Republicans just think we’ll stupidly fall for ANYTHING?
Don’t answer that. I don’t want to hear ya lie.
(please read the first comment to this post)
Donny's Ramblings 
September 5, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I pointed out some of Sara’s “Credentials” on a public discussion board I frequent. One man, a mechanic with the nickname “dirtyshirt”, began questioning the experience of Barack Obama and Joe Biden in contrast with John McCain and Sara Palin. This is my reply:
September 5, 2008 at 8:51 am
I pointed out some of Sara’s “Credentials” on a public discussion board I frequent. One man, a mechanic with the nickname “dirtyshirt”, began questioning the experience of Barack Obama and Joe Biden in contrast with John McCain and Sara Palin. This is my reply:
September 5, 2008 at 4:17 pm
hmmm….i never saw that. i had always stayed away from the RP because i felt they were always religious and strict, which i am completely the opposite. I do like the way you give both sides, except you kinda obviously favored the dems. Its cool though, i never knew Palin’s experience and her past. This will definitely give me something to think about. Thanks for your insight
September 5, 2008 at 9:17 am
hmmm….i never saw that. i had always stayed away from the RP because i felt they were always religious and strict, which i am completely the opposite. I do like the way you give both sides, except you kinda obviously favored the dems. Its cool though, i never knew Palin’s experience and her past. This will definitely give me something to think about. Thanks for your insight
September 5, 2008 at 5:01 pm
It’s a silly game they play. I dont think there’s a real difference. They divide and conquer us. Make us squabble over stupid things and nothing gets done except making them more powerful.
However, the more I read about her- the more she seems like a true maverick. She isn’t a career politician. She was board and became the mayor because she hated ‘the good ole boys’. When elected, she really did kick em out, raise all hell. Hence Stevens, the Public Safety Officer.
Who knows the truth yet about the firing- but her side makes plenty of sense.
September 5, 2008 at 10:01 am
It’s a silly game they play. I dont think there’s a real difference. They divide and conquer us. Make us squabble over stupid things and nothing gets done except making them more powerful.
However, the more I read about her- the more she seems like a true maverick. She isn’t a career politician. She was board and became the mayor because she hated ‘the good ole boys’. When elected, she really did kick em out, raise all hell. Hence Stevens, the Public Safety Officer.
Who knows the truth yet about the firing- but her side makes plenty of sense.
September 5, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I meant bored =)
September 5, 2008 at 10:04 am
I meant bored =)
September 5, 2008 at 6:18 pm
You are all deceived. Barack Obama wants a larger government. He wants to embrace the Islam Religion. Evidently, you don’t know a thing about Islam. We are in a spiritual War. Islam wants to convert you into submission or kill you. They have authority to deceive you(it’s in the Koran). Obama has Islam in him. He is a deceiver and a very good one at that.
September 5, 2008 at 11:18 am
You are all deceived. Barack Obama wants a larger government. He wants to embrace the Islam Religion. Evidently, you don’t know a thing about Islam. We are in a spiritual War. Islam wants to convert you into submission or kill you. They have authority to deceive you(it’s in the Koran). Obama has Islam in him. He is a deceiver and a very good one at that.
September 5, 2008 at 6:50 pm
“Evidently, you don’t know a thing about Islam. We are in a spiritual War. Islam wants to convert you into submission or kill you. They have authority to deceive you(it’s in the Koran).”
I just had to respond to this. Apparently you, my friend, don’t know much about Islam, because these extremists that you speak of are a very small portion of the Muslim community. Do we let the actions of the Mormons or the Protestants define what we all are thinking and planning and feeling in this country? No, because that isn’t reality. One small facet of a population does not define the population. You cannot use blanket statements such as this about a people that you do no know. It seems that you’ve been watching too much of the fear mongering that’s present in the mainstream media.
Besides, why are we in a spiritual war? Aren’t we supposed to have separation of church and state? That’s part of our basic freedoms, the ability to choose our own religion in this country. That the very idea of this doesn’t bother you, bothers me extremely. Seriously, when did the Crusades resume?
I agree with you Donny, about the experience issues with Palin on the ticket. However, I think the root of the problem is party politics itself. We’re constantly being pulled one way or the other- “right” or “left”- and they’re fighting to keep us on their side so they will do and say anything. Thus, we are left choosing the lesser of two evils in most elections. I’d like to see the day when reason, freedom, and respect truly govern our choices. When we can all stand together, not worrying about slightly differing beliefs, letting one another live as we best see fit, so long as our actions respect others. This would mean an end to the lying, an end to the installation of fear, an end to the hatred of our fellow man…
Initially I’d like to see more state rights, so that one state can legalize abortion, or gay marriage, or marijuana use, while another can stay firmly opposed, and then we all get a choice on where and how to live. That is how this country began, and I think it’s silly that we’ve changed one of the most functional aspects of our original government.
We can have harmony and peace, it just requires more tolerance and love. From everyone. Even those of you who are always right. Some may call me a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. 🙂
September 5, 2008 at 11:50 am
“Evidently, you don’t know a thing about Islam. We are in a spiritual War. Islam wants to convert you into submission or kill you. They have authority to deceive you(it’s in the Koran).”
I just had to respond to this. Apparently you, my friend, don’t know much about Islam, because these extremists that you speak of are a very small portion of the Muslim community. Do we let the actions of the Mormons or the Protestants define what we all are thinking and planning and feeling in this country? No, because that isn’t reality. One small facet of a population does not define the population. You cannot use blanket statements such as this about a people that you do no know. It seems that you’ve been watching too much of the fear mongering that’s present in the mainstream media.
Besides, why are we in a spiritual war? Aren’t we supposed to have separation of church and state? That’s part of our basic freedoms, the ability to choose our own religion in this country. That the very idea of this doesn’t bother you, bothers me extremely. Seriously, when did the Crusades resume?
I agree with you Donny, about the experience issues with Palin on the ticket. However, I think the root of the problem is party politics itself. We’re constantly being pulled one way or the other- “right” or “left”- and they’re fighting to keep us on their side so they will do and say anything. Thus, we are left choosing the lesser of two evils in most elections. I’d like to see the day when reason, freedom, and respect truly govern our choices. When we can all stand together, not worrying about slightly differing beliefs, letting one another live as we best see fit, so long as our actions respect others. This would mean an end to the lying, an end to the installation of fear, an end to the hatred of our fellow man…
Initially I’d like to see more state rights, so that one state can legalize abortion, or gay marriage, or marijuana use, while another can stay firmly opposed, and then we all get a choice on where and how to live. That is how this country began, and I think it’s silly that we’ve changed one of the most functional aspects of our original government.
We can have harmony and peace, it just requires more tolerance and love. From everyone. Even those of you who are always right. Some may call me a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. 🙂
September 5, 2008 at 6:51 pm
You sure have changed your tune.
“He made a pretty wise decision to ask her to run with him. Did she win me over? Oh man… dare I say it?”-From your post last week.
My thought on this issue has been somewhat similar to yours. At first, I thought it was a smart, if not gutsy, VP pick. The whole story has a really feel good, “out of nowhere” vibe. But the more I think about her being PRESIDENT! YEEEESHH.
I actually had a blog post about this a couple of days ago. I truely believe the VP debates will be more important this year than any time in our lifetime, and a lot more people will make up their mind about who they will vote for from that then ever before.
September 5, 2008 at 11:51 am
You sure have changed your tune.
“He made a pretty wise decision to ask her to run with him. Did she win me over? Oh man… dare I say it?”-From your post last week.
My thought on this issue has been somewhat similar to yours. At first, I thought it was a smart, if not gutsy, VP pick. The whole story has a really feel good, “out of nowhere” vibe. But the more I think about her being PRESIDENT! YEEEESHH.
I actually had a blog post about this a couple of days ago. I truely believe the VP debates will be more important this year than any time in our lifetime, and a lot more people will make up their mind about who they will vote for from that then ever before.
September 5, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Donny,
I enjoy your spiritual musings and wisdom, but I am already sick of political discussions. Perhaps this could be because I live in Denver and my dad, unofficial Fox News analyst himself, is visiting for the week, and that is all we have talked about.
Certainly, this is your page and you are free to say whatever you wish on it. You are encouraging those who read this to be open-minded, which is always good.
I guess that for me though, the arguments of the die-hard, NOT OPEN MINDED, “know it alls”, from both sides, that ensue in your comments section, leaves me weary.
This is just my deal, I’m sure. I’ll go take a nap now and let everyone continue on.
Thanks for all you share with us. 🙂
Val
September 5, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Donny,
I enjoy your spiritual musings and wisdom, but I am already sick of political discussions. Perhaps this could be because I live in Denver and my dad, unofficial Fox News analyst himself, is visiting for the week, and that is all we have talked about.
Certainly, this is your page and you are free to say whatever you wish on it. You are encouraging those who read this to be open-minded, which is always good.
I guess that for me though, the arguments of the die-hard, NOT OPEN MINDED, “know it alls”, from both sides, that ensue in your comments section, leaves me weary.
This is just my deal, I’m sure. I’ll go take a nap now and let everyone continue on.
Thanks for all you share with us. 🙂
Val
September 5, 2008 at 7:25 pm
J. Duffield the little rumor about Obama being a muslim is FALSE Do you christians always have to spread ignorant lies?
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_barack_obama_muslim.htm
Description: Email rumor
Circulating since: January 2007
Status: False
And please, The BIBLE is far more violent than the Qu’ran Your no better than the muslims.
September 5, 2008 at 12:25 pm
J. Duffield the little rumor about Obama being a muslim is FALSE Do you christians always have to spread ignorant lies?
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_barack_obama_muslim.htm
Description: Email rumor
Circulating since: January 2007
Status: False
And please, The BIBLE is far more violent than the Qu’ran Your no better than the muslims.
September 5, 2008 at 7:46 pm
donny OMG what prompted the 180?
it was just these last few days and you were ranting and raving about this lady.
my boss pretty much shut me down a few days ago when he brought up exactly what you JUST said- the experience. and to be honest i never thought about it like that…it definitely gave me food for thought.
September 5, 2008 at 12:46 pm
donny OMG what prompted the 180?
it was just these last few days and you were ranting and raving about this lady.
my boss pretty much shut me down a few days ago when he brought up exactly what you JUST said- the experience. and to be honest i never thought about it like that…it definitely gave me food for thought.
September 5, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I guess I’m coming at it from a different angle. I still really like Sarah Palin and haven’t jumped off her bandwagon just yet. I don’t see how being a world traveler or being raised in a big city makes someone more qualified to be president. She’s the only one out of the four on the ticket I actually do like. The other three are just varying degrees of dislike.
Though Palin and I disagree on some of the issues, I think an outsider perspective (i.e. someone who hasn’t sat around for years growing stale and sour in Congress) who does have executive experience and a proven ability to make good decisions is exactly what Washington needs. In my mind, if McCain died while in office, that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. Palin’s already had a chance to demonstrate her ability to shake things up for the better.
Obama talks a lot, and I want to believe him, I really do. I just don’t see much substance, though, when it comes to putting actions behind the words. His first promise and unspectacular delivery was the weeklong assurance of an exciting, groundbreaking pick for vice president, and then he picked Joe Biden. Ugh. He also promised that if I gave him my email address, I would (and I quote) “be the first to know” who he picked. That email came at 4 in the afternoon on the day when the rest of the media started reporting it just after midnight. He’s taken advantage of having my address, though, to send me a request to donate $5 to his campaign. In fact, I’ve received at least one of these requests every day (as many as two or three on some days) since I gave him my address. If I wanted someone to beg me for my hard-earned money, I’d go to church.
So maybe what you perceive to be a bad thing, I perceive to be a good thing. To each his own. At this point, I’m planning to vote for McCain and keep my fingers crossed for Palin to get a shot before the term is over, or at least to be able to give Hillary a run for the money in 2012 or 2016.
September 5, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I guess I’m coming at it from a different angle. I still really like Sarah Palin and haven’t jumped off her bandwagon just yet. I don’t see how being a world traveler or being raised in a big city makes someone more qualified to be president. She’s the only one out of the four on the ticket I actually do like. The other three are just varying degrees of dislike.
Though Palin and I disagree on some of the issues, I think an outsider perspective (i.e. someone who hasn’t sat around for years growing stale and sour in Congress) who does have executive experience and a proven ability to make good decisions is exactly what Washington needs. In my mind, if McCain died while in office, that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. Palin’s already had a chance to demonstrate her ability to shake things up for the better.
Obama talks a lot, and I want to believe him, I really do. I just don’t see much substance, though, when it comes to putting actions behind the words. His first promise and unspectacular delivery was the weeklong assurance of an exciting, groundbreaking pick for vice president, and then he picked Joe Biden. Ugh. He also promised that if I gave him my email address, I would (and I quote) “be the first to know” who he picked. That email came at 4 in the afternoon on the day when the rest of the media started reporting it just after midnight. He’s taken advantage of having my address, though, to send me a request to donate $5 to his campaign. In fact, I’ve received at least one of these requests every day (as many as two or three on some days) since I gave him my address. If I wanted someone to beg me for my hard-earned money, I’d go to church.
So maybe what you perceive to be a bad thing, I perceive to be a good thing. To each his own. At this point, I’m planning to vote for McCain and keep my fingers crossed for Palin to get a shot before the term is over, or at least to be able to give Hillary a run for the money in 2012 or 2016.
September 5, 2008 at 8:10 pm
im voting for Jesus 😉
September 5, 2008 at 1:10 pm
im voting for Jesus 😉
September 5, 2008 at 8:14 pm
there should be no questions after that..
September 5, 2008 at 1:14 pm
there should be no questions after that..
September 5, 2008 at 8:22 pm
“Barack Obama has been a US Senator for 3 years.”
20 of those months have been campaigning for POTUS..
not to mention all the month long vacations they have..
if you are a Governor, you are a Governor 24/7..
Listen to Rudy give his speech on Wednesday night..
you might learn something of what the job entails..
but then again, she’s a woman.. being from porn you probably still hate women..
September 5, 2008 at 1:22 pm
“Barack Obama has been a US Senator for 3 years.”
20 of those months have been campaigning for POTUS..
not to mention all the month long vacations they have..
if you are a Governor, you are a Governor 24/7..
Listen to Rudy give his speech on Wednesday night..
you might learn something of what the job entails..
but then again, she’s a woman.. being from porn you probably still hate women..
September 5, 2008 at 8:55 pm
This sure is a sudden and dramatic change of opinion?!
I still think she is a wise choice.
If anyone might try to do something about abortion, I think it could be her.
September 5, 2008 at 1:55 pm
This sure is a sudden and dramatic change of opinion?!
I still think she is a wise choice.
If anyone might try to do something about abortion, I think it could be her.
September 5, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I know this may not be the best place to respond to this as it is only one brief part of the post, but let’s get this straight once and for all. Republicans did NOT make abortion legal.
Abortion was legalized by activist judges, based on deceitful testimony over a general judicial issue that had little to do with abortion, namely privacy rights.
These judges were, as Donny correctly points out, appointed majorly by Rebublican presidents. Leaving it there, however, creates a false picture.
1. Justices are appointed, not controlled by the President. Naturally, the President hopes to make a wise choice (or at least one in keeping with his political preferenes and priorities). But often it does not turn out this way as Justices have their own agendas as well as their own views of interpreting the Constitution vs. judicial activism and Constitutional reworking.
2. The President, not a political party, appoints Judges.
3. Potential Judges are vetted by committee. That committee may or may not represent the Presiden’t (let alone his party’s) preferences. This, in turn, may lead to serious compromises on who gets chosen as a Judge.
Whenever Judges were elected, we have seen committee bickering over all kinds of things that had absolutely nothing to do with the candaidate’s competence or character but had everything to do with the expedience of their anticipated political judgment. (Am I the only one who finds it offensive to see Ted Kennedy sitting in judgment over the moral character of a distinguished Judge?)
So did Republicans make abortion possible. Of course not! Rep. presidents had a strong influence on the composition of a Supreme Court. Very true. But that’s as far as this dog runs!
September 5, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I know this may not be the best place to respond to this as it is only one brief part of the post, but let’s get this straight once and for all. Republicans did NOT make abortion legal.
Abortion was legalized by activist judges, based on deceitful testimony over a general judicial issue that had little to do with abortion, namely privacy rights.
These judges were, as Donny correctly points out, appointed majorly by Rebublican presidents. Leaving it there, however, creates a false picture.
1. Justices are appointed, not controlled by the President. Naturally, the President hopes to make a wise choice (or at least one in keeping with his political preferenes and priorities). But often it does not turn out this way as Justices have their own agendas as well as their own views of interpreting the Constitution vs. judicial activism and Constitutional reworking.
2. The President, not a political party, appoints Judges.
3. Potential Judges are vetted by committee. That committee may or may not represent the Presiden’t (let alone his party’s) preferences. This, in turn, may lead to serious compromises on who gets chosen as a Judge.
Whenever Judges were elected, we have seen committee bickering over all kinds of things that had absolutely nothing to do with the candaidate’s competence or character but had everything to do with the expedience of their anticipated political judgment. (Am I the only one who finds it offensive to see Ted Kennedy sitting in judgment over the moral character of a distinguished Judge?)
So did Republicans make abortion possible. Of course not! Rep. presidents had a strong influence on the composition of a Supreme Court. Very true. But that’s as far as this dog runs!
September 5, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I’m a little confused at the flip-flop allegations. In my previous post I clearly stated, and I quote, “Guys I still really like Obama.” I went on to say that there is still time for McCain and Palin to change my mind.
As we learn more about Palin, it is becoming more obvious that she has NO business being potential Commander in Chief.
I’ll likely not be able to comment again until Sunday night. But feel free to keep sharing your thoughts.
September 5, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I’m a little confused at the flip-flop allegations. In my previous post I clearly stated, and I quote, “Guys I still really like Obama.” I went on to say that there is still time for McCain and Palin to change my mind.
As we learn more about Palin, it is becoming more obvious that she has NO business being potential Commander in Chief.
I’ll likely not be able to comment again until Sunday night. But feel free to keep sharing your thoughts.
September 5, 2008 at 9:58 pm
One thought on McCain’s age–he may be up there in years, but did you see his 96 year old mother at the RNC? She looks wonderful and appears very healthy. John McCain may have longevity in his genes!
September 5, 2008 at 2:58 pm
One thought on McCain’s age–he may be up there in years, but did you see his 96 year old mother at the RNC? She looks wonderful and appears very healthy. John McCain may have longevity in his genes!
September 5, 2008 at 10:07 pm
By the way, have fun camping with Caden! Sounds great!
September 5, 2008 at 3:07 pm
By the way, have fun camping with Caden! Sounds great!
September 5, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Yeah and Donny, my Dad will be 81 next month and he still wins races!
September 5, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Yeah and Donny, my Dad will be 81 next month and he still wins races!
September 6, 2008 at 12:03 am
It’s also worth noting that if some terrorist were to take out both Bush and Cheney right now, we would have our first female president until the beginning of next year, and it would be Nancy Pelosi. THAT’S a scary thought.
September 5, 2008 at 5:03 pm
It’s also worth noting that if some terrorist were to take out both Bush and Cheney right now, we would have our first female president until the beginning of next year, and it would be Nancy Pelosi. THAT’S a scary thought.
September 6, 2008 at 12:42 am
A couple links with some good reading on Palin and her experiance:
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/blog/index.php?page=post&blog=stu&post_id=89
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/09/the_libertarian_case_for_palin.html
I love Sarah Palin specifically BECAUSE she is not from the political “elite.”
I think she is exactly what this country needs. If I could vote for her, and NOT McCain, I would be so thrilled. As it stands, even with her on the ticket, I still don’t think I can vote for him. I will likely be pulling the lever for Bob Barr.
September 5, 2008 at 5:42 pm
A couple links with some good reading on Palin and her experiance:
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/blog/index.php?page=post&blog=stu&post_id=89
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/09/the_libertarian_case_for_palin.html
I love Sarah Palin specifically BECAUSE she is not from the political “elite.”
I think she is exactly what this country needs. If I could vote for her, and NOT McCain, I would be so thrilled. As it stands, even with her on the ticket, I still don’t think I can vote for him. I will likely be pulling the lever for Bob Barr.
September 5, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Going off on Palin like that and giving Obama a free pass on the experience question is just silly.
September 6, 2008 at 1:55 am
Going off on Palin like that and giving Obama a free pass on the experience question is just silly.
September 6, 2008 at 2:25 am
Donny, I love reading what you write normally but your way off on this one. Your missing the whole point-everyone and you included wants change from politicians. The reason everyone was for Obama in the first place was about change, however what your seeing by Obama’s choice of Biden is someone choosing a career politician as usual. When you talk about experience you cannot overlook Obamas lack of real experience being in charge of anything. Palin even though maybe its a smaller state has at least been in charge and ran a government. Alaska also faces many environmental issues and oil issues which are key economic factors today. She has more experience with all of this than Obama. No one is perfect but just look at what she has accomplished, she did reduce government budget in Alaska and she did take on corruption including fellow republicans. McCain’s choice showed he truly is looking to make a change and not just status quo reward the same old people. McCain even came out and said that the republicans and Bush had failed and he is looking to change that. We tend to get caught up in things like abortion which over the next 4-8 yrs is not gonna change no matter who is elected and is not the most important thing. The reality is you have someone on one side who has never ran anything, who stands on the sidelines criticizing, who when they finally get to make a choice for change chooses someone in Biden who is a business as usual washington politician. His wife has made terrible remarks about the country. On the other you have McCain who has a track record of trying to make change and not always siding with his party who when he gets to make a choice chooses someone like Palin who has proven in a short time she is about change. You look at McCain’s wife and you learn about all the humanitarian things she has done and adopting those children. McCain has walked the walk rather than talk the talk for years where Obama has talked and talked but never done anything. Obama is pretty on the outside but there is no substance. McCain may not be pretty or the best speaker but there is true substance there.
September 5, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Donny, I love reading what you write normally but your way off on this one. Your missing the whole point-everyone and you included wants change from politicians. The reason everyone was for Obama in the first place was about change, however what your seeing by Obama’s choice of Biden is someone choosing a career politician as usual. When you talk about experience you cannot overlook Obamas lack of real experience being in charge of anything. Palin even though maybe its a smaller state has at least been in charge and ran a government. Alaska also faces many environmental issues and oil issues which are key economic factors today. She has more experience with all of this than Obama. No one is perfect but just look at what she has accomplished, she did reduce government budget in Alaska and she did take on corruption including fellow republicans. McCain’s choice showed he truly is looking to make a change and not just status quo reward the same old people. McCain even came out and said that the republicans and Bush had failed and he is looking to change that. We tend to get caught up in things like abortion which over the next 4-8 yrs is not gonna change no matter who is elected and is not the most important thing. The reality is you have someone on one side who has never ran anything, who stands on the sidelines criticizing, who when they finally get to make a choice for change chooses someone in Biden who is a business as usual washington politician. His wife has made terrible remarks about the country. On the other you have McCain who has a track record of trying to make change and not always siding with his party who when he gets to make a choice chooses someone like Palin who has proven in a short time she is about change. You look at McCain’s wife and you learn about all the humanitarian things she has done and adopting those children. McCain has walked the walk rather than talk the talk for years where Obama has talked and talked but never done anything. Obama is pretty on the outside but there is no substance. McCain may not be pretty or the best speaker but there is true substance there.
September 6, 2008 at 2:57 am
http://www.reason.com/news/show/128461.html
So… why HASN’T Barry released his grades yet from Columbia?
September 5, 2008 at 7:57 pm
http://www.reason.com/news/show/128461.html
So… why HASN’T Barry released his grades yet from Columbia?
September 6, 2008 at 3:00 am
her sister’s husband (whom the sister is divorcing).
Let’s see..
Drove a squad car while drunk,
Tasered his step son
Shot and killed a moose illegally
and threatened to shoot a F…ing bullet into his father in law..
Real gem of a guy.. been married and divorsed 4 times..
you know, after the 2 divorce, it might be you..
less than a minute with google..
God bless the internet
September 5, 2008 at 8:00 pm
her sister’s husband (whom the sister is divorcing).
Let’s see..
Drove a squad car while drunk,
Tasered his step son
Shot and killed a moose illegally
and threatened to shoot a F…ing bullet into his father in law..
Real gem of a guy.. been married and divorsed 4 times..
you know, after the 2 divorce, it might be you..
less than a minute with google..
God bless the internet
September 6, 2008 at 4:28 am
Comparing Palin’s short Gov. experience to Obama’s longer Senate experience is like comparing a SFPD cop with 2 years on the force to a meter maid with 10;0
September 5, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Comparing Palin’s short Gov. experience to Obama’s longer Senate experience is like comparing a SFPD cop with 2 years on the force to a meter maid with 10;0
September 6, 2008 at 12:39 pm
“Barack Obama has been a US Senator for 3 years.”
20 of those months have been campaigning for POTUS..
not to mention all the month long vacations they have..
if you are a Governor, you are a Governor 24/7..
September 6, 2008 at 5:39 am
“Barack Obama has been a US Senator for 3 years.”
20 of those months have been campaigning for POTUS..
not to mention all the month long vacations they have..
if you are a Governor, you are a Governor 24/7..
September 6, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Dalen: I loved the wedding pictures you took! Fabulous. I’m kinda into weddings right now since I’ve attended three in the last several weeks! Very nice, indeed!
Are you a Redding boy? (saw the sundial!).
September 6, 2008 at 10:31 am
Dalen: I loved the wedding pictures you took! Fabulous. I’m kinda into weddings right now since I’ve attended three in the last several weeks! Very nice, indeed!
Are you a Redding boy? (saw the sundial!).
September 6, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I posted this in the wrong place (under the blog topic below) so am re-posting it here.
I’ve been doing some research, and sadly it is true that the Roe v Wade decision was brought to us by Republicans. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Blackmun
The woman in the case (Norma McCorvey) never had an abortion. She gave birth to a baby girl and gave her up for adoption. She is now a pro-life advocate.
I was 23 during this time but was rather oblivious to what was going on in the world politically.
On another topic, wouldn’t it be nice if both sides just talked about their plans and what they would try to do for the country, and REFRAINED FROM SAYING ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT THE OTHER CANDIDATE?
Just dreaming, I guess!
I too may change my affiliation to Independent. (But I still plan to vote for McCain.)
September 6, 2008 at 10:59 am
I posted this in the wrong place (under the blog topic below) so am re-posting it here.
I’ve been doing some research, and sadly it is true that the Roe v Wade decision was brought to us by Republicans. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Blackmun
The woman in the case (Norma McCorvey) never had an abortion. She gave birth to a baby girl and gave her up for adoption. She is now a pro-life advocate.
I was 23 during this time but was rather oblivious to what was going on in the world politically.
On another topic, wouldn’t it be nice if both sides just talked about their plans and what they would try to do for the country, and REFRAINED FROM SAYING ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT THE OTHER CANDIDATE?
Just dreaming, I guess!
I too may change my affiliation to Independent. (But I still plan to vote for McCain.)
September 7, 2008 at 12:26 am
THanks, Jean. Yes I’m in Redding. I’m about to redesign my site. I’ve recently gone back to using 35mm film. I’m also mostly shooting for myself and artistic pleasure. There’s something about the process of film that makes it more fun. Also the look and depth of field is still not the same in digital. I have a 7200 dpi scanner that outputs a 22×33(350mb 48bit color file) that’s close to a 40 megapixel camera in native output. I’ve yet to print that size and see if it is real world, but soon.
September 6, 2008 at 5:26 pm
THanks, Jean. Yes I’m in Redding. I’m about to redesign my site. I’ve recently gone back to using 35mm film. I’m also mostly shooting for myself and artistic pleasure. There’s something about the process of film that makes it more fun. Also the look and depth of field is still not the same in digital. I have a 7200 dpi scanner that outputs a 22×33(350mb 48bit color file) that’s close to a 40 megapixel camera in native output. I’ve yet to print that size and see if it is real world, but soon.
September 7, 2008 at 3:36 am
Hey dude. Just to clarify, do you mean you’re re-registering as the Independent party, or as unaffiliated?
September 6, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Hey dude. Just to clarify, do you mean you’re re-registering as the Independent party, or as unaffiliated?
September 7, 2008 at 3:43 am
I think it’s great to change your mind, or swing the other way. I do think you’ve changed your mind, but you were reasonable in the first place by admitting that your mind had not been made up. I think you should wave your flag proudly and say ‘yep, I’ve changed my mind.’ Because logical people are used to changing their minds. They know the truth is outside of them. So hear hear, dude!
September 6, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I think it’s great to change your mind, or swing the other way. I do think you’ve changed your mind, but you were reasonable in the first place by admitting that your mind had not been made up. I think you should wave your flag proudly and say ‘yep, I’ve changed my mind.’ Because logical people are used to changing their minds. They know the truth is outside of them. So hear hear, dude!
September 7, 2008 at 3:45 am
p.s. I am terribly sick and have a high fever, and upon reading my last comment, realize that I used the word ‘mind’ five times in four sentences. Back to lying on the couch.
September 6, 2008 at 8:45 pm
p.s. I am terribly sick and have a high fever, and upon reading my last comment, realize that I used the word ‘mind’ five times in four sentences. Back to lying on the couch.
September 7, 2008 at 6:03 am
Dalen: I’m SO photographically challenged!! You’re talking Greek to me. I have a digital and am happy when I can turn it on properly. Whatever you said, sounds impressive to me!
I loved the pictures of the little girl dancing. What a sweet, little thing!
September 6, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Dalen: I’m SO photographically challenged!! You’re talking Greek to me. I have a digital and am happy when I can turn it on properly. Whatever you said, sounds impressive to me!
I loved the pictures of the little girl dancing. What a sweet, little thing!
September 7, 2008 at 6:21 am
Sorry, my wife gives me that blank stare when I start talking technical as well. She takes great pictures, but really doesn’t want to know all the crazy details. Some of the stuff on the site is hers. That picture of the girl dancing was taken at the intermission of a Bethel conference. There was a quiet stillness over the atmosphere, the worship leader was delicately picking out notes on his guitar and she turned to her grandfather and said, ” I’m going to go move mountains now.” I love the responses I get from the secular worl d the most, though. I give no context, just the picture.
September 6, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Sorry, my wife gives me that blank stare when I start talking technical as well. She takes great pictures, but really doesn’t want to know all the crazy details. Some of the stuff on the site is hers. That picture of the girl dancing was taken at the intermission of a Bethel conference. There was a quiet stillness over the atmosphere, the worship leader was delicately picking out notes on his guitar and she turned to her grandfather and said, ” I’m going to go move mountains now.” I love the responses I get from the secular worl d the most, though. I give no context, just the picture.
September 7, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Donny,
Wise choice. I say that not because I’m a Democrat, but for your children, my children and our grandchildren. Do we want our children to continue to suffer more years of the failed policies of the Bush Cheny admin. Do we want our children sent off to more wars because of warmongers, like the Iraqi war waged based on lies and greed?
I’m a teacher, and a darned good one, I must say. My concern is for the students that I love to teach. With the NCLB, we’re having to teach to the test, as opposed to teaching these children the skills they need to compete in a gobal economy. You say, well, then, just do it? Not without the resources and funding needed, which the NCLB policy failed to consider.
As I sit here listening to the disgusting talking points from John’s acceptance speech, one of the issues he addresses is the need for quality teachers. His solution is to “find the bad teachers another line of work.” Well, I say, JohnBoy, there are very few jobs left, thanks to your Republican cronies whose policies you still espouse! What should “bad” teachers do? Move to, ummmm Alaska, a state that Palin thinks should not be a part of the U.S. (That’s another story in itself)
Donny, I want to leave you with some thoughts from Susan Eisenhower. She’s a formidable former Republican, granddaugher of former President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Her stance on her decision to leave the Republican party speaks volumes, IMO.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/carolynmonroe/gG5tyS
She, too, has opted to support the Obama-Biden team.
September 7, 2008 at 9:51 am
Donny,
Wise choice. I say that not because I’m a Democrat, but for your children, my children and our grandchildren. Do we want our children to continue to suffer more years of the failed policies of the Bush Cheny admin. Do we want our children sent off to more wars because of warmongers, like the Iraqi war waged based on lies and greed?
I’m a teacher, and a darned good one, I must say. My concern is for the students that I love to teach. With the NCLB, we’re having to teach to the test, as opposed to teaching these children the skills they need to compete in a gobal economy. You say, well, then, just do it? Not without the resources and funding needed, which the NCLB policy failed to consider.
As I sit here listening to the disgusting talking points from John’s acceptance speech, one of the issues he addresses is the need for quality teachers. His solution is to “find the bad teachers another line of work.” Well, I say, JohnBoy, there are very few jobs left, thanks to your Republican cronies whose policies you still espouse! What should “bad” teachers do? Move to, ummmm Alaska, a state that Palin thinks should not be a part of the U.S. (That’s another story in itself)
Donny, I want to leave you with some thoughts from Susan Eisenhower. She’s a formidable former Republican, granddaugher of former President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Her stance on her decision to leave the Republican party speaks volumes, IMO.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/carolynmonroe/gG5tyS
She, too, has opted to support the Obama-Biden team.
September 7, 2008 at 10:05 pm
You and your wife must be a great team. The wedding pix were unique and beautifully unusual – definitely not the same ole same ole! Great! (I especially liked the Spiked groom! That guy and his gal have great self determination!)
The dancing little one looks like it was totally planned. I was wondering why the young man was prostrate on the floor, but in my mind it meant the children can dance whenever, wherever, and however they want. Pure expression and joy.
September 7, 2008 at 3:05 pm
You and your wife must be a great team. The wedding pix were unique and beautifully unusual – definitely not the same ole same ole! Great! (I especially liked the Spiked groom! That guy and his gal have great self determination!)
The dancing little one looks like it was totally planned. I was wondering why the young man was prostrate on the floor, but in my mind it meant the children can dance whenever, wherever, and however they want. Pure expression and joy.
September 7, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I guess the guy was talking to God. I walked in just at the time everyone was leaving. I wanted to get a picture of the speaker( a friend of mine) he had already left, so I thought maybe I can get a shot of something up front, and the girl started dancing as I arrived.
September 7, 2008 at 4:10 pm
I guess the guy was talking to God. I walked in just at the time everyone was leaving. I wanted to get a picture of the speaker( a friend of mine) he had already left, so I thought maybe I can get a shot of something up front, and the girl started dancing as I arrived.
September 8, 2008 at 5:32 am
Carol,
Thanks for pointing me to Eisenhower’s letter. That was very interesting to read. Folks, check out the link she posted. Here it is again, to make it easier:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/carolynmonroe/gG5tyS
September 7, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Carol,
Thanks for pointing me to Eisenhower’s letter. That was very interesting to read. Folks, check out the link she posted. Here it is again, to make it easier:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/carolynmonroe/gG5tyS
September 8, 2008 at 5:33 am
Carrie,
I’m re-registering as Independent.
(PS: Hope you’re feeling better)
September 7, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Carrie,
I’m re-registering as Independent.
(PS: Hope you’re feeling better)
September 8, 2008 at 5:37 am
Nancy wrote:
I’m very happy you discovered this. That’s really my main goal: to motivate people to find more information for themselves in order to make better informed voting decisions. If one or two people do so, then I say (quoting the worst President in US history – GWB), “Mission Accomplished!”
September 7, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Nancy wrote:
I’m very happy you discovered this. That’s really my main goal: to motivate people to find more information for themselves in order to make better informed voting decisions. If one or two people do so, then I say (quoting the worst President in US history – GWB), “Mission Accomplished!”
September 8, 2008 at 7:31 am
oh, hey Jean, you may like the video I have on the site as well. It’s a slideshow of many frames from that shoot.
September 8, 2008 at 12:31 am
oh, hey Jean, you may like the video I have on the site as well. It’s a slideshow of many frames from that shoot.
September 9, 2008 at 12:45 am
donny dont forget about this man. i know i dont want to get you emotional but you have to watch this video and ill leave it at that.
September 8, 2008 at 5:45 pm
donny dont forget about this man. i know i dont want to get you emotional but you have to watch this video and ill leave it at that.
September 9, 2008 at 12:46 am
sorry here it is
September 8, 2008 at 5:46 pm
sorry here it is
September 9, 2008 at 3:27 am
I like this quote:
“Jesus was a community organizer. Pontius Pilate was a Governor.”
September 8, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I like this quote:
“Jesus was a community organizer. Pontius Pilate was a Governor.”
September 9, 2008 at 4:58 am
And watch this-
September 8, 2008 at 9:58 pm
And watch this-
September 9, 2008 at 5:17 am
Nancy,
About the video you just posted, here is what I just listened to that man say:
Please tell me that you HAVEN’T heard the same thing said from Evangelical pulpits time after time, usually relating to abortion. I know I have. I’ve heard preachers talk about how God is going to damn this country for the murders of innocents.
Nothing new here.
How many times have you heard people complain about the way citizens are treated here? When I worked for an employer, I remember such conversations regularly in lunch break rooms. When I was in the Navy, I heard fellow soldiers complaining about the way our government treats us.
Know what? Considering all of those who complained, I think it’s safe to say that not a single one of those boys hated their country.
I can’t say he doesn’t have a point. We did kill a lot more people with our atomic bombs than the amount killed on 9/11. And I don’t really hear anyone expressing regret for those murders. In fact, many of us consider them necessary.
But we think our enemies should never fight against us. I read a long speech by Osama Bin Laden, after the 9/11 attacks, where he listed all the reasons they had for attacking us. He listed time after time where we’ve killed his “Muslim brothers” or when we’ve supported those who have done so. Now, don’t get me wrong, because I am no Bin Laden sympathizer, but I am intelligent enough to realize that in HIS mind he had a reason to attack us. And so it goes, attacks back and forth between two enemies, tit for tat like the Hatfields and McCoys.
(For the record, I’ll post Osama’s speech as another comment)
Again, he does have a point. We support Israel in their fight against Palestinians, and then we complain when supporters of the Palestinians want to fight back. Personally, I am a fan of Israel. But my opinion is not the only opinion in the world. Some think the Palestinians deserve their land just as much or more than the Israelis. Just because I disagree with those who side with Palestinians does not mean I have the final authority to help kill those Palestinians through financial support to the Israelis. And if I choose to do so, can I honestly be surprised when retaliations occur?
And we did take an awfully long time to recognize that injustices were being committed against black people in South Africa.
The way I take this man’s sermons is the same way I take the sermon of an evangelical preacher when he says we’ll reap what we sow in regards to abortion. I take this man as saying, “we are reaping what we’ve sown”. It is his opinion on why things happen as they do. I seriously doubt he hates his country. Instead, I think he is just telling us to wake up and smell the coffee and realize our actions may come with consequences.
We seem to feel more entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness than other children of God. Every human on earth is a child of God. The Palestinian. The black South African, the Japanese person killed by one of our atomic bombs. ALL of them are God’s children.
And when we kill God’s children, can we really be outraged when they try to fight back?
We have a right to defend ourselves, but we can’t blame our enemies for striking us if we’ve struck them.
I don’t think it’s unpatriotic to point out that we reap what we’ve sown. We don’t have to be so stubbornly blinded by Patriotism that we can’t recognize that we’re not perfect. We make lots of mistakes. It’s okay to admit that. Nobody wants to deal with a person who refuses to take responsibility for his or her actions, much less a country that behaves that way.
I know a man who I respect greatly who at one time attended Jeremiah Wright’s church for awhile. I’ve heard him say a lot of good about Pastor Wright. In the course of dozens and dozens of years of life, just about anyone could have sound clips, or entire days, of their lives “played” for the country and come across as a hater of the United States. We all have days when we feel outrage.
September 8, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Nancy,
About the video you just posted, here is what I just listened to that man say:
Please tell me that you HAVEN’T heard the same thing said from Evangelical pulpits time after time, usually relating to abortion. I know I have. I’ve heard preachers talk about how God is going to damn this country for the murders of innocents.
Nothing new here.
How many times have you heard people complain about the way citizens are treated here? When I worked for an employer, I remember such conversations regularly in lunch break rooms. When I was in the Navy, I heard fellow soldiers complaining about the way our government treats us.
Know what? Considering all of those who complained, I think it’s safe to say that not a single one of those boys hated their country.
I can’t say he doesn’t have a point. We did kill a lot more people with our atomic bombs than the amount killed on 9/11. And I don’t really hear anyone expressing regret for those murders. In fact, many of us consider them necessary.
But we think our enemies should never fight against us. I read a long speech by Osama Bin Laden, after the 9/11 attacks, where he listed all the reasons they had for attacking us. He listed time after time where we’ve killed his “Muslim brothers” or when we’ve supported those who have done so. Now, don’t get me wrong, because I am no Bin Laden sympathizer, but I am intelligent enough to realize that in HIS mind he had a reason to attack us. And so it goes, attacks back and forth between two enemies, tit for tat like the Hatfields and McCoys.
(For the record, I’ll post Osama’s speech as another comment)
Again, he does have a point. We support Israel in their fight against Palestinians, and then we complain when supporters of the Palestinians want to fight back. Personally, I am a fan of Israel. But my opinion is not the only opinion in the world. Some think the Palestinians deserve their land just as much or more than the Israelis. Just because I disagree with those who side with Palestinians does not mean I have the final authority to help kill those Palestinians through financial support to the Israelis. And if I choose to do so, can I honestly be surprised when retaliations occur?
And we did take an awfully long time to recognize that injustices were being committed against black people in South Africa.
The way I take this man’s sermons is the same way I take the sermon of an evangelical preacher when he says we’ll reap what we sow in regards to abortion. I take this man as saying, “we are reaping what we’ve sown”. It is his opinion on why things happen as they do. I seriously doubt he hates his country. Instead, I think he is just telling us to wake up and smell the coffee and realize our actions may come with consequences.
We seem to feel more entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness than other children of God. Every human on earth is a child of God. The Palestinian. The black South African, the Japanese person killed by one of our atomic bombs. ALL of them are God’s children.
And when we kill God’s children, can we really be outraged when they try to fight back?
We have a right to defend ourselves, but we can’t blame our enemies for striking us if we’ve struck them.
I don’t think it’s unpatriotic to point out that we reap what we’ve sown. We don’t have to be so stubbornly blinded by Patriotism that we can’t recognize that we’re not perfect. We make lots of mistakes. It’s okay to admit that. Nobody wants to deal with a person who refuses to take responsibility for his or her actions, much less a country that behaves that way.
I know a man who I respect greatly who at one time attended Jeremiah Wright’s church for awhile. I’ve heard him say a lot of good about Pastor Wright. In the course of dozens and dozens of years of life, just about anyone could have sound clips, or entire days, of their lives “played” for the country and come across as a hater of the United States. We all have days when we feel outrage.
September 9, 2008 at 5:33 am
John,
Have you had the chance to visit the website listed at the end of the video you posted? If so, can you honestly tell me that the group doesn’t have a major agenda? Here’s their site:
http://nohussein.org/
Have you made an attempt to balance the picture shown in that video with information from wider, non-biased sources, or from sources for the other side? Like this article, perhaps:
http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2008/01/from-the-archiv.html
Or maybe this one:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0108/Live_Birth_abortion.html
There are always more sides to a story…
By the way, when it was time to actually vote on that bill, he did not vote FOR or AGAINST it. He remained neutral and did not cast a vote either way.
I doubt you or I have ever read that bill (I can actually guarantee that I haven’t). Often times politicians try to package many things into one bill. Without reading and understanding exactly what it was trying to accomplish, there is no way we can pass judgment. From what I’ve read, Obama didn’t like one of those parts that were packaged into it.
September 8, 2008 at 10:33 pm
John,
Have you had the chance to visit the website listed at the end of the video you posted? If so, can you honestly tell me that the group doesn’t have a major agenda? Here’s their site:
http://nohussein.org/
Have you made an attempt to balance the picture shown in that video with information from wider, non-biased sources, or from sources for the other side? Like this article, perhaps:
http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2008/01/from-the-archiv.html
Or maybe this one:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0108/Live_Birth_abortion.html
There are always more sides to a story…
By the way, when it was time to actually vote on that bill, he did not vote FOR or AGAINST it. He remained neutral and did not cast a vote either way.
I doubt you or I have ever read that bill (I can actually guarantee that I haven’t). Often times politicians try to package many things into one bill. Without reading and understanding exactly what it was trying to accomplish, there is no way we can pass judgment. From what I’ve read, Obama didn’t like one of those parts that were packaged into it.
September 9, 2008 at 5:47 am
PS: allowing a live baby to die was and still is a felony in Illinois. Just some food for thought.
September 8, 2008 at 10:47 pm
PS: allowing a live baby to die was and still is a felony in Illinois. Just some food for thought.
September 9, 2008 at 5:55 am
Nancy,
Before I post this, let me once again say, for the sake of any of those who may at some point wish to put words in my mouth, that I am not an Osama Bin Laden sympathizer. But for the record, here is the transcript of Osama Bin Laden’s speech from October of 2004 on why he felt the 9/11 attacks were justified:
September 8, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Nancy,
Before I post this, let me once again say, for the sake of any of those who may at some point wish to put words in my mouth, that I am not an Osama Bin Laden sympathizer. But for the record, here is the transcript of Osama Bin Laden’s speech from October of 2004 on why he felt the 9/11 attacks were justified:
September 9, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Watch this clip, it cracked me up big time:
September 9, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Watch this clip, it cracked me up big time:
September 9, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Here is another great video clip of Barack Obama speaking in an Apostolic church just this past Father’s day.
In it, he clearly states his faith in Jesus Christ, and talks a lot about being a father.
September 9, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Here is another great video clip of Barack Obama speaking in an Apostolic church just this past Father’s day.
In it, he clearly states his faith in Jesus Christ, and talks a lot about being a father.
September 9, 2008 at 8:12 pm
i hear you man, and no i did not do any research into that video as far as agendas go. and its obvious they have an agenda.
but obama speaking at a planned parenthood event…come on now. so not down with that.
September 9, 2008 at 1:12 pm
i hear you man, and no i did not do any research into that video as far as agendas go. and its obvious they have an agenda.
but obama speaking at a planned parenthood event…come on now. so not down with that.
September 10, 2008 at 7:22 am
*yawn*
Neither side is gonna change a thing. Too much money at stake.
The only people with real power to change anything is us! And we’re too busy blogging about it. Sitting in front of our (computers / blackberrys / iphones / etc.) and not REALLY doing ANYTHING about it. And the people who aren’t plugged in blogging are in front of the boob tube watching Deal Or No Deal or some other such nonsense.
Wow! I think I just discovered I’m a pessimist! LOL
September 10, 2008 at 12:22 am
*yawn*
Neither side is gonna change a thing. Too much money at stake.
The only people with real power to change anything is us! And we’re too busy blogging about it. Sitting in front of our (computers / blackberrys / iphones / etc.) and not REALLY doing ANYTHING about it. And the people who aren’t plugged in blogging are in front of the boob tube watching Deal Or No Deal or some other such nonsense.
Wow! I think I just discovered I’m a pessimist! LOL
September 11, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Donny,
Keep reading that Bible of yours. You’ll find out that Jesus was no community organizer. In fact, refusing to lead some kind of movement to “liberate” his people is one of the big reasons that got Him killed. Nor did Jesus try to leverage his “credentials” to take out a zillion of TV ads become a power monger–at least He would have had job qualifications to offer. Nor did I ever see Him get rich off His movement and getting some crooked friends helping Him buy homes. Jesus was a target of getting murdered as an infant, not an advocate of killing off our unborn or partially born.That whole comparison is just beyond insulting.
And I am sorry to say but that “Pontius Pilate” quip ranks right up there with the “lipstick on a pig” one.
Sorry if I’m venting, but I hate to see a guy who used to thoughtfully get at all kinds of issues become so gullible. I have never been a partisan advocate or a categorical defender of either political side but I find it tiresome to see Obama being given a pass on just about anything. If we as Christians don’t start paying attention we’ll soon find out how stupid the Democratic party thought we were–and how right they turned out to be.
September 11, 2008 at 10:21 am
Donny,
Keep reading that Bible of yours. You’ll find out that Jesus was no community organizer. In fact, refusing to lead some kind of movement to “liberate” his people is one of the big reasons that got Him killed. Nor did Jesus try to leverage his “credentials” to take out a zillion of TV ads become a power monger–at least He would have had job qualifications to offer. Nor did I ever see Him get rich off His movement and getting some crooked friends helping Him buy homes. Jesus was a target of getting murdered as an infant, not an advocate of killing off our unborn or partially born.That whole comparison is just beyond insulting.
And I am sorry to say but that “Pontius Pilate” quip ranks right up there with the “lipstick on a pig” one.
Sorry if I’m venting, but I hate to see a guy who used to thoughtfully get at all kinds of issues become so gullible. I have never been a partisan advocate or a categorical defender of either political side but I find it tiresome to see Obama being given a pass on just about anything. If we as Christians don’t start paying attention we’ll soon find out how stupid the Democratic party thought we were–and how right they turned out to be.
September 11, 2008 at 11:07 pm
TES,
For one thing, Barack Obama has quite a bit more experience than merely that of a community organizer. Before becoming a US Senator (3 years) he was a State Senator for 8 years. He is also the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs. He has advanced degrees from Ivy League Universities. This is no stupid man.
It is not possible for a man to live up to the example of Jesus. And since Barack will not have any impact whatsoever on the abortion issue, I look to see what he CAN accomplish. And I see a man who has goals that are CLOSER to what Jesus would do than the goals of his opponent.
As for the “lipstick on a pig”, that is SO taken out of context. It was not aimed at Sara Palin. He was, in fact, restating something John McCain had said before when McCain was attacking the policies of Hilary Clinton.
In this video, you’ll see Barack Obama and the context he used before making the “lipstick on a pig” statement, then following that it shows Senator John McCain using the exact same phrase:
In fact, that phrase is very common in politics. Here is Dick Cheney using it when talking about the policies of John Kerry:
September 11, 2008 at 4:07 pm
TES,
For one thing, Barack Obama has quite a bit more experience than merely that of a community organizer. Before becoming a US Senator (3 years) he was a State Senator for 8 years. He is also the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs. He has advanced degrees from Ivy League Universities. This is no stupid man.
It is not possible for a man to live up to the example of Jesus. And since Barack will not have any impact whatsoever on the abortion issue, I look to see what he CAN accomplish. And I see a man who has goals that are CLOSER to what Jesus would do than the goals of his opponent.
As for the “lipstick on a pig”, that is SO taken out of context. It was not aimed at Sara Palin. He was, in fact, restating something John McCain had said before when McCain was attacking the policies of Hilary Clinton.
In this video, you’ll see Barack Obama and the context he used before making the “lipstick on a pig” statement, then following that it shows Senator John McCain using the exact same phrase:
In fact, that phrase is very common in politics. Here is Dick Cheney using it when talking about the policies of John Kerry:
September 11, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I enjoyed watching this speech by Joe Biden in regards to the Iraq War:
September 11, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I enjoyed watching this speech by Joe Biden in regards to the Iraq War:
September 12, 2008 at 4:27 am
I like this:
An American
You probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American. So I just thought I would write to let them know what an American is, so they would know when they found one.
An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan. An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.
An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them choose.
An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.
An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each man and woman to the pursuit of happiness.
An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. The best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes.
Americans welcome the best, but they also welcome the least. The national symbol of America welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed.
These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers in the morning of September 11, earning a better life for their families. [I’ve been told that the people in the Towers were from at least 30, and maybe many more, other countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.]
So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.
So look around you. You may find more Americans in your land than you thought were there. One day they will rise up and overthrow the old, ignorant, tired tyrants that trouble too many lands. Then those lands, too, will join the community of free and prosperous nations.
And America will welcome them.
Copyright Peter Ferrara
professor of law at the George Mason University School of Law in Northern Virginia.
September 11, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I like this:
An American
You probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American. So I just thought I would write to let them know what an American is, so they would know when they found one.
An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan. An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.
An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them choose.
An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.
An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each man and woman to the pursuit of happiness.
An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. The best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes.
Americans welcome the best, but they also welcome the least. The national symbol of America welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed.
These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers in the morning of September 11, earning a better life for their families. [I’ve been told that the people in the Towers were from at least 30, and maybe many more, other countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.]
So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.
So look around you. You may find more Americans in your land than you thought were there. One day they will rise up and overthrow the old, ignorant, tired tyrants that trouble too many lands. Then those lands, too, will join the community of free and prosperous nations.
And America will welcome them.
Copyright Peter Ferrara
professor of law at the George Mason University School of Law in Northern Virginia.
September 13, 2008 at 3:22 am
And on Biden’s speech I just say WOW.
I know I don’t know much, but I think so many lives were lost needlessly in Iraq and I don’t really get why we are still there.
September 12, 2008 at 8:22 pm
And on Biden’s speech I just say WOW.
I know I don’t know much, but I think so many lives were lost needlessly in Iraq and I don’t really get why we are still there.