How can the Right and the Republicans EVER talk about protecting "the rights of the people, especially the minority."

When they were in power, they used every dirty trick (can you say "Tricky Dick"), and went so far as to break federal laws (Influencing Federal Attorneys) in the pursuit of their agenda; the list of their ethical indiscretions and felonies over the last 14 years are too numerous and sickening to compile here. The worst is that they unabashedly stated that it was their time and that all other other opinions could go have a seat in the corner, because they would not be heard.

The Right and the Republicans have invoked God and Business to systematically restrict and deny the rights and priviledges of minorities of Race, Color, and Creed.

Now that they have been turned out of office for fraud and incompetence, they are shameless is still demanding to be heard. They should be quiet and happy that the people haven't decided to pursue the legal options against them.

I don't see pushing health care reform through because it was what Ted wanted. I believe Kerry spoke too soon when he said it would get done. The congress, time and again, steps on the will of the American people. Maybe, that's why the approval rating of congress was lower than Bush? I'm really starting to give some thought to these groups that say just clean the place out and start over again. Lieberman said it right. Health care reform isn't a must do, right now, issue. Social Security and Medicare, for me, have a lot higher priority. I believe this budget deficit and national debt. are REAL problems that need to be addressed now, not 10 or 15 years down the line.

Stan W.--Thanks for the post. I don't agree with you on a few things, but I like good posts with good ideas.

There is little question about what the democrats have in mind, here and things like honor, integrity and morality, will not be allowed tostop their march into quasi socialism.

What minority are you speaking of? The political Republican minority? Are you serious. And where was this "minority" when they badgered and threatened the Democratic minority with redistricting, "Unpatriotism",and the "nuclear" option if they filibustered the appointment of certain Conservative Supreme Court justices.

I'll tell you where you were: Laughing at the cowering Democrats who were afraid that the label of Liberal would lose them their office.

Do you think I have that short of memory? Either you do, and not surprising, or you have selective memory when it gives justification to your rant.

Liberals= corrupt

Narvic007 and Colin in Canada I always thought that America was the Mexico under Canada. I always believed Canada to be a first world country. I am glad to see Canadians prove me right with overwhelming evidence. I would love to see America stop being so arrogant that they believe they can learn from neither Canada or Europe. America imagines it self special and believes that as a country they do not have to care for its citizens. America believes it's mere existence to be above all others with out earning anything to gain such heights. Of course this is extreme arrogance. If this were ancient times America would get invaded by someone else who knows that when countries are at such arrogant levels that is when it is best to conquer them. America is only getting away with this conceit because in the modern world people do not just lie and wait to invade one another other wise America would get a kick in the butt which she more than deserves.

Back to Canada. Boy I would love to live in a country where you can look at your fellow citizens as possible friends and not competitors to be feared. Many Americans are "Ferrel" by the time they hit 30. The harsh struggle to survive makes them wild like any cougar. In Europe and other countries Darwinsm is taught as scientific fact but here it is worshipped as an ideal. The Christians lead this charge because it is them who pushed this small government thing on us since Reagan. It is the Christians who want everyone in America to scratch and claw for existence. There is no high ideals like invention, scientific discovery or care for the health and welfare of our citizens. I many times think how I should just pack my bags and move to Canada. Or how nice it would be if Europe and Canada decided to invade America and fix it since America has shown itself to have neither the intelligence or the will to do change for the better on behalf of it's citizens. You are so lucky not to have to put up with the Christian right.

11 million people are out of work, jobs are going overseas, spending is at an all time high, SS is out the window and medicare going in the tank. What did Kennedy do now for us Americans? I'm sorry, I don't see the bennies of his tenure.

Fred Bastiat:

Your facts fall far short of the truth. There is a move to change the law; however, it is not as you state. The current law states that there will be a special election held five months after the senate seat is vacated. The change that is being purposed will allow the governor to appoint some one to fill the seat UNTIL the special election. That way the citizens of Massachusetts have the full representation they deserve. Get your facts st right. I noticed Governor Charlie Cris of Florida wasted no time in APPOINTING some one to fill the seat of Mel Martinez. You must be one of those Republican hypocrites.

The author of this piece got one thing right in pointing out that the Democrats are pimping socialism, irresponsibility, and the ideals of foreign nations over the traditional ideals of the United States of America.

The pro Canadian post is evident of this fact. You can always count on third persons to inject their perspective into an argument in an obvious attempt to pimp their ideals as the new truth, but having family connection to Canada I can testify that Canada is a third world nation that embraces foreign investment over natural born citizens while selling immorality as the new morality.

Misery loves company.

Navick007 and Colin – Thanks to You and Wish Us Well

Thank you so much, your posts should be required reading for all that appoint themselves to speak for you, and demean Canada and the Canadian people in the process. Mind you, these people have never sought medical treatment nor have been to your great country. I live in a resort valley on the West Coast, and I meet hundreds of Canadians each winter. I have to assume life is not so bad because so many have second homes here and my average fellow American can only dream of having a first home in this valley. Natasha, poor thing, may she rest in peace, refused treatment twice and was alert and communicating. She was suffering from what is a “slow Bleed”, that even if airlifted to a clinic with a cat scan may not have detected the type bleeding she was experiencing. I have studied her death and could go into much more detail. Let her rest in peace and how low can my fellow citizens go to use her to bash Canada. These are the same uncivilized mongrels that malign Senator Kennedy and drag thru the gutter, as they use and abuse her good name, a lady of high and noble ideals whose parents long, long ago forgave the Senator…… Evil knows no boundaries.

Long Live Canada.

Jml - Thanks - A Little Truth, I hope, Goes A long Way '

"Facts, Those subborn little things, that just won't go away"

Randy K -

Last Updated: Tuesday, June 9, 2009 some numbers from our CIA

Canada's income per person grew twice as fast as that in the United States over the past four years, according to a study released Tuesday.

“CIBC World Markets Inc. said the country's real personal disposable income — what you get to spend once you subtract price increases — has risen $2,600 since 2005, double the $1,300 US gain that Americans enjoyedThe bank said Canada's stellar per-capita income performance was almost enough to wipe out the disparity between U.S. and Canadian earnings levels that had built up during the previous 15 years."This trend is a complete reversal of the trajectory seen in the 1990s when Canadian incomes stagnated alongside surging U.S. incomes," said Benjamin Tal, CIBC economist and author of the study. In dollar figures, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency estimated per-capita income in the United States at $47,000 US in 2008 versus Canada's $39,300 US for the same year.

Comparing non-Middle Eastern oil-rich economies, Norway ranked ahead of the United States in terms of per-person money at $55,200 in 2008, according to the spy agency.” Now subtract from the diposable out of pocket costs if you get sick, health insurance, or one of your family members , and oops, you have less than our nieghbors to the north. Almost forgot, big Phrma has persauded or is pushing to stop Americans from fullfilling medical prescriptions from, you guessed it, Canada.

Interesting little number, homicides in total numbers for us 16,000 plus, one of our lowest years (2008), Canada 594 in 2007. I could not find numbers for 2008. Though we can say they would be very likely to be about the same, with a high probability. Don’t forget to subtract the high cost for ammunition, I bought a generic 9mm box for target practice at the cheapest place I could find, Walmart, $18, wanted hollow point Remington $35 per or more. That’s for California, maybe cheaper were you live. Needless to say I don’t go to the local target range like I used too. Take away the hiden costs to live from the $47,000 per for us, insurance premiums, cop-pays, medical needs not covered by your health plan, medications and you quickly see we are at or lower than, that’s right, Canada. Life sucks.

I voted for health care reform. I voted in an agenda that has a greater regard for American citizens. If you want to call that "liberal", so be it. I voted against the right and their oh-so-political big business decision making.

So, Democrats, DO NOT wimp out on us. We voted for change. Do it right, but change the f#$king thing.

Here we go again, the libs and their heroes, this is another example of desperation and the making of a silk purse from the ear of a souse.

Try traits like character, honesty, integrity or love of country, loyalty and being forthright.....so far your rather unclear on this point, and seem to get it backwards.

stanw:

Lieberman said it right. Health care reform isn't a must do, right now, issue. Social Security and Medicare, for me, have a lot higher priority. I believe this budget deficit and national debt. are REAL problems that need to be addressed now, not 10 or 15 years down the line.

Healthcare reform has been a must do for 30 years and Lieberman knows it, but won't admit it because he kisses the right. SS and Medicare should have been worked on years ago also, but the last administration didn't want to touch anything except their own wars and lies!!

I see plenty of liberal views expressed on this website. I see plenty of attacks and name calling by liberals against conservatives. I see liberals saying that they wish the conservatives would just shut up and go away.

BUT WHAT I HAVE NOT SEEN IS ANY LIBERAL ATTEMPT TO JUSTIFY WHAT THE MASS. DEMS ARE TRYING TO PULL BY CHANGING THE LAW ON SELECTING KENNEDY'S REPLACEMENT.

I would like to see just one liberal attempt to justify the change in the law by saying something besides:

1. Well, we're in power and we can do what we want to do so shut up and get over it;

or

2. Well, the Republicans are crooked and corrupt too so its OK to do what we want.

I would like to see some liberal step up like a man (or woman) and articulate the reasons why the law should be changed.

YOU CANNOT DO IT. THE SILENCE IS DEAFENING.

Good comment Alan, but are you really expecting a liberal to craft a thoughtful, well reasoned, rational argument in defense of this corrupt attempt to change the law regarding Kennedy's replacement?

Liberals usually just go with their feelings or whatever is politically expedient for them. They do not have to justify their actions because even if it is morally wrong, the ends justify the means. Liberals know they are right and so anything goes. Principles do not matter.

It is unnecessary for a liberal to have to defend and justify their actions. It is a good thing too, because most of time, it cannot be done. We will watch and see if anyone accepts the challenge. I doubt it will happen.

Alan--Like anyone wants to defend that issue...even the Dems don't like it.

But is that the only issue you have? You guys pick some (relatively) tiny issue and keep hounding at it as if you have won some kind of war. It's gets so repetitive and boring that we stop listening to you and start talking amongst ourselves.

WE'RE NOT SILENT, YOU'RE JUST NOT LISTENING.

The manipulation of the law to further the interests of a party, not the people, is not a minor issue, no matter which party engages in such behavour.

It is an issue because it is indicative of the current crop of politicians complete disgregard for the law of the land - in this case a law they made for their benefit, and now want to change for their benefit.

It is an issue because if you take this sense of entitlement all the way up to the White House and the current Congress and administration, it is the kind of misuse of power that sent nearly a trillion dollars of tax payer money to corrupt banks with no strings attached - against the will of the people.  It took another $787 billion in taxpayer money, 100% deficit spending, and allocated it towards a pork filled, thus far less than spectacular stimulus package.

It is an issue of trust.  If the people we elect decide they can change the laws under which we elected them at will, what will they do next to increase their own power and decrease ours?

Bravo, Pragmatic

Can I just call you Pragmatic? I agree 100% on the issue, and on the entitlement. It is even worse than you say, because it wasn't law, it was part of the state's constitution. BUT...we have survived this type of thing before, and we will again...at least until we get fair elections, free of special interest monies.

You had me all the way up 'til the deficit. I think, and so do most people, that the stimulus has worked, that it would be much worse without it. I also haven't heard any other suggestions.

I still agree with you on the trust issue. I trust this administration MUCH more than I have any in the last eight years.

No, I don't live in MA, but the person who replaces Kennedy has the potential to effect legislation that impacts the entire country.

Therefore, it does concern me, and everyone in the country that the Democratic party is changing a law it already changed once to their advantage, which is not necessarily the will of the people.

The people who elected them.  We all, liberals and conservatives alike, sometimes forget - they are supposed to be working for us.  Not us working so they can levy taxes to pay for their pet projects.

hope they don't try to cram another platinum spoon up their ass Kennedy down our throats. This is not a Kingdom and no family should be place on a false throne like the kennedys were. Sickening

As to the legal side of this issue, it should be handled according to the law and the U.S. Constitution. I have lived long enough to see both parties abuse the democratic process.

I believe that people here missed the point that the initial poster was making. I believe that the first post on this section was talking about Kennedy as a great Statesmen and how difficult it would be to find the next. He was making a statement about Kennedy's character not a legal statement. His statement would be like when Albert Einstein died and someone said who can replace such a great physicist and mind as Einstein. Here was a political statesmen and maybe the last of a breed so it is natural for people to hope that someone will come in his stead. Today we have crooks in congress.

A Little Observation –The People of Massachusetts

You may have missed it, but the state is every “blue”, and they can change the process if they so wish. If there is a right-winger in the whole state, he or she is outnumbered like 10,000 to one. The state is very ‘Liberal”, and if the representatives of the people can and looks as though they will change the law so be it. If you don’t like it, you can move there and change the political make up of the state. Its called Representative Democracy”, you might have heard of the concept.

My state is very Republican. Florida is very right wing. It is rare in deed to find a liberal here.

Anakin -

Sorry to tell you, about the news, and no offense. But, Obama won the presidential elcetion in great part because he won, you might have forgotton, Florida.

Obama won in Florida because he is a DINO (Democrat In Name Only). His ideas are republican. Obama is not liberal just because he is black does not make him liberal. Hillary was more left than Obama. I could not tell the difference between McCain and Obama except skin color. Ralph Nader was liberal. I voted Nader. I did not vote Obama too far to the right for my vote. In my town most people are in the Christian Right. There are 2,000 Christian Churches in town. You can not get more right wing than rich Sarasota Florida. Even Bush needed to come here to get money and support. Sarasota is central to the Republican party as much as Texas. The really big wigs come here. The other place equal to Sarasota is West Palm Beach or Texas.

Anakin,

I guess your post is living proof that Republicans will say what they think they need to say when they need to say it. Is Obama centrist? Is he a conservative in liberal clothing as you claim? I thought he was socialist or communist or fascist, isn't he? Is he an Arab? A Muslim? Kenyan?

No, he's American. And the sooner you guys quit trying to figure out "what" to call him and "what" race or religion or nationality to blame, the sooner we can get down to solving America's issues.

The same goes for the churches... maybe more so.

Alan,

I suppose I'm your liberal that will comment on the attempted law change in Mass...

I am absolutely against it. Democrats need to take the high road and stay off the path that took down the Republican party... the end NEVER justifies the means.

OK, Fred and Alan, you want to talk about something? Let's talk about protecting the rights of the people, especially the minority!

You brought it up, Fred, you said the Left wasn't protecting your rights, so how does the Right and the Republicans have the gall to talk about protecting the rights of the people, especially the minority?

You still haven't answered me.

So multiple wrongs make a right, then?

Is that really all you have in defense of political power grabbing that tramples the laws, laws this party made in the first place?

Don't try to draw a line here equating this to discrimination, because both parties are equally dirty handed when it comes to playing to minorities, and then failing to deliver what they have promised.

Why is it the only thing a liberal can come up with, no matter what the issue at hand, is "RACIST!!!!@!!"? Talk about boring....

Eapeau: You fell right into it just like Alan said you would.

Alan said to try to defend it without saying the Republicans are not any better. You basically saying, Well, the Republicans are bad too.

THAT'S NO DEFENSE. THAT JUST AN EXCUSE, AN EXCUSE FOR DOING SOMETHING THAT YOU KNOW FULL WELL IS JUST PLAIN WRONG.

This is the problem, if the Dems have no respect for the rules and the law, then why should anyone else? When that happens, my friends, revolution is not far behind.

Eapeau: I take issue with your attempt to marginalize the issue relating to the Dems blatant attempt to usurp power. It must be important or the Dems would not have brought it up. It must be important or Diane Sawyer wouldn't be interviewing the governor of Mass. about it. It must be important or the governor would not have commented that he would sign the bill as soon as it was passed.

IT IS IMPORTANT, and here's why. Obama's attempt to socialize everything in this country from healthcare to the banking and auto industries cannot move forward without a 60 seat super majority in the Senate. So, your comment that the issue is of no importance has no credibility. It is hard to listen to someone who has nothing meaningful to say.

SOMEBODY GIVE ME SOME REAL COMPETITION HERE! NOW, I AM GETTING BORED.

Both you sillies: I answered you question: Nobody wants to defend it. But it is a state issue, and unless you live there, you don't get a say. UNLESS, you believe that the federal gov't has the right to trample on the state's rights.

I think the trust issue is big, and probably the most important, but it is still just a political issue. I don't think that the person appointed will be significantly different from anyone else. I am just being Pragmatic.

I HAVE ANSWERED YOUR QUESTION, I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT ANYMORE! NOW ANSWER MINE.

How does the Right and the Republicans have the gall to talk about protecting the rights of the people, especially the minority?

C'mon, Alan, if you're so bored let's go one on one. That was a cheap shot, I would expect more from you...well, I would expect more from pretty much anyone. Now, can we play clean.

You know that in this age of the 24-hour news cycle, every issue is a 'historic' issue. That every issue is important, thus, none of them are. So, you can think it's important, but in 6 months, most people won't even remember it.

And, you know the Obama doesn't have his super majority. They are called blue dog Democrats.

And the Socialized Health Care, banking, and car industry remark was just rhetorical fantasy. If you are going to play the game, follow the rules and don't make stuff up.

Has Fred answered my question, yet, I haven't looked. Actually, has he even acknowled it, yet.

Eapeau: Thank you for conceding the point, but I am still looking for others to step up.

As for your question, your question is vague and without specifics, but allow me to respond in this fashion. I prefer the label conservative. The Republican party has let us down recently. I am hoping they will return to their base.

Generally speaking, conservatives are hard working, self-reliant, moral, law abiding citizens. Most are God fearing, but not all. Most are compassionate, but not all. I cannot think of any group who of people, who, as a whole, speak more about freedom, individual rights and protecting those rights than conservatives. Conservatives more than any other group have supported and defended the rights of the people, including the minority.

Conservatives believe in the rule of law and that the rights of the people are superior to the government. The government does not give rights to the people. The people give permission to the government to govern, but only in limited areas and in a limited fashion. Thus, conservatives truly are champions of the people. It is the government (and its corrupt leaders) that must be feared.

The people have never given the government the right to steal from one group to give to another. That is socialism. Socialism is immoral. Socialism is merely legalized stealing. Nothing more. Conservatives passionately believe that this must be stopped. Go to a tea party or town hall meeting and you will see what I mean.

ALAN, Be merciful, consider the plight of a supporter of the Democratic Parasitical Party, facts to defend the Party/president/Massachusetts, right now are at a premium, difficult to find.

Alan--great post. Except for a couple of things, that would make me a Conservative. I think most Liberals are the same way.

The 'question' referred to the 1st two posts, about being a minority under the neo-cons.

Unfortuneately, I have to go to work making sure that none of your political dreams come true. It has been fun, but I wish the whole conversation had been like the last post.

May we meet again.

Hey Guys – Lets Stop Arguing

The people’s representatives can introduce a bill to change the law real quick so they can have full representation in the nations capital, of two Senators like all the other states. There is nothing new about this procedure, and it is perfectly legal. There is nothing we can do about it. I understand your frustration, but that is the way a representative government works. The governor can sign or veto the new law or send it back for revisions. It looks to me as if the governor wants a law to sign real quickly. What can we do? Nothing.

The Right love democracy, except when the people don't vote the way they want them to.

Ted Kennedy did wonderful things for the people he knew, the people of his state, and the people of the US. He achieved greatness through perservance and hard work. For all that JFK stands for, including getting us to the moon, I would argue that Sen. Edward Kennedy helped more people and had a greater impact on the nation.

These little people, these Runaways, who spread dirty little lies, are the gnats that circle the heads of great men. They make up lies, like that MJK was pregnant, and refuse to understand the difference between an accident and murder. They refuse to believe the truth because, to believe the truth would mean having to take a stand on honest ground, and they have no ground to stand on.

Even those who vehemently hate Sen. Kennedy should be thankful for all that he has done, and for how he has helped them and their community through the years.

great name, runnaway.......please, do so!

Dennis, you need to look only as far as the current administration for the biggotry you so despise. Look who has been appointed to high ranking positions, look who are the "czars". Look who's pockets are getting lined by legislation, the type of which Obama promised to stop. Does the name Soros mean anything to you?

Both parties are guilty, in the past and in the present.

The question becomes, what do we do about the future?

I found the line in this article saying how Kennedy was insulated against campaign contribution problems by his own wealth very telling. It's very easy to be liberal, when you either have millions upon millions of your own money, or you're spending other peoples money.

Forcibly taking the wealth of the American people and redistributing it to people judged to have more need of it goes against every prinicple upon which this country was founded, when done to the extent this and the past administration have gone. Notice I said "and the past administration", because until you're mature enough to realize the Democrats do not own liberalism any more than the Republicans own conservatism, you cannot fully appreciate the dangerous path this country is on.

Kennedy was a legendary statesman, and even though I rarely agreed with his positions on entitlements, I always respected his dignity.

The question we as a country need to ask ourselves is, at what point does helping the "needy" do them more harm than good? At what point does taking the non-needy's money forcibly from them, to redistribute it to the "needy", create a class of people permantently unable to do for themselves - because they were never forced to learn how? There is an old saying, you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.

Recognizing that tens of trillions of dollars of debt, an annual deficit nearing $2 trillion, and continued wanton spending is simply unsustainable is not biggotry: it's reality.

PragmaticToAFault--I can't believe that you pulled out that old "benign neglect" chestnut. Nixon and Moynihan didn't do too good with it, and I don't think you will have much luck with it.

Then you use Reagan's urban myth of generations of welfare mothers. Actually, there are some, but a very small number. According to a Catholic study (kinda old: 1980s), something like 90% of people on any kind of assistance were off within two years. Most of the others within five years.

PragmaticToAFault: If you meet a starving man, first you feed him, than you teach him how to fish. That is the Christian and moral thing to do.

You're right, debt is a problem, and we will be paying for our MiddleEast misadventures and graft and loans for generations. But you can't put it at the feet of this President, not yet, he is just trying to keep his head above water. I don't agree with the way he is trying to solve some of the problems, but I'm not hearing any other suggests (other than 'don't do anything.')

DENNIS, Not only, will we take it back, we will reform it, this time.

We conservatives have to should the blame for a lot of the things, Obama has inflicted on this country. Last year we looked at J McCain and Barak Obama and a lot of us, just stayed home others voted for Ron Paul, others even Ralph Nader. Dennis there is one thing you can take to the bank, we will be there in 2010 and 2012, you can look for record conseratives turnouts in both of those years.

Once we send Obama back to checking in voting corpes in Cook County elections,. we are going to play some catchup.

Normallly, we let you keep all your little leech programs, that you stole while you were in power, this time there Sunshine, we are going to take back a lot of your leech programs, all you little leeches better learn how to work, or it's going to get hungry.

If you think "needy" refers only to the storied welfare mother, your scope of understanding is a bit limited. It's also entirely possible I wasn't completely clear in that post.

When I say "needy", I include in that the millions of illegal aliens being harbored in this country, to the detriment of the country, by liberal immigration policies and lack of enforcement. They take much, and give back little to nothing.

I include third world and barely above third world countries, to whom we send billions for no purpose but to bribe their corrupt governments, while people in this country - citizens - needs aren't met.

I include the "needy" war mongering machine, one thing for which I will join in your chorus of "it's Bush's fault!!!11!!@!". We should not be in Iraq, but nor should we be in Afghanistan, where Obama has led us - while simultaeously NOT leading us out of Iraq in any expedient way.

And yes, I include entitlement programs that are abused to the tune of billions and billions annually, programs like Section 8, welfare, etc. etc. I don't debate that they should exist: people need assistance from time to time. I argue their level of use in generation after generation, I argue their inefficiency and I argue their abuse.

The far left tends to forget the "teaching" part, and only remembers the "giving" part. Admirable, but painfully short sighted, and the resulting problems will come home to roost eventually.

I will be there in 2010 also, and many many others who are not old, white and narrowed minded

This is where those on the Right don't understand the political spectrum. Compared to the rest of the developed nations, the current Democratic Party is conservative and the Republicans are moving dangerously close to the true meaning of facism (I truly did not mean that as an insult, but as a technical term.)

I would be overjoyed if the Dems moved to the center, where the Greens are. I would also be overjoyed if we could go to Public Finance of Elections, break this monopoly that the Dems and Reps have on the gov't, and have some real third parties.

As conservative as this country is (in some locations), I would be happy to fight for the soul of America in real, honest elections. A generation of private-interest-money free elections would change the face of this country.

Gee, Larry, you seemed so nice and rational until you went on that rant.

BTW, that JFK quote, if you really dig into it, is darn near communist--y'know, the whole "from those who have, to those who need." I didn't take you for a communist.

You are correct it is very close, people do not exist for the benefit of the nation, nations are formed for the benefit of it's citizens.

The perfect government is one where you have to look up the names of elected officials.

Your post name speaks for itself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Indeed!!

At least you spelled riddance correctly!

myfreedomforever--your post speaks for itself. Hate is hate, and there is not much changing it.

To my leftest friends: It's 8:45 on Saturday morning. I just spent a couple of fun hours defending myself from rabid conservatives. I answered every post, talked about every idea, and now it seems they have all gone.

The sane people here on Newsvine have to fight those on the right, or they will dominate. They don't play fair, so, if they hit you first, hit them back harder. Everytime they bring up a Dem issue, hit with the 8 years of Bush. Make them talk about the real issues, and if they don't answer, ask again.

It not always about winning, but it is always about showing up for the fight.

Now, I have to get ready for work and make all their political dreams disappear.

Keep up the good fight.

"myfreedom..." let me correct you. The nation will shed itself of this "cancerous threat" when you are your sort die, either figuratively or anatomically. That was one of the most hateful and inaccurate posts I've read in a long time.

blind radicals don't care about facts. they rely on the gov't for handouts and don't want to work for advancement, but to have everything equal. enjoy your so called free(from my tax money) socialist programs while you can.

I'm still here, eapeau, and I have answered you, not with hate or name calling, not with defense of Bush which you will never get from me. He was a liberal, plain and simple, and if you don't like his policies then those of this administration shouldn't really please you any more than his.

But this is where you might get caught in semantics, because Bush was a liberal, but he was also a Republican. A terrible one, one the likes of which drive moderates like myself (a registered Democrat, btw) away in droves.

Believe what you will about the MA Governor running roughshod over the State's constitution, believe if you want that it's a "minor point".

How am I not fighting fair? I have called no names, I have stated my respect for Sen. Kennedy despite disagreeing with the policies he endorsed.

"Hit back, and hit back harder?" You make me very sad about the state of things in this country, where the extreme rules the day and the moderate, sensible voice is lost in fray.

Eapeau, you have done your part to confront right wing fanatics. Good. I wish more would do so because I get so tired of only hearing them speak. They give the false impression that they represent all of America. They don't. I think oftentimes liberals don't like the dirty business of confrontation. It makes one sick. I have days I withdraw from these sorts of discussions because it can ruin my mood for the whole day. For my own mental sanity, I often will have times I avoid news and especially Republican diatribes.

Republicans must enjoy mudfights. That is why they are there all the time. The stinking mess that society has become does not bother them for the same reason that certain kinds of fish are bottom feeders.

The old fashioned liberal has higher and more civilized sensitivities and does not like to spend time on the foul mucky bottom. Once in a great while we hold our nose and go into the fray.

Truth is truth and facts are facts and I simply comment on both. Of course viewing the same through myopic eyes as you appear to do, would by its nature tend to produce somewhat of a fuzzy image where sin isn't really sin, and evil not evil. A mere "misunderstanding?" Maturity at all levels of life demands that we take personal responsibility for our actions, especially when in the full glare of public and civic duty. If you can't operate by the standards move the heck out of the way and make room for someone who can. Simple

My comments are not leftist/rightist/Republican/Democrat, they are reflective of the ultimate corruption that will eventually ring the death-knell of this nation unless we begin to get back to the very principles upon which the United States was founded. When we place our future in the hands of 100 Senators, 435 Congressmen, 9 Supreme Court Judges, a grand total of 544 people in a population of over 300 million, we'd better have a system of checks and balances that holds each and every one of them accountable. Additionally any President (Republican, Democrat, Independent or otherwise) who surrounds himself with 40-something highly-paid and unelected "Czars" (which nearly every President going back to JFK has orchestrated at some point or other) had also better be held to task as to what he's up to, or be impeached. Doesn't ANYONE out there actually READ the Constitution? And I haven't even got to my article on what the Federal Reserve and Bernanke is all about, which is another illegal entity that simply has too much power. Obviously, any writer doing what I do will be more focused on current administrations because they are the ones in whose hands our future lies, but those who've known me for the past umpteen years will inform you that I show no allegiance to anything or anyone except the truth and the facts. And that's a fact. As James Madison warned the nation when he himself became President in 1809: I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpation. Power corrupts, but ultimate power corrupts ultimately. As a citizen or resident of the US stay on guard and keep watch. Get engaged and don't spectate. Thanks for your input.

The immediate response to you would simply be "don't read what I write" just go somewhere else where your comfort level can repose and you won't have to get yourself all of a twitter over something somebody wrote that you don't agree with. Very sincerely, I DON'T throw stones anywhere. As to "what somebody did forty years ago" I personally take that VERY seriously, because what I did forty years ago affects who I am today, who my children are today, what the world THINKS of me today, and (had I been in politics or any other public/civic occupation) what IMPACT my presence had on the world I now reside in. Am I leaving it better or worse than it was when I was of an age that I could make a difference? Kennedy and all his contemporaries influenced in some way how today's politicians conduct themselves. And unfortunately, the picture is not a very pretty one. Now, you can like it, leave it, lump it or change it. Just quit moaning about me and DO something about it yourself. Peace

Please be more specific as to what exactly you are attempting to comment on. As to my own defence your honor, here goes: Basically my article consists of 5 paragraphs, so ... Para 1) Intro, anything wrong with that? ... 2) July 18th 1969 at around midnight the saga began. Do the math on the years, days, the year since the endorsement, then tell me where I screwed up ... 3) This only makes sense, I would agree, if you believe that there is a God and creator. We came into this world with nothing, and we're sure gonna leave with nothing. To quote: Tis but one life, t'will soon be past; what's done for Christ (ie helping fellow-man) alone will last ... 4) Again, this only applies if you believe that sin and evil exist in the world, but I would posit that most people would agree ... 5) Absolutely true on all counts. Or don't you read any newspapers or other information sources? If not, stay tuned to this website and you'll be edified in short order ... The quote from Thomas Paine is straight out of the history books - or don't you study history either? This website can help you with this too ... Thanks for your input and please, chill out. Life is good. Enjoy.

au contraire, fulfilling the sentiment in its entirety. The fact is that if the Clintons, Bidens, Kennedy's, Sanford's, and everyone else in the public spotlight were to follow the same dictate, they wouldn't be in the messes that they find themselves in. Or don't you understand what "wholesome restraint" means? Let me help you out by saying that the exact opposite would perhaps be defined as "excessive overindulgence." 'nuff said

myfreedomforever -

I have to go but I just read some interesting debt numbers, from our CIA website and other links I went too to confirm the dollars.

National Debt when Bush took office 5.8 Trillion. When he left 9.85 Trillion, I hear his administration took the War cost in Iraq off the books, I can't say he did at this time. Now National Debt 11.7 Trillion. Where did all the money go under Bush I don't know. Under Obama bail out after bail out of the banks, and the stimuluous and the clunker deal to save our auto industry. They say he stopped what would have been a greater depression than the "Great Depression". I say good if he did, I don't think that would have been to cool, which ever party is in power.

Commonsense...

Facts...please Google to prove.

When George W. Bush took office the national debt on 1/20/01 was:$5,727,776,738,394.64 when Bush left office on 1/20/09 the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08........The National Debt as of 8/29/09 @ 5:00p.m. is......................... $11,732,444,259,362.09

Interest that is accruing on George W. Bush's portion of the National Debt is $600 Billion a year and growing.

Vitters,Ensign,Sanford,Don Sherwood (who tried to kill his mistress), Foley, Craig all Republicans.

Please Google Don Sherwood...Congressman from PA

Hey Marcia, sounds great, but I don't think you know Joe Republican very well. Just who do you think paid for all of these programs? Have you ever thought about that? It wasn't Santa Claus, and it wasn't poor people. So, who was it do you think?

Riiiiiight, evil Republicans and other hard working Americans just like them.

By the way, Joe Republican didn't ask for your help, doesn't need your help and doesn't want your help. He doesn't need liberals or the Government looking out for him. He can make it on his own.

He is self-reliant, and he is not afraid. He works hard for his money and doesn't mind it. He doesn't want a hand out. When times are tough he and his family members, his church, and his community pull together to help one another relying on faith in God to see them through.

He's a patriot. He's a former US Marine, and his dad was too. He and his father have paid for years out of their own earnings for the right to draw social security. He will never get back anywhere near as much as he has paid in.

What Joe Republican wants is opportunity. He wants the Government to get its hand out of his pocket and off of his back. He wants the Government to stop squandering money that it doesn't have trying to buy votes for the next election. He wants the Government to stop giving his tax money, his kids money, and his grandkids money, away to people who didn't earn it and don't deserve it. All he wants is the opportunity to seek the American dream. He doesn't require anything more than that.

He's proud to be an American, but he is not proud of his Government. He's proud of his country even though our President is not and has run all over the world aplogizing, bowing and kowtowing to our enemies.

Joe is afraid of his Government and that's exactly why he's spent the last nine months getting ready to defend himself and his family against the possibility that a Civilian Defense Force will be unleashed to try to intimidate, harass, throttle and control Americans like him.

I've got news for you, my friend, Joe Republican fears his Government more than anything else in the world. The Government is not his friend. You wouldn't know anything about that because you see I know you are not Joe, or perhaps, Jane Republican. You really don't know how he thinks, but you will find out soon enough. Joe Republican doesn't expect you to get it. He just expects you and your liberal friends to get out of his way and for you to get off of his back.

That's how it looks to Joe Republican.

Marcia, that was a good one. I am showing that one to friends.

Oh yes Alan........as one of the 200,000 Pennsylvania Republicans that left the party between 2004-2008 because of Rick "Rubber Stamp" Santorum and Congressman Don Sherwood of the 10th district...........and a REPUBLICAN FOR OVER 45 YEARS......I'M DAMN WELL AWARE OF JOE REPUBLICAN.

There is a family in Pennsylvania that doesn't have a son, there are 17 others around the country that don't have children because of Halliburton/Cheney electrocuting them.........and I'll dance in the streets when the SOB/MF Cheney's funeral is on TV

Well said Alan. Looks like you shot poor John Gray's essay full of holes.

People always forget that the Government does not create wealth; it just redistributes it. The money that the Government spends comes from a real person who earned and produced it. Don't start talking about corporations; all corporations are owned by real, live people. Corporations do not own themselves; they are owned by people.

Free enterprise and hard working people create wealth, not the Government. They are the producers. The undeniable fact is that the Government relies upon the producers of society. It must tax them to exist. There is no other way.

The Government and the liberals of our society can loosely be categorized as the looters and moochers. They are always generous with other people's money. They always want something for nothing. They want to be given a portion of the earnings of others without having to work for it. That's just the way it is.

The Government takes from this person and gives it to that person. It takes money from those who earned it and gives it to those who did not. It's really hard to argue otherwise. You don't need to take money from yourself and then give it back to yourself. That's just not how it works.

The problem is that the Government just can't keep its hands off of other people's money. It just cannot resist the temptation to steal it from the producers and then give away to those who never earned and have no right to it.

That's just the way it is and has been for years. From those according to their ability to those according to their need (and vote) as determined by the...., you guessed it,.....Government.

My eyes roll once again as I hear yet another Republican diatribe. Keep it up guys, we are well on our way to barbarism. If the Republican dream comes true, many Republicans will find that it will not be as much fun as they thought it would be.

Please give us a chance to find out what it would be like.

How could it get worse? Obama is bankrupting the country. There won't be anything left to salvage soon.

It's not the Republican dream anyway. It is the American dream.

Alan - I like auto standards and Medicare, I served, and have paid into these programs. I have taken the oppurtunities and no one has blocked me. Who blocked you?

Last Updated: Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Canada's income per person grew twice as fast as that in the United States over the past four years, according to a study released Tuesday.

“CIBC World Markets Inc. said the country's real personal disposable income — what you get to spend once you subtract price increases — has risen $2,600 since 2005, double the $1,300 US gain that Americans enjoyedThe bank said Canada's stellar per-capita income performance was almost enough to wipe out the disparity between U.S. and Canadian earnings levels that had built up during the previous 15 years."This trend is a complete reversal of the trajectory seen in the 1990s when Canadian incomes stagnated alongside surging U.S. incomes," said Benjamin Tal, CIBC economist and author of the study. In dollar figures, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency estimated per-capita income in the United States at $47,000 US in 2008 versus Canada's $39,300 US for the same year.Comparing non-Middle Eastern oil-rich economies, Norway ranked ahead of the United States in terms of per-person money at $55,200 in 2008, according to the spy agency.” Now subtract from the diposable out of pocket costs if you get sick, health insurance, or one of your family members , and oops, you have less than our nieghbors to the north. Almost forgot, big Phrma has persauded or is pushing to stop Americans from fullfilling medical prescriptions from, you guessed it, Canada.

Interesting little number, homicides in total numbers for us 16,000 plus, one of our lowest years (2008), Canada 594 in 2007. I could not find numbers for 2008. Though we can say they would be very likely to be about the same, with a high probability. Don’t forget to subtract the high cost for ammunition, I bought a generic 9mm box for target practice at the cheapest place I could find, Walmart, $18, wanted hollow point Remington $35 per or more. That’s for California, maybe cheaper were you live. Needless to say I don’t go to the local target range like I used too. Take away the hiden costs to live from the $47,000 per for us, insurance premiums and you quickly see we are at or lower than, that’s right, Canada. Life sucks.

When Bush took office the National debt was 5.8 Trillion, when he left it was 10.85 an increase of 4 plus Trillion. Where did all that money go? Obama has taken it to 11.9 to bail out and bail out, stimulus and the clunker program to save the auto industry. Also, to prevent the greatest depression since the "Great Depression". Would have made the old one look like a walk in the park, not cool if that what would have happened. I like my roads safe, and Medicare and the low interest student loans. I don't mind paying taxes, all the other citizens of our allies and foes pay taxes. I don't like it if taxes go to United Health Care, and corporate welfare. Wall Street is at it again.

Take care........

I agree with you. We have a lot of problems down here. I agree people are cruel to one another. That is why I do not see a good future for America. People hate each other so much that it is a matter of time when it is loosed and people will go snake down here and kill one another. The more sensible part of the American population will probably end up as refugees running for their lives into Canada. I hope the Canadians will let the gentle Americans in. Not everyone down here supports this ruthless Republican ideal. We may be out numbered but like Albert Einstein who fled Nazi Germany we at least can offer Canada our brains. The Nazis ended up living to regret the brain drain when all the Jewish Scientists and the Jewish best fled that dump for a better land. Some day America will wake up to realize, probably too late, all here best left and went to Canada. Canada being smart will welcome the added brains to what good people they already have.

Like Vitters, Ensign, Sanford, Craig, Foley and Congress Don Sherwood of PA? Republican Joe Scarborough.....had a scandal in his Florida office, and young woman found dead. Please Google and become informed.

GOP/REPUBLICANS used religion as tool to control/manipulate the right wing,that are anything but Christian people. GOP on a slippery slide!!

Dante

You say don't celebrate his death, then you go on say what a scumbag he was. Bull@!$%#.

Your hypocrisy is self evident, you liar.

oops...should say,

Dante

You say you don't celebrate his death, then you go on to say what a scumbag he was. Bull@!$%#.

Your hypocrisy is self evident, you liar.

Don't believe everything you here in the lib media. The political grand standing they did today was sickening. I almost threw up!

Hal........was it green or purple puke? And Hal have you ever buried a son that was electrocuted for profit?

I said almost, catch the fine details or you might be uninformed. I have a really hard time following lib logic. You just went way into left field, come on back to planet earth, and stay on topic. I can't stand politicians from any side. This guy was a scum bag, just like the rest, Dem and Repub. They all suck. That is funny, google and find out the truth. HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!. You need help. Follow your heart not what you read from the looney left.

Hal.....answer the question...Have YOU lost a son by electrocution for profit?

What does that have to do with the price of tea in China? I know you have been brain washed to think that this guy is another great man. He was a crook, Period. He was a liar just like most of Washington. He would do anything for political gain. His children grew up without a father. Who are you trying to kid? I do know that he got away with murder. Not a son, someones daughter.....

Yep, and his parentage and his habit of @!$%#ing his own mother are Cheney's better points.

Just like these liars who keep insisting that Kennedy was a murderer.

If they really hated murder so much they'd be focused on real murderers. Hell, they love murderers.

So Dante...........Let's talk about Cheney/Halliburton electrocuting 18 of our soldiers. Let's talk about the $80 Million in bonuses that were approved for KBR/Halliburton, after these electrocutions.

I'm not trying to mitigate the horror of getting drunk, driving off a bridge and leaving a young woman to die in the back of a car................And I'm sure Ted Kennedy is having or has had an interesting conversation with GOD....and Ted Kennedy will get his just reward from the LORD.

TRUTH SHOULD PREVAIL!

Electricity has been around for a long time, over 100 years when Nikola Tesla first developed the modern alternating current system. There is no reason why they should not know how to do it right over there in Iraq.

Dante if the truth must prevail why don't you post the truth?

There was no murder. Kennedy had majorly bad back and was drunk as hell.

It was an accident, that is the truth. He was guilty of leaving the scene of an accident and that is all. That is the truth. Mary Jo's death, while tragic, is as much her own fault as it was anyone's, that is the truth.

You and your kind hate the truth.

You're right...the correct term is "criminally negligent homocide".

Dave the Voter............you have inside information or something??? OMG are you David Vitters? And who did Bernie DO?...........and when was Michael Jackson coverage on and what channel....FOX?

Hey Pro.....you brain dead or something.........VITTERS, SANFORD, ENSIGN,FOLEY,CRAIG AND LET'S NOT FORGET PA. CONGRESSMAN DON SHERWOOD....FROM THE 10TH DISTRICT....TRIED TO STANGEL HIS MISTRESS! AND....AND....AND....PARepublicans tried to hide the scandal and pay off the mistress and ran........Donnie boy for re-election, on a FAMILY VALUES PLATFORM.......go figure!