Politics and religion.

[Lady's Human]

It was former Pres. Bush who set up the troop withdrawal timeline for Iraq, not the current President.

Frankly the last three US Presidential elections could have been handily won by "none of the above".

[Edwina's Secretary]

It was former Pres. Bush who set up the troop withdrawal timeline for Iraq, not the current President.



President Obama has been severely criticized by "leading Republicans" for following the troop withdrawal timeline established by President Bush. His critics have included Romney, Cain, Perry, McCain, Bachmann (who called it a complete failure...)

Perhaps why somepeople feel if Presient Obama found a cure for cancer he would still be criticized....

[cassiesmom]

I think it was Malcolm Gladwell in "Blink" who wrote that although Herbert Hoover had the appearance and bearing of a President, that after he was elected he had a lot of struggles.

[Lady's Human]

President Obama has been severely criticized by "leading Republicans" for following the troop withdrawal timeline established by President Bush. His critics have included Romney, Cain, Perry, McCain, Bachmann (who called it a complete failure...)

Perhaps why some people feel if President Obama found a cure for cancer he would still be criticized....


The first problem with that statement is referring to McCain, Perry, et. al. as leading Republicans. The only way they can comprehend leadership is with a dictionary (which leaves Dan Quayle out of the running.... :p)

I had issues with the timeline. I still have issues with any military leader publishing a timeline for action for strategic reasons.

That having been said, however, when the country you're assisting gives you a date and says be out by then, you move. Only time will tell whether it really worked, it's far to soon to pass judgement, but somehow I doubt you've seen the last of the insurgents in Iraq.

[RICHARD]

It was former Pres. Bush who set up the troop withdrawal timeline for Iraq, not the current President.

Frankly the last three US Presidential elections could have been handily won by "none of the above".

I think I would like to see his birth certificate, first.:confused:

[RICHARD]

And who shook Nutsy Pelosi's tree?

What does she know about the "Neutster" that we all don't.

I wonder what it feels like to put a high heel in your mouth?

[Edwina's Secretary]

That having been said, however, when the country you're assisting gives you a date and says be out by then, you move. Only time will tell whether it really worked, it's far to soon to pass judgement, but somehow I doubt you've seen the last of the insurgents in Iraq.

Getting rid of the insurgents! Oh so THAT'S why we were there...(It has always seemed as bit confusing. WMD...regime change...bogey man...insurgents)

Even scorched earth and the elimination of every person living in that country would not put an end to "insurgents." Sadly.

[RICHARD]

I'm really ticked off about the 'blood for oil' deal.

[Lady's Human]

Getting rid of the insurgents! Oh so THAT'S why we were there...(It has always seemed as bit confusing. WMD...regime change...bogey man...insurgents)

Even scorched earth and the elimination of every person living in that country would not put an end to "insurgents." Sadly.

The initial reason we were there had nothing to do with insurgents, unless you count the Bath party as insurgents. After all, when you invade, you ARE the insurgents.

However, the resulting 3 hour tour of Iraq came under the heading of we broke it, we fix it.

The reason we've still had troops in the country since the invasion was an attempt to stabilize an inherently unstable political construct. Since that we've seen multiple rewrites of the SASO (stability and support operations) manual, changing acronyms (which unless you've been part of a staff you have no idea what a semi-humorous PITA that is) changing TTPs, (tactics, techniques and procedures), ad nauseum.

[Edwina's Secretary]

The initial reason we were there had nothing to do with nothing and certainly nothing to do with the US.

[RICHARD]

Yea!!!!

Tacos!!!

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/26/10246992-2000-tacos-delivered-to-i-might-have-tacos-mayor

[cassiesmom]

What is a right to work (or right-to-work?) state? That phrase has been in the news around here lately because the Indiana state government is addressing either making or not making Indiana a right to work state. I don't really get it although I know it has something to do with labor unions. Up in Wisconsin people are signing petitions to have their governor recalled. They just had big legislation up there with labor unions.

Should you belong to a labor union if you have a government job? When I was a temp nurse in the Cook County health care system, the RNs were unionized under the Illinois Nurses Association. They had strict rules for nurse to patient ratios, overtime, new hire orientation, assignments, breaks, uniforms, holidays - you name it, they had a rule for it. Those nurses made big bucks and they worked a lot of overtime. And every nurse had been there for a long time.

When I worked for the auto mechanics' union welfare fund, you didn't have to join the union - but the union was providing benefits to the fund office employees, so if I wanted health and dental coverage, I had to sign up and pay dues, which in turn paid for the benefits. The cool part of that job was that they had a yearly car show because a lot of the members were car enthusiasts. They also had a motorcycle ride for cancer-- which started at one of the dealerships and ended at a huge forest preserve, where there was a picnic, games for kids, volleyball and fun. You could just come to the picnic if you weren't a motorcyclist, and there was a car pool from the office.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Right -to-work state is a state in which union membership cannot be required as a condition of employment.

There are always three sides to every story.

To the unions - this means employees can receive the wages and benefits negotiated by the union without paying union dues. They must be represented (although perhaps not vigorously ;) ) by the union in any dispute with management without paying union dues.

For employees - they do not have to pay union dues if they do not want to or do not believe in unions.

To the Company - it is a very useful wedge between employees.

It can make for stressful relations - employees who pay union dues vs. those who do not.

Disclaimer - much of my career has been fighting against unions. I do not take a position on this issue. Just the facts.

[RICHARD]

When is May Day?

[Karen]

When is May Day?

May first, of course!

[Lady's Human]

Facepalm!

Would someone explain to me again how the Canadian oil pipeline would reduce our dependency on foreign oil?

[lizbud]

28 Dec 2011 03:46 PM

Perryism Of The Day

“Every barrel of oil that comes out of those sands in Canada is a barrel of oil that we don’t have to buy from a foreign source,” - governor Rick Perry.


LH, have Rick Perry explain it to you.:D

[lizbud]

TPM

Romney on Trump Endorsement: This is Awesome


Josh Marshall-February 2, 2012, 4:05 PM1068
Mitt Romney ecstatic over Trump endorsement: “There are some things that you just can’t imagine happening in your life — this is one of them. Being in Donald Trump’s magnificent hotel and having his endorsement is a delight.”


Does this mean Mitt gets a Tiara & Sash. LOL :D

[RICHARD]

Facepalm!

Would someone explain to me again how the Canadian oil pipeline would reduce our dependency on foreign oil?

I think we should invade Canada, depose Hunter and use some of that good old "merican blood" for oil......


It's way closer to home and think of all the money we'll save.

[RICHARD]

Had to laugh at the story about the SC justice being robbed by a machete wielding man.

I thought "oh, crap! That is crazy story, must have happened in DC...."

No, the moron was robbed at his vacay home - that's what he gets for not buying American.:rolleyes:

[Karen]

Sometimes things happen that restore my faith in the goodness of some corporations:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/05/limbaugh-advertisers-jump-ship/?hpt=hp_c2

[Medusa]

I definitely do not approve of Limbaugh's comments but I do recall Ed Schultz on MSNBC calling Laura Ingraham a right wing slut. His apology was accepted and that was pretty much the end of it. Two wrongs don't make a right, I know, but I think there is definitely a double standard here.

[Lady's Human]

I definitely do not approve of Limbaugh's comments but I do recall Ed Schultz on MSNBC calling Laura Ingraham a right wing slut. His apology was accepted and that was pretty much the end of it. Two wrongs don't make a right, I know, but I think there is definitely a double standard here.

One apologized in person, on air, and it was accepted by the person who was the subject of the insult.

THe other apologized in a tortured statement that was pretty clearly the result of pressure applied:

“For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.

I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit?In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone’s bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level.

"chose the wrong words"? I'd believe it if it was a neophyte talk show host. Rush has been doing this for a couple decades now, he's well aware of what effect his words are going to have. Calling someone a slut is about as personal an attack as one can make.

[Grace]

I definitely do not approve of Limbaugh's comments but I do recall Ed Schultz on MSNBC calling Laura Ingraham a right wing slut. His apology was accepted and that was pretty much the end of it. Two wrongs don't make a right, I know, but I think there is definitely a double standard here.

Ed Schultz was suspended for one week by MSNBC for his comment. Rush should be given a months timeout for the three days he spent castigating Miss Fluke. Each day his rants got worse, and more obscene, IMHO.

[lizbud]

Ed Schultz was suspended for one week by MSNBC for his comment. Rush should be given a months timeout for the three days he spent castigating Miss Fluke. Each day his rants got worse, and more obscene, IMHO.


Schultz's comment was said in the heat of the moment, and his apology was quick and sincere. Rush's vulgar comments were made
over three days of air time & his half hearted form of a apology was only made because he felt some pressure to do so. Rush said, among
other things, that he didn't mean to get personal, but his personal slurs on air, show otherwise.

[RICHARD]

Seriously?

If I had gone in front of any committee and said, "I need booze, ciggies, massages or ???????"

I would have been laughed out of the room.

I think that it was a fluke for her to even be let into the room.;)

Not because she DIDN'T have anything important to say, it was her crusade.

While I do think sex is fun? To ask a company/school to pay for me to have "fun" while I should be working or studying shows just how dumb some of the people who have a voice and the chance to make a difference, then make it all about them.

Yes, I do know all the medical applications of BCPs and how they help some women's illnesses and conditions, to openly complain about a school not providing you with the means to go out and get some "fun" to be funny to the point of making me want to puke.

She didn't deserve to be called anything more than a misguided soul - Had she come to the table with the arguement that SHE HERSELF needed BCPs for anything more than having sex?

I'd buy that all day.

------------------


I had to laugh yesterday about a speech I heard on the tubular.

I heard this 'exec' used a term that made me laugh.

He was talking about "having the back" of another entity.

WTF was that all about.

When people start using 'street slang' to get a point across, It make me cringe and want to laugh at the same time.

Having someone's back
It is what It is.
They are on crack have, to be some of the dumbest phrases that have made it into the public domain.

Especially when uttered during a speech that has to do with world peace.:rolleyes:

[Karen]

Keep it clean folks, and remember children view the forum.

I was just glad some companies were acting on their convictions and pulling their dollars from his show.

[Medusa]

Schultz offered to take the time off. I agree that Limbaugh's apology was insincere but I think that Schult'z was also. It's just that he was smarter than Limbaugh by preempting the station w/his apology and self imposed suspension.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Sometimes things happen that restore my faith in the goodness of some corporations:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/05/limbaugh-advertisers-jump-ship/?hpt=hp_c2

Amen...amen. The dollar is all people like Limbo understand.

What I cannot get over is it was apparent from his remarks that he had not even heard what she said (which is also true of a poster on this!)

She did not say she wanted the government to pay for anything. She did not say ANYTHING about recreational sex....btw what makes sex "recreational"?

And want to talk about a fluke? A table full of non-medical men opining on women's reproductive issues. Sorry - that is a FARCE!

And wanting her to make a sex video??? I thought O'Reilly is the sex pervert and Limbo the druggie. Don't you wonder if his insurance pays for Limbo's recreational drug use??

There is no double standard here. Free speech does not mean speech free from consequences.

And the most amusing line from Limbo about the sponsors pulling out..."They've decided they don't want you or your business anymore. So be it. For me, this program is always about you..."

Oh Rush...really?

[RICHARD]

Keep it clean folks, and remember children view the folforum.

I was just glad some companies were acting on their convictions and pulling their dollars from his show.



I am glad the mattress company pulled their support and the flowers-to-go people followed suit.

I hope that any jewelry store gets smart, too!


Much ado about nothing.

I get 50% off of my pedicures on my own, I don't need RL's sponsors.:cool:

[RICHARD]

I saw Rush twice, best concert I have ever been to.

[Lady's Human]

And want to talk about a fluke? A table full of non-medical men opining on women's reproductive issues. Sorry - that is a FARCE!

So, my statements about the military that you cannot possibly understand the military unless you've been there are ridiculous and caused your feathers to get severely ruffled, but men can't discuss female reproductive issues?

I think someone said something about a double standard????

[RICHARD]

So, my statements about the military that you cannot possibly understand the military unless you've been there are ridiculous and caused your feathers to get severely ruffled, but men can't discuss female reproductive issues?

I think someone said something about a double standard????

So, "go forth and multiply" really is about math?

[Edwina's Secretary]

So, my statements about the military that you cannot possibly understand the military unless you've been there are ridiculous and caused your feathers to get severely ruffled, but men can't discuss female reproductive issues?

I think someone said something about a double standard????

Nope. Nothing double standard about it. Read the Supreme Court decision that caused Congress to amend Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include pregnancy as a protected class. I don't remember the name of the case but the employer was GE. Those nine men said that since only woman can get pregnant, pregnant men were not being treated differently than pregnant women.

Of course men can discuss female reproductive issues. But hardly as authoritatively as well....a female.

Equating occupation with gender - really? A real stretch.

[Lady's Human]

Equating occupation with gender - really? A real stretch.


Not at all. The military isn't an occupation in the normal sense at all, and calling it an occupation is a prime indicator that someone just doesn't get it.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Not at all. The military isn't an occupation in the normal sense at all, and calling it an occupation is a prime indicator that someone just doesn't get it.

And that is what is said of just about every occupation. Just last week I had a guy in an unemployment hearing telling me and the hearing judge that we could not understand what road construction is all about - the challenges, etc. until we "walked a mile in his boots."

It is rather offensive that you think people are incapable of understanding but there you have it. I have never been a lumberjack, or a chef, or a soldier or a spy. While that doesn't mean "I cannot understand" I can tell you without a doubt that I would not - ever- testify before Congress about life in the military.

And that is the point.

[cassiesmom]

Dear presidential candidates,

It doesn't help me when you air negative attack commercials on your opponents. Just tell me why you should get my vote. I don't particularly like any of my options for the upcoming election, so you'll need to convince me.


Dear Canada,
Are you accepting new residents? I might need to move in after the November elections.

[lizbud]

Wow, if it's gotten this bad over there, maybe it's seriously high time to come home.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/us-marines-afghanistan-told-disarm-defense-secretary-panetta/story?id=15917672

[Lady's Human]

Much ado about nothing. It's not unusual, frankly I can't remember ever being under arms when politicos were in the area, except on training ranges.

[lizbud]

Much ado about nothing. It's not unusual, frankly I can't remember ever being under arms when politicos were in the area, except on training ranges.


In a war zone??

[Lady's Human]

There are numerous places in war zones where you stack arms. Ever see any vids of USO shows with armed troops in the audience? You don't normally carry weapons in HQ's, either, that's what weapons racks are for. (not referring to a company CP, but higher HQ's further away in "secure" areas)

[cassiesmom]

So it's primary election day in Illinois. I went to vote because there's a referendum for our village on the ballot. I got there about 6:15 and the polls close at 7. I figured the polling place wouldn't be busy- it's a beautiful day, it's a primary election which usually gets a low turnout, and it's late in the day.

Guess what? There was a line! I was surprised. That's not usual around here. Maybe because of the referendum, plus there are some local contested races.

And there were 3 students from the local high school serving as student election judges. That was nice to see.

-----
One other question, was it ever determined why the army sergeant went to the villages and killed all those civilians in Afghanistan? I heard on the news that he has no recollection (or he claims to have no recollection) of the shootings. How sad for those families.

[lizbud]

-----
One other question, was it ever determined why the army sergeant went to the villages and killed all those civilians in Afghanistan? I heard on the news that he has no recollection (or he claims to have no recollection) of the shootings. How sad for those families.


Indiana has a late Primary Election, not until May.

On the subject of the killing of Afgan civilians, there are more questions than answers. More is becoming known about the soldier who did the killing,
and it's not good. Pretty troubling record even before he joined the Army.I can't get over the horrible fact that nine of those killed were children.:(:(

[lizbud]

One of the Far Right members of Indiana Legislature.:rolleyes:

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/politics/state_politics/rep-morris-continues-assault-on-girl-scouts

[RICHARD]

WTF is an Etch-A-Sketch?;)

[Karen]

WTF is an Etch-A-Sketch?;)

Did you never have one, Richard? They were my favoritest toy ever, as it was a way to draw without needing more paper and pencils, and I got really good at it! When my big brother accidentally wrecked mine, they got me a new one, which was pretty rare for us, but he knew I treasured it! And of course we all liked the geeky side of the science behind it, too!

[Lady's Human]

WTF is an Etch-A-Sketch?;)

It's Mitt Romney's political history, in a nutshell.

Draw, shake, erase, repeat (and hope no one remembers what you said last week)

[Grace]

WTF is an Etch-A-Sketch?;)

https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRJiNTlxuLF0NU_IOvk_5BenfQ2pga01 2LxISDcbHoFjslVb60TUA

[cassiesmom]

Karen or Paul, I was looking for the "Politics/Religion Thread" to put this in. I wasn't able to find it. If you want to add this to that thread, that would be fine with me.

Thanks,
Elyse


I saw this on Pinterest
http://woody.typepad.com/files/obama_girl_lego_socialism.jpg
Isn't this sort of what the welfare system does? I work and pay taxes, so I'm the child in the picture who has built a tower of Legos. Other people, who can't work, receive welfare. Yes, there are some people receiving welfare who maybe shouldn't (the kids who have been napping all day). I thought that was the point of this caption, so I pinned it. A comment was posted under my pin by someone whose opinion I respect (but we disagree on politics), so I took it down. I've seen firsthand that the public aid process, at least in Illinois, is very vulnerable to fraud. The state is taking steps to correct that, but it is not an easy process.

I also saw on "60 Minutes" on Sunday evening that Romney paid 14% taxes on his income of around two million dollars. He claimed that it was subject to that lower tax rate because it had already been taxed once. But that's not the point -- you made two million dollars, Mr. Romney. I didn't do the math and 14% of $2 million might still be more than I paid. It still doesn't make sense to me.

It's a pretty close race. I don't think I'd want a job where almost half the selection committee felt that I was not the most qualified candidate for it. Am I better off than I was four years ago, in some ways yes but in some ways no.

[Freedom]

Elyse, that is a very anti - Obama posting.

[Catty1]

I am SO glad that our Canadian elections last only for 6 weeks...

[RICHARD]

One of my favorite things to do is to tune in to the channel (the name rhymes with EmmEsEnBeeCee) and listen to the 'commentary' from the 'hosts'.

My fave is that little guy with the brit accent that is pretty much a rude, ill-mannered hack that make fun of the 'system'.

I don't watch - rhymes with Sox - any more because they pull the same creepy commentary on their shows.

--------------

When you look at the media as a whole?

Everyone puts out the same BS and tries to demonize the opposing party.

---------

The thing that makes me secretly laugh and want to mock politics is when people on the tube talk about the
'attacks' on their faves, when they propogate the same kind of hate and trash themselves.

--------------

In the end, politicians do not give a sideways eff about you or me.

They want your donations and votes - after that?

You tell me.

-------------

I'd rather vote in a cat or dog for the prez's seat.

They only want to please you, they are always happy to see you and will not eff you over.

With a pet, you know where the crap is, can stop it and can smell it.

Politicians doll it up and tell you that it's a used alimentary product.

[Bonny]

Right On There Richard ;)

[RICHARD]

Right On There Richard ;)

Don't encourage me......:D

[RICHARD]

Have the TV on in the background to the evil channel and one of the 'hosts' is ranting about how one party does not believe in the polls and how they are the 'truth' because they reflect the difference in the voters leading up to the elections.

He then goes on to talk about the unemployment numbers and how the office in charge of them miscalculated them by a few thousand, but that is A-OK.

I'm not a savvy political person, but when you listen carefully to all the BS that comes out on these shows?

It's a miracle that the hate mongering hasn't divided us on a greater scale.

[RICHARD]

I watched about two minutes of the debate tonight and heard this gem from one of the candidates....

The government will subsidize prescription medicine.

What does that mean?

Here's an example.

If company "A" sells a pill for 5 dollars, the government will pay 4 dollars to thru that program, then the patient will only pay 1 dollar to get their pills.

So, where does the 4 dollars come from?

------------------------------

To paraphrase the immortal words of Nancy Pelosi....

"Don't read it, just vote.....it's all good!"

[Bonny]

The good old Taxpayers Richard. Everything is FREE as long as we keep working & paying our taxes. Just keep your tax dollars rolling in so our government can spend, spend, spend. ;)

[Lady's Human]

Last time I read the Constitution, I remember seeing something in there about appropriations bills originating in the house......

That being the case, the Presidential candidates can flap their gums all day long about their budgetary plans, but they mean NOTHING.

Unless the House wants to rein in spending, (which, by the way, has been under Republican control for the last two years with a leadership that has basically done NOTHING), the President can do very little.

There is so much fat in the defense budget it laughable. Get rid of it. We have more Naval combat power than the next several nations behind us combined. An Arleigh Burke class Destroyer alone has more combat and sea control power than some navies.

Yet we're dumping Billions into developing a ship called DDG 1000, which cannot carry most of the weapons currently in use, and for which the major weapons sytems don't even exist on paper.

The same for CVN 21.

And FCS, and Paladin follow on, and many other boondoggles.

Gut them.

I could go on, but it's not the current discussion.

Talk all you want about spend, spend spend, but where do appropriations bills originate?

In the House, which has been under the budget hawk republican control for 2 years, and all they've done is continue to expand the deficit. THe President was in the Oval Office when the US Credit rating took a couple of hits, but who was holding up the budget?

Speaker Boehner.

Who has overseen the first default in the history of the US Postal service?

Chairman Issa, because he won't compromise.

The house leadership has got to go. They're more concerned with playing politics than conducting the business of the country.

[RICHARD]

I was reading an article about a poll of physicians and how they were going to vote now, as to opposed to the way they voted in '08.

I don't remember the exact numbers, but from the 70% that voted BO in, half of them were going to vote Republican.

Why?

Tort reforms.

They stated that ObamaCare didn't do enough to control those costs to the physicians/practices.

----------------------------

We didn't learn from the 50 dollar hammer or 200 dollar toilet seat.

Government subsidy of prescription meds allows those pill mills to charge ANYTHING THEY WANT, the taxpayer will make up the rest, so what do they care how much they charge.

----------------------

As soon as I can I am moving to Bora Bora.;)

[lizbud]

Last time I read the Constitution, I remember seeing something in there about appropriations bills originating in the house......

That being the case, the Presidential candidates can flap their gums all day long about their budgetary plans, but they mean NOTHING.

Unless the House wants to rein in spending, (which, by the way, has been under Republican control for the last two years with a leadership that has basically done NOTHING), the President can do very little.

There is so much fat in the defense budget it laughable. Get rid of it. We have more Naval combat power than the next several nations behind us combined. An Arleigh Burke class Destroyer alone has more combat and sea control power than some navies.

Yet we're dumping Billions into developing a ship called DDG 1000, which cannot carry most of the weapons currently in use, and for which the major weapons sytems don't even exist on paper.

The same for CVN 21.

And FCS, and Paladin follow on, and many other boondoggles.

Gut them.

I could go on, but it's not the current discussion.

Talk all you want about spend, spend spend, but where do appropriations bills originate?

In the House, which has been under the budget hawk republican control for 2 years, and all they've done is continue to expand the deficit. THe President was in the Oval Office when the US Credit rating took a couple of hits, but who was holding up the budget?

Speaker Boehner.

Who has overseen the first default in the history of the US Postal service?

Chairman Issa, because he won't compromise.

The house leadership has got to go. They're more concerned with playing politics than conducting the business of the country.


All very true & worth mentioning. I wish more folks knew this. Re Defense spending, Any mention of cutting Defense budget is met with utter horror by some and
screaming about weakening America's standing in the world. Most folks have no idea what all we already have in overkill possibilities.

[RICHARD]

Seriously?

This is the kind of crap that needs to be addressed.

http://news.yahoo.com/feds-charge-91-people-429m-medicare-fraud-175908404.html

[Karen]

Seriously?

This is the kind of crap that needs to be addressed.

http://news.yahoo.com/feds-charge-91-people-429m-medicare-fraud-175908404.html

Well, at least it is being prosecuted! That's how it made the news! Who knows how much goes on that we, the citizens paying the bills, do not know about!

[RICHARD]

Well, at least it is being prosecuted! That's how it made the news! Who knows how much goes on that we, the citizens paying the bills, do not know about!

This in a HUGE case.

There are many cases that are for mere millions.....this is a case of excess.....that don't make the news.

------------------

The 'record' for MC fraud was 163 million and that case was prosecuted in August of '11.

Incredible numbers and amazing how the gov't. gets fleeced for that much...

[Lady's Human]

Depends on the locale, I know the county DA out here is pretty activist when it comes to welfare/social services fraud. About every other month there will be an article in the newspaper listing the people caught, and the amount of fraud.

[Lady's Human]

Representative Richard Hanna, R, NY.

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20121004/NEWS01/310040060/Email-Hanna-threatened-to-end-ads-if-station-didn-t-drop-debate-plan?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|FRONTPAGE

If you host the debate, I'm not going to run any campaign ads on your station.

[lizbud]

You too can win any debate just by using the Gish method. Talk fast & lie your *ss off. It's obviously very effective.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/janet-ritz/romneys-creationist-debat_b_1941995.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

[RICHARD]

You too can win any debate just by using the Gish method. Talk fast & lie your *ss off. It's obviously very effective.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/janet-ritz/romneys-creationist-debat_b_1941995.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

Does it work for people that already hold office?;)

-----------------------------

BO has given the country a Big Bird for the last three years......Sesame Street forever?

[cassiesmom]

I gave up on tonight's debate about halfway through. I got fed up with the moderator trying to cut Romney off and his continuing to talk even after she (repeatedly) told him that other audience members were waiting to ask questions. I just wanted to know why each of them think they are better qualified to be the next President than the other person. Don't trash talk the other candidate, just answer the question and tell me why you should get my vote.

[mon]

We watched this debate. We watchched the previous debate. There is no choice in my opinion. I speak only for myself and I would vote for President Obama. He, in my humble opinion, is more honest and does not constantly have that condescending, sanctimonious look on his face. Mitt seems to have no respect for anyone but himself. He is also a liar in my opinion. Frankly, gives me the freakin' creeps.

[mon]

Oh ya, I also think he's a jack ass.

[cassiesmom]

The presidential debate on foreign policy and the Bears game are both on TV tonight. Also the 7th game of the NL Championship series. I want to hear the debate, but I also want to watch da Bears. (Could you guys discuss foreign policy during the time-outs, maybe?)

[RICHARD]

The presidential debate on foreign policy and the Bears game are both on TV tonight. Also the 7th game of the NL Championship series. I want to hear the debate, but I also want to watch da Bears. (Could you guys discuss foreign policy during the time-outs, maybe?)

I'l give you one guess as to which program will more entertaining........

It's the game played without 'balls'...:rolleyes:

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Judging by all the "vote for" whoever signs all over our town, if everyone running for an office would take all the money spent on signs, mailers, and other not wanted, nonsence and put it toward the national debt, it would be paid off in 4 years. :rolleyes:

[Lady's Human]

I haven't watched any of the debates, but I have read a transcript or two.

I haven't watched simply because if I want to see that big a pile of manure, all I have to do is look across the road when they're running the manure spreader in the hayfield.

I think I've posted this before, but.......


La cucaracha, la cucaracha
woke up on election day

La cucaracha, la cucaracha
heard the things they had to say

A lot of lying and alibi-ing
empty heads without a plan


La cucaracha, la cucaracha

said I'm glad I'm not a man.

[Karen]

I also have not watched much of the debates, just snippets here and there, and heard bits on the car radio until I couldn't stand it and changed to a music station!

I will be very glad when this election cycle is over, there's no question who will win the Presidential contest here in Massachusetts, as the only times in my lifetime the state has gone for a Republican candidate was for Reagan back in the 1980s, and before that it was Dwight Eisenhower, just after WW2.

[RICHARD]

I am really interested in the elections and want to see someone blow a circuit on one of the 'news' cable channels.

------------------

Again, the people that I find to be the most annoying are the people with accents who THINK they know gobs about Americans and our politics.

The one clown on MSNBC makes me laugh, he is such an arse scratch.

[lizbud]

------------------

Again, the people that I find to be the most annoying are the people with accents who THINK they know gobs about Americans and our politics.





Is it not possible to have an accent and be an American at the same time?

[Edwina's Secretary]

Is it not possible to have an accent and be an American at the same time?

Interesting example of xenophobia, isn't it? There is a Brit on Fox News who is also an "arse scratch" but I never questioned his right to have opinions about the US or its politics! (And I the right to disagree with his opinions!)

I wonder if that means someone with an "American accent" is not allowed to have opinions about the people and politics of other countries? <<head shake>>

[Karen]

Everyone has an accent of some sort! And seeing as we are a nation of immigrants, whether via the land bridge from Siberia thousands of years ago, or by plane or boat more recently, or any time in-between!

[RICHARD]

Is it not possible to have an accent and be an American at the same time?

No, not the person I am talking about. It's an intolerable turd that takes every opportunity to insult people.

-------------------

If you really want to know just how intolerable and hateful people are, drop a few political views into the mix and you will see their constitution.

Especially the people who constantly use the catchphrases that are 'hot' at the moment.

Like 'battleground states' and 'war against women'.


I figured a war on women was akin to getting shot in the head because you wanted a free society/state for you and your sisters.


...and I always figured a 'battleground states' are places where the "Civil War" was fought, not some struggle for an office where you jerk people around by promising them crap that you cannot do by yourself.

Knock yourselves out fighting pretend scuffles.;)

[Edwina's Secretary]

Wow...I know lots of "intolerable turds" who don't have foreign accents. Ann Coulter comes quickly to mind - just before Sean Hannity.

(Ann did a lovely piece recently on "retards":rolleyes::rolleyes:)

But it never occurred to me to denigate all people with "American" accents because of those nasty pieces of work.

(p.s. Since Mexico and Canada are also on the North American continent...aren't their accents "American" too?)

[Karen]

Wow...I know lots of "intolerable turds" who don't have foreign accents. Ann Coulter comes quickly to mind - just before Sean Hannity.

(Ann did a lovely piece recently on "retards":rolleyes::rolleyes:)

But it never occurred to me to denigate all people with "American" accents because of those nasty pieces of work.

(p.s. Since Mexico and Canada are also on the North American continent...aren't their accents "American" too?)

Central and South Americans are also "Americans" if one is considering it by continent ... as a gentleman from Costa Rica pointed out to me when I was a kid!

[Edwina's Secretary]

Central and South Americans are also "Americans" if one is considering it by continent ... as a gentleman from Costa Rica pointed out to me when I was a kid!

When I lived in Mexico I learned to refer to myself as from the United States rather than (or perhaps in addition to!) America. It was pointed out to me that the US does not own the continent!

[cassiesmom]

I'm an American and I have a Chicago accent. I found this out working with a medical director from Wisconsin. We found it out with words ending in -ake (take, mistake, fake -- he would say taaaaaake it, lots of emphasis on the vowel. Not around here, it's more like tay-k (tay-k yer coat off and set awhile)...
and what is this thing called? The Wisconsin office called it a bubbler, but I know it as a water fountain. I think bubblers and water fountains are two different things up there, though (this round one with the arch of water is a bubbler, but the one you'd find in a school is a water fountain)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Bubbler.jpg/300px-Bubbler.jpg

My nephew did an archaeological internship in Turkey, six weeks long, several summers ago. He found that most of the people there thought Americans drive fancy cars and carry guns. Most of the people from that village who were on the team were Muslim, so when they would respond to the daily calls to pray, the American and British members of the team would either continue their work quietly or take a break in a different area. They hoped to keep a low profile even though they were such a large group of Westerners in that one village. My nephew felt they were pretty successful and as a result they learned a lot about the area of Turkey they were working in, and the country in general.

I went to Russia in 1998 as part of a mission work team from church. Part of the pre-trip training was on the culture and how not to stand out as an "ugly American". It was about being respectful, courteous, dressing modestly and in a way that didn't call unwanted attention to us, and treating others as we'd like to be treated.

[RICHARD]

I'm an American and I have a Chicago accent. I found this out working with a medical director from Wisconsin. We found it out with words ending in -ake (take, mistake, fake -- he would say taaaaaake it, lots of emphasis on the vowel. Not around here, it's more like tay-k (tay-k yer coat off and set awhile)...
and what is this thing called? The Wisconsin office called it a bubbler, but I know it as a water fountain. I think bubblers and water fountains are two different things up there, though (this round one with the arch of water is a bubbler, but the one you'd find in a school is a water fountain)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Bubbler.jpg/300px-Bubbler.jpg

My nephew did an archaeological internship in Turkey, six weeks long, several summers ago. He found that most of the people there thought Americans drive fancy cars and carry guns. Most of the people from that village who were on the team were Muslim, so when they would respond to the daily calls to pray, the American and British members of the team would either continue their work quietly or take a break in a different area. They hoped to keep a low profile even though they were such a large group of Westerners in that one village. My nephew felt they were pretty successful and as a result they learned a lot about the area of Turkey they were working in, and the country in general.

I went to Russia in 1998 as part of a mission work team from church. Part of the pre-trip training was on the culture and how not to stand out as an "ugly American". It was about being respectful, courteous, dressing modestly and in a way that didn't call unwanted attention to us, and treating others as we'd like to be treated.

THE BUBBLER!!!!!


Oh my dear lord...........I went to a Catholic School and the nuns, especially Sister Mary Torquemada, would use that call the drinking fountains........BUBBLERS!:D They were from the NE sect (Massachusetts) and I loved to hear them talk.

It was a mixture of cuteness with a huge dose of god fearing mixed into the patois.

----------------

I am an American Mutt. I do not have an accent other than the root "Dudius SoCalifornificator". I speak pretty good Espanol and people don't know what to make of me when I do because I don't "look it".

----------------


The dope that I refer to is a 'newsreader' with a show on a cable news network.

He comes off as a pompous arse who, finds it 'funny' to make comments in a round-about way.

I have always thought the people from the same geographical area as being smart, having a dry sense of humor, warm and people that you want to party with.

I caught a segment of his show after the debate and he had to get a dig in by saying one of the participants was "spewing excretory views".

IF I went to his country and started talking smack about the politicians like he does?

I'd be the rude American and probably taken off the air ASAP.


--------------------

I do hope that in this election the "THEY PARTY" shows up.

THEY have this agenda that is really scary, THEY want to raise taxes, THEY want to monkey around with the SS system, THEY are going to make sweeping cuts in the the health insurance system....But THEY are going to fight for the right for women to have some say over their bodies (this double-y cracks me up because while I am all for the rights for women to have a say in what us stupid men do to them, they are pretty cavalier when it comes to men having a say about how big their boobs, lips are and how tiny their waists and crow's feet should be.:rolleyes:;))

THEY have always been the scary, no-named evil that when finally named are the same people you and I are to THEM.

The biggest disappointment to American Politics (we don't need some idjit from another country to remind us of this) is the people that we elect to office promise us to change things for the better and can't get shiat done because they are impotent with it come to compromise.

THEY don't have the faintest idea as to how to bring us together, THEY just demonize the rest of country and use that division to their advantage.

----------------------------

Politicians now are hollow hand puppets, with a lobbyist's hand up their backside making their lips move, another to move the arms and someone doing the voice work so they can sound really good.

A speech writer is a good thing, I'd never expect a politician to be that clever, clear or concise.........THEY have everything at their disposal to make it to office...............


OMG!!!!!!! could THEY be the THEY we are concerned about?

-----------------

Back in the elementary grades, the nuns would have us do mock debates, hold elections and do all the crap for a social studies/citizenship grade. Interesting stuff.....we'd nominate a candidate and they would run based on promises like more recess, candy in class, less homework and going home earlier.

All kinds of good crap that really wasn't viable, but nice to think about.

It's funny that now that I is all growed up, nothing has changed.

We, as adults, hold debates, elections and vote in a guy that promises us less taxes, better healthcare and a chicken in every pot.

All good crap that's really not viable, but nice to think about.......

It may be time to let the children run the country because us adults don't have a clue, the common sense or manners to keep on doing so.:(

[RICHARD]

And regarding the women's reproductive issues?


There are some women who are incapable of being responsible on this topic......


I worked with some gals who would make copies and walk away from a jammed machine, leave staples and paperclips on the counter, use White Out and smear it on the glass or refuse to fill up an empty paper tray.:eek::confused:

[lizbud]

Open mouth and insert foot. And to think the Repubs dumped Richard Lugar for this tea party clown.

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/mourdock-campaign-demands-democrats-pull-what-they-call-sleazy-ads


Sen. Lugar Bio http://lugar.senate.gov/bio/

[pomtzu]

use White Out and smear it on the glass t

Are these the same ones that would use White Out to make corrections on their computer screen too? :rolleyes::eek::p:D

[lizbud]

This quiz falls into both religious & political catagories. I scored 6 out of 10. It's hard to tell much difference in thoughts.


http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2012/10/richard_mourdock_rape_scandal_spot_the_difference_ between_the_christian.html

[RICHARD]

Are these the same ones that would use White Out to make corrections on their computer screen too? :rolleyes::eek::p:D

I was trying to be 'politcally correct' by not mentioning them.;)

[momoffuzzyfaces]

One thing is for sure: no matter who loses, it's going to be Hurricane Sandy's fault. :rolleyes::love:

[RICHARD]

One thing is for sure: no matter who loses, it's going to be Hurricane Sandy's fault. :rolleyes::love:

Notice, that the National Weather Service and NOAA are part of the government...

Who is in charge of the government?:eek:

[RICHARD]

Here's some political trivia.

No president has ever won without Ohio.

Voter fraud is relatively rare, politician fraud is rampant.

Sometimes first place is the first loser.

Politicians never lie, read my lips....

[Lady's Human]

Always a good source of humor, especially the headlines on Drudge.

Read the headline (Non-Union electrical crews turned away from helping NJ).....

Then read the story.

The reality was nothing of the sort.

The really morbidly amusing part is all the drudge feed commenters' hyperventilation about the headline as opposed to the story.

[RICHARD]

Always a good source of humor, especially the headlines on Drudge.

Read the headline (Non-Union electrical crews turned away from helping NJ).....

Then read the story.

The reality was nothing of the sort.

The really morbidly amusing part is all the drudge feed commenters' hyperventilation about the headline as opposed to the story.

My journalism teacher always made the newbies write headlines BEFORE we were able to write for the paper.
God help ya if you didn't read the story and make the headline pertinent to the content.

----------------------

That is why I love the idiots that quote 'blogs' as the god honest truth......I do enjoy the 'fresh faced' faces that show up on the news programs that write the blogs.

Again, they have barely figured out how to clean themselves after a BM and that makes them well qualified to read other blogs, rewrite and regurgitate the same story, with their own spin on it.

[cassiesmom]

I was watching TV last night and one entire commercial break was election ads for the different Congressional races, and they are so nasty. Four in a row. Grrrfffrrfrrf. I'll be very glad when this election is over.

[sasvermont]

To my American friends: On Sunday, don't forget to set your clocks back one hour. On Tuesday, try not to set your country back 50 years.:eek:

[momoffuzzyfaces]

To my American friends: On Sunday, don't forget to set your clocks back one hour. On Tuesday, try not to set your country back 50 years.:eek:

Actually life 50 years ago wasn't all that bad!!! I was there!!! The American Dream was still alive and obtainable by anyone willing to work hard for it. Now only certain people seem able to achieve it.

Everyone could practice their faith or leave it alone as they chose without anyone 'being offended'.

You learned early that life wasn't always fair, you didn't have to wait until you were grown up to be blind sided by that fact. If you wanted something, you worked for it, you didn't expect it to be handed to you.

Wages weren't all that high but then the cost of living wasn't high either. Most families could get by very well on only one income.

Most people weren't in debt up to their eyeballs.

The government didn't stick it's nose into your business like it does today. Pay your taxes and mind your own business and you were ok.

Presidential elections were based on the canidates GOOD qualities. Now they are just down right MEAN, and NASTY and a lot of time, not true.

Of course, there were some things we needed to desperatly fix, like equality for African Americans and other minorities. Those are still works in progress on certain levels. :love:

[Edwina's Secretary]

Actually life 50 years ago wasn't all that bad!!! I was there!!!

Of course, there were some things we needed to desperatly fix, like equality for African Americans and other minorities. Those are still works in progress on certain levels. :love:

I was there too. Do you know the marginal tax rate for the highest earners was over 90% compared to 35% today. Capital gains tax was 25% compared to 15% today.

You mention minorities but what about women? It was legal - and very common to pay women less than men for the same job. And of course, women were not hired in many jobs. The only job Sandra Day O'Connor could get as a top graduate from Stanford Law School was as a legal secretary. Teachers had to leave the classroom when their pregnancy began to show and flight attendants had to be young, skinny and single - or they lost their job. Even when I was out of college - the newspapers advertised "help wanted - male" and "help wanted - female."

Polio was just beginning to be eliminated. I was six when the vaccine first came out. Just think of the medical advances since then!

It is easy to remember the good times when you look back - but there are many, many things that are better today!

[mrspunkysmom]

I was there too. Do you know the marginal tax rate for the highest earners was over 90% compared to 35% today. Capital gains tax was 25% compared to 15% today.

You mention minorities but what about women? It was legal - and very common to pay women less than men for the same job. And of course, women were not hired in many jobs. The only job Sandra Day O'Connor could get as a top graduate from Stanford Law School was as a legal secretary. Teachers had to leave the classroom when their pregnancy began to show and flight attendants had to be young, skinny and single - or they lost their job. Even when I was out of college - the newspapers advertised "help wanted - male" and "help wanted - female."

Polio was just beginning to be eliminated. I was six when the vaccine first came out. Just think of the medical advances since then!

It is easy to remember the good times when you look back - but there are many, many things that are better today!

When i started teaching, some of those teachers that "broke ground" were still teaching. They were allowed to continue teaching because a suitable replacement couldn't be found.

A good friend was a geologist that couldn't find a job except with the gov't. The signs on the doors said "women need not apply". This was the early 60s.

[cassiesmom]

I have a pin on Pinterest from 1940: "Advantages of the Profession of Nursing" ... nursing "especially prepares a young woman for homemaking and motherhood". I smile every time I think of it! That's such a dated way of thinking! But the same article goes on to describe nursing as a "rich and varied career", which it definitely is.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nursingpins/6056998440/



I heard on the news that parts of New Jersey are going to be voting via fax and e-mail on Tuesday because the polling places lack power, or they are not accessible due to storm damage, or possibly other reasons. The state board of elections is working out what to do. I wonder if this will lead to more use of these kinds of voting in future elections. I'd love to be able to vote on line in future elections. I hope it works well!

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I was there too. Do you know the marginal tax rate for the highest earners was over 90% compared to 35% today. Capital gains tax was 25% compared to 15% today.

You mention minorities but what about women? It was legal - and very common to pay women less than men for the same job. And of course, women were not hired in many jobs. The only job Sandra Day O'Connor could get as a top graduate from Stanford Law School was as a legal secretary. Teachers had to leave the classroom when their pregnancy began to show and flight attendants had to be young, skinny and single - or they lost their job. Even when I was out of college - the newspapers advertised "help wanted - male" and "help wanted - female."

Polio was just beginning to be eliminated. I was six when the vaccine first came out. Just think of the medical advances since then!

It is easy to remember the good times when you look back - but there are many, many things that are better today!

I remember that Polio vaccine too. We had to take it in a sugar cube and it made me burp that flavor all day. My first experiance with heart burn. I also remember Ruby. An Afraican American girl who went to our grade school. I also remember the brace on her leg. She was about twice as tall as everyone else because she had missed a couple of years because she had had Polio.

Most of the kids wouldn't even talk to her or made fun of her. That was when I decided it was just plane stupid not to like someone because of their skin color or looks. I would sit with her and talk every chance I got.

I only felt discriminated against because of my sex one time. That was when mom made me start wearing a bra and my brother didn't have too. She had not had THAT talk with me yet and I thought it awfully unfair. She told me I needed one because the 'neighbors' were starting to talk. I told her they should mind their own business. I was 10 at the time. :D

I also remember having to duck and cover under our desks in case an atomic bomb was being dropped on us. I always wondered why they thought those flimsy wooden desks would protect us.

I also remember how us kids could walk every where in town and not have to be afraid someone was going to kidnap us or hurt us. All the adults I knew looked out for everyone's kids and had would be sure and tell our parents if we did anything we shouldn't. It was that way for me even through high school.

There were few drugs in high school. There were a few kids that smoked but no pot or stuff like that. School was a safer place for kids. If a kid bullied another one, both the teachers and the parents took care of the problem.

I was discriminated against so many other ways, I guess it didn't bother me if I was because of my sex. I was always too short, or too this or too that. (I did not play well with others even as an adult) I did think it was unfair that I had to pay more taxes because I was single. I did agree that women should be paid the same as men but for me that was just the way it was. I was not one to burn my bra and join picket lines. I never had the desire to do a "man's" job like work on highways and things.

I guess every time has both good and bad. I also know I'd rather dwell on the good than the bad. :love:

[RICHARD]

MOFF,
This thread is about POLITICAL BOOBS.........;):love:

-------------------------

Political Jesus.

Please end this political season soon, November 6th sounds about right.
Let the winners win with grace, the losers lose with face and let Bill Clinton disappear from the TV set.
Please let the protect the people tht suffered from Hurricane Sandy and don't let them fall for the political
promises and photo-ops. Protect them from any more weather and the winter season.

Let whoever wins keep his promises to the people (fat chance, Jesus - but I want to believe) and please get Dianne Feinstein out of office. Keep taxes down, jobless rates low and please bring back the belief in the people we elect - I know, I am asking for way too much, but at least I am trying...........

And finally?

Please make the U.S. the arse kicking country that we were once upon a time.

Amen.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I heard on the news that parts of New Jersey are going to be voting via fax and e-mail on Tuesday because the polling places lack power, or they are not accessible due to storm damage, or possibly other reasons. The state board of elections is working out what to do. I wonder if this will lead to more use of these kinds of voting in future elections. I'd love to be able to vote on line in future elections. I hope it works well!

Oh, my, can you just imagine the law suits that voitng on line would cause? People have their undies in a twist just because some states have a voter ID law wanting you to prove you are who you are and have a right to vote. Plus the main complaint against the photo id is it would cause hardship on lower income people. Not everyone has Internet access either. Besides hackers would have a field day with on line voting.

I showed my drivers license when I voted last week. It didn't hurt at all!!! :love:
(By the way, people can get a photo ID card for around $6. Most people can scrape that up by skipping a few sodas or chips or a beer or two or their smokes for a month):love:

[Edwina's Secretary]

I voted last week. Like most people I know here in CA - I voted by mail. Did not have to show an ID. Like all states I did have to show ID when I registered.

Now...if you think of the HUGE (not) problem of voter fraud....it is in mail-in or absentee voting. Who knows who is REALLY voting when soldiers overseas send in their ballot? It could be anyone!

Who knows when my elder mother sends in her ballot...was it really she who completed it? Who knows if I completed my ballot...it could have been my neighbor, my husband or an illegal alien.

The problems some people (including me) have with voter id are:

- There is not a problem with voter fraud so why fix something that isn't broken? The statistics show such a low to non-existent incident rate!

- It does nothing for the voting that offers the best opportunity for fraud - mail-in/absentee ballots

- It is a blatant attempt to surpress voting (see Pennsylvania politician who crowed on tape that now they had passed strict voter id they could deliver the state for Romney)

- It is like using an elephant gun to shoot a gnat. Of all the problems these politicians could be taking care of...is this non-problem really all that urgent?

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Well, to me making sure the people who elect the ones who will control our country are who they say they are makes more sense than not having a photo id. We need them to cash checks, open bank accounts, get beer and such. I'd think knowing for sure who was picking the ones who run our country is just as important. But maybe that's just me. :love:

[RICHARD]

I hope we win in the war on women.

but I still don't understand why men "do not understand what women go thru as far as health/reproductive issues go",
but we vote men in because "they understand what women go thru as far as health and reproductive issues go".

I think we are going to have to settle for a tie.....No matter what happens, we are going to have to live with women.:confused::eek:

What's next, the war on girls?

[RICHARD]

Well, to me making sure the people who elect the ones who will control our country are who they say they are makes more sense than not having a photo id. We need them to cash checks, open bank accounts, get beer and such. I'd think knowing for sure who was picking the ones who run our country is just as important. But maybe that's just me. :love:

That line of thinking was called 'voter suppression' because not all people have a gov't. issued ID.

--------------

I have to laugh because people have lived for years without an ID and all of a sudden they are crying foul because you have to show one to vote?

lovely.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Well, to me making sure the people who elect the ones who will control our country are who they say they are makes more sense than not having a photo id. We need them to cash checks, open bank accounts, get beer and such. I'd think knowing for sure who was picking the ones who run our country is just as important. But maybe that's just me. :love:

In this country there has long been resistance to a national id. This resistance has been strongest among conservatives who see it as a step closer to a police state. But now - when there is a chance that requiring it to vote might knock out people they don't want to vote....they are whistling a different tune.

Voting is a constitutional right - unlike cashing a check or buying beer. This country has never required people to show a government issued id to vote.

When I vote absentee I must sign the envelope. This signature is matched against the signature on my voter's registration. The same is done at polling places.

It was good enough 50 years ago....should be good enough today. ;)

[Lady's Human]

That line of thinking was called 'voter suppression' because not all people have a gov't. issued ID.

--------------

I have to laugh because people have lived for years without an ID and all of a sudden they are crying foul because you have to show one to vote?

lovely.

I love the arguments about voter ID. They drive me insane for one reason: It is eminently possible to go through life in the US with not "acceptable" form of ID, and without a birth certificate.

Want to have fun? Retire without a birth certificate. The gentleman I'm thinking of had multiple forms of ID, military, state, etc.......but went through hell trying to retire because Social Security didn't have his birth cert.

Maybe the birthers could have helped him find it?

(BTW, the person was a foundling in upstate NY, hence no Birth Cert. and a SS number issued when he joined the military)

[Edwina's Secretary]

Want to have fun? Retire without a birth certificate. The gentleman I'm thinking of had multiple forms of ID, military, state, etc.......but went through hell trying to retire because Social Security didn't have his birth cert.

Maybe the birthers could have helped him find it?



Sounds like a job for Donald Trump!

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Well, they could switch to fingerprints. When people register, they just give a fingerpint and when they go vote they could match finger prints. They could even put a place on mail in ballots for the person's fingerpint. No finger print, toss the ballot. In the sad casses where the individual has no fingers they could use a toe print. That way no one has to buy anything or is supressed. Just thinking of options. :):love:

[RICHARD]

I love the arguments about voter ID. They drive me insane for one reason: It is eminently possible to go through life in the US with not "acceptable" form of ID, and without a birth certificate.

Want to have fun? Retire without a birth certificate. The gentleman I'm thinking of had multiple forms of ID, military, state, etc.......but went through hell trying to retire because Social Security didn't have his birth cert.

Maybe the birthers could have helped him find it?

(BTW, the person was a foundling in upstate NY, hence no Birth Cert. and a SS number issued when he joined the military)

A friend of mine, wink wink, had to contact the SS department and was sent some paperwork with a 'typo' on it. They put the mom's maiden name in place of the last name.

When contacted about the error, They were told that in the 'permanent' record that is the way it was recorded in the system.

So, This person probably could register twice and vote twice.......

----------

Didn't bother me to pull out my DL and flash it to vote. It saved me some time and the hassle of spelling out my name and having the poll person waste time looking.......

------------------------------------------------------

Bill Clinton really understands women.

There is a joke there, but I'll pass......

[Edwina's Secretary]

Well, they could switch to fingerprints. When people register, they just give a fingerpint and when they go vote they could match finger prints. They could even put a place on mail in ballots for the person's fingerpint. No finger print, toss the ballot. In the sad casses where the individual has no fingers they could use a toe print. That way no one has to buy anything or is supressed. Just thinking of options. :):love:

So I put my fingerprint on the envelope- still does not mean I am the one who checked the boxes!

But it still comes back to ......why?

There is not a problem with voter fraud.

Just another intrusion of the government! Apparently some people are comfortable with more government rules!

[RICHARD]

I was watching Rachel Madcow rant on about voting (not my choice of viewing, I don't have the remote...) and have to LMFAO about how STUPID people are and how STUPID this 'early voting' deal is.

Then if you have to show an I.D. and it's a conspiracy theory.

I have always found people who "absentee ballot" because they are too lazy to go to polls, funny.

--------------------------

You, as a voter, have some responsibility to find out what you need to do to vote.

You have four years to figure you s*** out and, last time I heard? It's the First Tuesday in November. The date changes, so If you can't figure out how to read a calendar (But can post videos on YouTube with no problems) you shouldn't vote - Matter of fact, you deserve to stand in line, go to the wrong precinct or not cast a ballot because you don't have an I.D....


Now, if you are one of the few that was born at home and managed to avoid being part of the mainstream?

YOU STILL HAVE HAD TIME TO FIGURE IT OUT. I know, there are the cases where there's not a clear cut solution.

-------------------------------

I am hoping for a huge Charlie Foxtrot in this election, then have the outcome figured out on the day before the world ends in December.

It would serve us right.;)


-------------------------

Chris Christy?


I loved his fawning over the fact that he got to ride in Marine One with the prez..........He sounded like a Justin Bieber fan who was able to go back stage and meet him.

Loved it.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I have always found people who "absentee ballot" because they are too lazy to go to polls, funny.



Let me explain it to you. Some people work...you know...have jobs. And those jobs often take them out of town...you know...to work.

And these people who...work...want to make sure they can vote. So they get an absentee ballot or a mail in ballot.

Perhaps you are not familiar with the concept.

Of course, there are other reasons people get absentee ballots - they may have difficulty getting to the poll - disabled, bedridden, elderly. I am sure you consider that a "scream" too. Lazy buggers!

What I find funny is people who are constantly laughing at others instead of looking at themselves and seeing just how ridiculous they are.

[blue]

Someone needs a mirror.

[pomtzu]

I wish I didn't have to go to the polls to vote, and could do an absentee ballot.

It's not that I'm lazy and don't want to go out just for that, but it seems that this state likes to juggle around the polling districts. I used to vote at the elementary school in town. Lots of parking and no walking and no waiting in long lines. Then a few elections ago it got changed to a different area - about the same distance to drive - but no where to park other than along the street if you can be lucky enough to find a parking spot, and then walk and walk and walk to get to the building and wait in long lines. Then it got changed back to the school, and now it's been changed again back to the long walk/long lines area. :mad: Sorry, but with my impaired balance and a bad knee that is scheduled for surgery, I don't walk a lot. I'll at least drive over there tomorrow, and if I can park close, then I'll vote. If not, I'll just turn around and come back home! :(

[Bonny]

I wish I didn't have to go to the polls to vote, and could do an absentee ballot.

It's not that I'm lazy and don't want to go out just for that, but it seems that this state likes to juggle around the polling districts. I used to vote at the elementary school in town. Lots of parking and no walking and no waiting in long lines. Then a few elections ago it got changed to a different area - about the same distance to drive - but no where to park other than along the street if you can be lucky enough to find a parking spot, and then walk and walk and walk to get to the building and wait in long lines. Then it got changed back to the school, and now it's been changed again back to the long walk/long lines area. :mad: Sorry, but with my impaired balance and a bad knee that is scheduled for surgery, I don't walk a lot. I'll at least drive over there tomorrow, and if I can park close, then I'll vote. If not, I'll just turn around and come back home! :(

Do you have a court house near by? Our district has also changed things around like you mentioned no place to park, long lines. We went to the court house & voted ahead of time. There was plenty of parking with no long lines.

[RICHARD]

I wish I didn't have to go to the polls to vote, and could do an absentee ballot.

It's not that I'm lazy and don't want to go out just for that, but it seems that this state likes to juggle around the polling districts. I used to vote at the elementary school in town. Lots of parking and no walking and no waiting in long lines. Then a few elections ago it got changed to a different area - about the same distance to drive - but no where to park other than along the street if you can be lucky enough to find a parking spot, and then walk and walk and walk to get to the building and wait in long lines. Then it got changed back to the school, and now it's been changed again back to the long walk/long lines area. :mad: Sorry, but with my impaired balance and a bad knee that is scheduled for surgery, I don't walk a lot. I'll at least drive over there tomorrow, and if I can park close, then I'll vote. If not, I'll just turn around and come back home! :(

Pom,

My 'absentee ballot' rant all about a guy I knew who would always vote that way.

He had no health problems - he was just too lazy to go the polls....He lived in an affluent area/neighborhood and just couldn't be bothered to make a trip.

My old job allowed you to take two hours to vote, so people would bug out early and vote.

-------------------------

This early voting snafu is stupid, a waste of people's time and funny -

I have waited hours in line to see Pink Floyd, get concert tickets watch a torch pass by and some other funky stuff.

Waiting hours to vote? I don't think so.

We were discussing the problems and D came up with this solution, Polls open Saturday and close on Tuesday.

8 to 8 every day, for everyone.

That way no one can complain and it's a level playing field and while we are at it?

Announce the results a few days later, make everyone wait and give the west coasters a chance to vote, the local elections/races suffer because when the 'winner' is announced in the national elections, people there give up and say, "Why should I vote when the election's over......."

[pomtzu]

I wasn't complaining about anyone's views re: absentee voting - I get that! I was just venting my frustration at what I've personally encountered. For those just plain too lazy to go out, then I hope they aren't the first ones to complain that the wrong (in their eyes) candidate won - but those are the ones that typically complain the longest and the loudest!

[Edwina's Secretary]

My old job allowed you to take two hours to vote, so people would bug out early and vote.

In California, if an employee is required to work from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm they must be given up to two hours off to vote with pay.

Most if not all states have laws similar although very few states require pay.

But all are only if the employee is unable to get to the polls before or after work.

And Pomtzu - I have had the same frustration - getting to the polls with little time to spare* and finding out my polling place has been changed! I remember once racing through my neighborhood trying to find the right place. Have you checked into an absentee ballot? Most states provide them without much fuss.

Personally I enjoy going to the polls - it feels more participative. I have never known anyone who voted absentee because they are "too lazy to go to the polling place" but what of it? As long as they vote why would I judge them as to what method they use?

* getting out of work on time

[Edwina's Secretary]

Here is an interesting article...Voting (http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2012/11/early_voting_republicans_have_tried_to_restrict_ac cess_to_voting_for_partisan.html)

The United States has one of the lowest voter turnout going. Why wouldn't we want to make it easierfor people to vote?

Is voting suppose to be some "prove you are worthy of it" exercise?

If someone wants to vote early, or by mail-in ballot...why is that a bad thing -- worthy of scorn?

I would save my scorn for people who do not bother to vote.

[cassiesmom]

What happens if you're in the hospital on Election Day and you are unable to vote, I wonder? Can you get a ballot late?

Once again I'm impressed by how orderly the process is. I know where I go to vote, I'll show up, might have to wait in line, someone will take my name and give me a ballot. No commotion, no big deal. Sometimes I see other people there who live in my building. I can vote for the candidate I think will do the better job. The voter after me might disagree, but no harm comes to either of us for voting. Then in January either Obama will be inaugurated again, or his term will end and Romney will take over, but that will be a peaceful switch. So we'll see what happens.

[sasvermont]

I am always amazed by the horrible stories about voting. I have never had a problem even though I have lived in crowded cities, the suburbs, the country..... never a problem. Voting in Vermont is easy because so very few people live in the state. The folks at the voting sites know all the people voting so no need to carry ID. It is always organized, pleasant and fun! I wish it could be that way for many more people. I cannot believe people have to wait in line for hours. What is with that? Why don't the people organizing it, create bigger and better voting conditions? How hard can it be? Is it the expense? It just seems as though voting is discouraged in some areas and that is wrong. Maybe mail in for everyone would be easier!

So everyone, go out and vote today. May the best man win. Fingers crossed for my candidate though! ;)

[RICHARD]

I am always amazed by the horrible stories about voting. I have never had a problem even though I have lived in crowded cities, the suburbs, the country..... never a problem. Voting in Vermont is easy because so very few people live in the state. The folks at the voting sites know all the people voting so no need to carry ID. It is always organized, pleasant and fun! I wish it could be that way for many more people. I cannot believe people have to wait in line for hours. What is with that? Why don't the people organizing it, create bigger and better voting conditions? How hard can it be? Is it the expense? It just seems as though voting is discouraged in some areas and that is wrong. Maybe mail in for everyone would be easier!

So everyone, go out and vote today. May the best man win. Fingers crossed for my candidate though! ;)

There is a cartoon in the paper today about the 'second most powerful person in the world', it shows a pic of the White House, the first? A pic of a person in a voting booth.

Again, people have had four years to think about this and how many years before the hanging chad fiasco.

We don't pay attention to the things that impact our lives, until we are slapped in the face by them.

--------------------------------------

Voting is discouraged in some areas because we don't encourage ourselves beforehand.

Not only that, think about the lawsuits that will come up from the 'voting fiascos'.

Saddam Hussein ran flawless election in Iraq for years.

Even I could predict the winner, with 100% of the vote- drum roll please - SADDAM HUSSEIN!!!

Maybe we should get Baghdad Bob to announce the elections results?

[RICHARD]

So one party is supposed to be racist and misogynistic and all I hear on one channel is the war on women and all about the black and latino vote.

Holy crap, what a waste of humanity these people are.

-----------------

Race baiting, name calling and the feminist BS, now colored - pun intended - with religious rants about Judeo-Christian values?

Some moron - speaking for the 'latino bloc' just said "we demand respect".

For what?

The "united latino" front is a myth. We have our own racism and dislike of the different groups inside this catch-all group.

We'll get respect when we get out shiat together and stop this nonsense. The racism will end when we can all swap colors or go color blind...the "war on women"?

I guess that war will be won when we can swap genitals, until then?

I think I'll go over to "democrazy plaza' and ice skate my arse into the wonderful feeling that we are all one group of people while the moderators above divide us up into voting groups....

Ev'rything is divided
Nothing is complete
Ev'rything looks impressive
Do not be deceived
You don't have to wait for more instructions
No one makes a monkey out of me
We lie on our backs, feet in the air
Rest and relaxation, rocket to my brain

Snap into position
Bounce till you ache
Step out of line
And you end up in jail
Bring me a doctor
I have a hole in my head
But they are just people
And I'm not afraid
Doctor Doctor
We have nothing in our pockets
We continue
But we have nothing left to offer
Faces pressed against the window
Hey! they are just my friends
Check this out don't be slick
Break our backs it goes like this . . .

We are born without eyesight
We are born without sin
And our mama protects us
From the cold and the rain
We're in no hurry
sugar and spice
We sing in the darkness
We poen our eyes (open up)

I can't believe it
And people are strange
Our president's crazy
Did you hear what he said
Business and pleasure
Lie right to your face
Divide it in sections
And then give it away

There are no big secrets
Don't believe what you read
We have great big bodies
We got great big heads
Run-a-run-a-run it all together
Check it out - still don't make no sense
Makin' flippy floppy
Tryin to do my best
Lock the door


--Making Flippy Floppy, talking heads.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I am always amazed by the horrible stories about voting. I have never had a problem even though I have lived in crowded cities, the suburbs, the country..... never a problem. Voting in Vermont is easy because so very few people live in the state. The folks at the voting sites know all the people voting so no need to carry ID. It is always organized, pleasant and fun! I wish it could be that way for many more people. I cannot believe people have to wait in line for hours. What is with that? Why don't the people organizing it, create bigger and better voting conditions? How hard can it be? Is it the expense? It just seems as though voting is discouraged in some areas and that is wrong. Maybe mail in for everyone would be easier!

So everyone, go out and vote today. May the best man win. Fingers crossed for my candidate though! ;)

My nearest polling place is a neighbor's garage!

If I didn't have to work I would love to work in a polling place on Election Day. Often it seems the process is slowed by those who are checking in the voters.

[Lady's Human]

Yeay (not)

Here's to two more years of absolute and utter gridlock as we kick the can a little further down the road.

[Lady's Human]

I wonder if Gov. Romney will take the hint this time? This makes 7 years of uninterrupted campaigning for the Oval Office, and he still lost. Is he going to try for 12 years of being a professional candidate? (BTW, the first 2 of those years he was SUPPOSED to be running the Commonwealth of Massachusetts)

[caseysmom]

Does anyone know if you don't vote for a while to you get unregistered? Hubby and I went together as usual and he wasn't on there, I think he was overseas during the last major election and sometimes he doesn't vote in the smaller elections.

edit just found the secretary of state's website if you don't vote in several consecutive elections you can be dropped. My daughter thats off to college was going to vote for the first time too but her GPS lead her astray and she didn't want to be late for work, she had a short time before classes and before her job.

[Lady's Human]

I think I'm going to buy stock in ALCOA......

Tinfoil hats are in vogue on teh interwebz this morning.

[Karen]

Well, for the first time in a while, no robocall hang-ups on my answering machine this morning! I'm sure it'll still take a few days for the election-related junk mail to cease ... but that's one nice development, anyway ...

[pomtzu]

What???? No one commenting on the outcome of the election yet? I'm kinda surprised at that.

I'm not surprised at all with the results, however, I thought it would be closer than it was. Like down to recounts closer. One good result tho - Mr Romney said that he is done. No more time spent running for president. We can only hope that he really means it. :rolleyes:

Hmmm - since Pres Obama can't run again, does anyone think that Joe Biden will give it a shot?

[RICHARD]

Does this mean we can resume the war on women?

[pomtzu]

Does this mean we can resume the war on women?

I wasn't aware that it had ever stopped..........:p

[RICHARD]

I wasn't aware that it had ever stopped..........:p

In my house it it's three against one.......does neutering count?:confused:

----------------------

The bad thing about sports and politics is that we award people BEFORE the 'season' starts.

We'll know a little bit better in the future.........but remember, we ARE dealing with politicians.:rolleyes:

[momoffuzzyfaces]

What???? No one commenting on the outcome of the election yet? I'm kinda surprised at that.

I'm not surprised at all with the results, however, I thought it would be closer than it was. Like down to recounts closer. One good result tho - Mr Romney said that he is done. No more time spent running for president. We can only hope that he really means it. :rolleyes:

Hmmm - since Pres Obama can't run again, does anyone think that Joe Biden will give it a shot?

Well, I hear Hillary Clinton might take a stab at running next time. But I do believe Old Joe has his beady eyes on running too. Perhaps they will team up. :rolleyes:

Guess I'll enjoy my little 1.7% increase in Social Security next year. It will be the last for 3 years when they start wanting seniors votes for next election. :p (and before you all jump on me... that is exactly what happened this last 4 years)

[pomtzu]

Well, I hear Hillary Clinton might take a stab at running next time. But I do believe Old Joe has his beady eyes on running too. Perhaps they will team up. :rolleyes:

Guess I'll enjoy my little 1.7% increase in Social Security next year. It will be the last for 3 years when they start wanting seniors votes for next election. :p (and before you all jump on me... that is exactly what happened this last 4 years)

A whopping 1.7 %. I'm underwhelmed. Medicare will probably go up and wipe that out really fast. My supplemental health insurance already notified me of a $12 increase starting in April.

Hillary and Joe??? - what a combo that would be. I don't think Joe has a chance tho - most people find him to be too caustic and abrasive. Personally, I think he's a hoot, but hoots don't make good presidential material. :rolleyes:

[Edwina's Secretary]

I wasn't aware that it had ever stopped..........:p

Amen! It is certainly alive and well on this thread!:rolleyes::rolleyes:

The last few years increases in pay have not been huge...ranging from none (and some cuts in pay!) to 3%. I don't see many companies doing more than 3%.

And the employee contribution to group insurance has gone up.

So it isn't much different for the employed than it is for those on social security!

[pomtzu]

So it isn't much different for the employed than it is for those on social security!

I'll make you an offer. I'll trade my monthly pay for yours!!! :p

[Edwina's Secretary]

I'll make you an offer. I'll trade my monthly pay for yours!!! :p

Be careful what you ask for!

I am self-employed. I never know what I will make from one month to the next. Last year I had two months in which I had no billable hours. Zero. Nada. Zilch.

I have one client that has been paying the same $$ for my services for over ten years....good thing I like them very much:D

[RICHARD]

Can we blame the current deficit on the "last" president?


I should hope so........



Tin foil for everyone!

[lizbud]

Can we blame the current deficit on the "last" president?


I should hope so........



Tin foil for everyone!


That's just what was tried this go round & it didn't work. People aren't as dumb as some believe them to be. Poor maybe, but dumb, no way.

[lizbud]

The GOP candidate for VP lost with Rommey, but still won his seat in Congress back in his home state of Wisconsin.
I didn't know he could run for two offices at the same time.:confused: Sounds somewhat illegal to me.

[Lady's Human]

Wisconsin allows it, which is most likely why he accepted the veep nod in the first place.

[Edwina's Secretary]

The GOP candidate for VP lost with Rommey, but still won his seat in Congress back in his home state of Wisconsin.
I didn't know he could run for two offices at the same time.:confused: Sounds somewhat illegal to me.

And similar, if not quite the same...Sarah (can't spell her name right) Palin did not have to give up being governor of Alaska when she ran for veep. Instead she quit a while later.

But I had the same reaction. I would have been really annoyed if I was his opponent and he had become veep. I am sure the governor of Wisconsin would have gotten to name his replacment to the House instead of it going to his opponent.

[RICHARD]

The GOP candidate for VP lost with Rommey, but still won his seat in Congress back in his home state of Wisconsin.
I didn't know he could run for two offices at the same time.:confused: Sounds somewhat illegal to me.

You can walk for office, they usually don't move, unless you live in California?:eek:

[phesina]

55354

[pomtzu]

55354

Love it!!! :D I often wonder where people come up with these very appropriate pics, cartoons, sayings, etc. I guess my mind isn't creative enough to think any of these up.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I don't say this very often but....ROTFLMAO!!

[Catty1]

Saw this on FB... (tried twice to make it smaller...sorry!)

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md3ovdt9kL1qze0z6o1_1280.jpghttp://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md3ovdt9kL1qze0z6o1_1280.jpg

[phesina]

Ooh, that's a good one too. Thanks, Candace!

[RICHARD]

55358

Let's celebrate the 'latino' vote in the election!

[Randi]

With the danger of being called a racist, I must say I find this appalling! The board in a housing estate North of Copenhagen have voted on whether they should have a Christmas tree on the grounds, like they've had for about 40 years, but since the majority on the board are Muslims, they voted no. Even though they used quite a sum of money to finance their Eid celebration.

I really think we have gone too far to satisfy the Muslins' way of living. Some kinder gardens won't serve pork for the children, either and one verse in a hymnal has been taken out, also.

When people come to live in a foreign country, they should at least try to adapt to the ways of the country they choose to live in.

I wonder how Americans would react? :eek:

You can read more here and it seems it will/are being sorted out:

http://cphpost.dk/news/national/cancelled-christmas-party-revived-private-donors

[pomtzu]

Unfortunately, a lot of Americans act the same way. Some find the much used greeting, etc of "Merry Christmas", to be offensive. Their way of thinking is that not everybody is Christian and celebrates this holiday., so this term should no longer be used. It has gotten so bad, that most businesses have the operator answer the phones with "Happy Holiday", for fear of being what some people might say "offensive" to the person on the other end of the line. Many town halls, government buildings, etc, no longer put up a "Christmas" tree or Nativity scene, because it isn't "religiously correct", and how dare we forget "separation of church and state"!

All of this crap just makes my blood boil. People have chosen to take a beautiful and peaceful time of year with lovely traditions, and turn it into a political/religious battlefield. How sad for everyone! :mad:

[Alysser]

All of this crap just makes my blood boil. People have chosen to take a beautiful and peaceful time of year with lovely traditions, and turn it into a political/religious battlefield. How sad for everyone! :mad:

My thoughts exactly. It is really pathetic. Everyone talks all this good talk about this whole "Peace on Earth" feelings and then get mad when you don't properly address their holiday. It makes no sense! If someone told me to have a nice Eid or whatever I would thank them, you don't even need to say you don't celebrate that holiday. They wished you a happy holiday either way, I don't get any of it.

[Karen]

It is a democracy, so the majority usually rules. As long as they would not prohibit me from putting up a Christmas tree at my house, I'd have no problem with it. But it would be better to let everyone celebrate their traditions, of course.

[pomtzu]

It is a democracy, so the majority usually rules.

It certainly doesn't in the examples that I listed! :(

[Bonny]

With the danger of being called a racist, I must say I find this appalling! The board in a housing estate North of Copenhagen have voted on whether they should have a Christmas tree on the grounds, like they've had for about 40 years, but since the majority on the board are Muslims, they voted no. Even though they used quite a sum of money to finance their Eid celebration.

I really think we have gone too far to satisfy the Muslins' way of living. Some kinder gardens won't serve pork for the children, either and one verse in a hymnal has been taken out, also.

When people come to live in a foreign country, they should at least try to adapt to the ways of the country they choose to live in.

I wonder how Americans would react? :eek:

You can read more here and it seems it will/are being sorted out:

http://cphpost.dk/news/national/cancelled-christmas-party-revived-private-donors

Hats off to the private donors. :) I hope they have a MERRY CHRISTMAS.

[Randi]

Well, the point is that 90% of the people living there accepted the Muslims's Eid celebration and that cost a lot more, but more important, if people settle down in another country, they should accept the customs of that country and not demand that the citizens change their way of living and adapt to their rules! If I went to an Arabic country, do you think they'd let me walk around without a scarf covering my head and serve me pork, or have a Christmas tree put up in the Square!

[mon]

I kinda think, when in Rome... But then again, my neighbors to the left are Jehova Witnesses and the ones to the right are Muslims. We all live in peace but we don't give them a Christmas card or invite them to my Auntys notoriously long and drawn out Hanukkah shindigs. :D To each his own. Having your priorities in perspective doesn't hurt.

[caseysmom]

We had a non-christian complain at work about our christmas tree, not a Muslim btw and so now we call it a holiday tree...got around that!

[Karen]

Well, the point is that 90% of the people living there accepted the Muslims's Eid celebration and that cost a lot more, but more important, if people settle down in another country, they should accept the customs of that country and not demand that the citizens change their way of living and adapt to their rules! If I went to an Arabic country, do you think they'd let me walk around without a scarf covering my head and serve me pork, or have a Christmas tree put up in the Square!

Many years ago, a Christian friend of mine lived in an Arabic country for her husband's job, and their slightly bedraggled artificial Christmas tree was a treasure, as there were no live Christmas trees for sale there, they do not grow in the desert! They celebrated Christmas anyway, and when they moved back to the States, gave the tree to other Christian friends there.

[Lady's Human]

It is a democracy, so the majority usually rules. As long as they would not prohibit me from putting up a Christmas tree at my house, I'd have no problem with it. But it would be better to let everyone celebrate their traditions, of course.

I have to disagree.

The side with the best lawyers and deepest pockets wins.

I'd have major issues with what happened, as when the US was in Saudi Arabia, your Christmas tree story aside, female soldiers were held to a different dress code acknowledged by the SOFA. In addition, foreign nationals are usually in housing/living areas away from the general populace, (esp. in Saudi Arabia) so the rules in those specific areas are relaxed. I would dare someone to erect a public nativity in downtown Riyadh.

[cassiesmom]

Question. Does Congress have a plan in place for what to do if a member requires an extended absence? I'm thinking of two people from Illinois. Senator Mark Kirk had a stroke in January and needed brain surgery. He has been through months of extended rehabilitation. He was just on TV because he participated in a stair climb for charity at the Sears Tower. I thought he looked really good- his speech is definitely improving, he looks healthy although I could still clearly tell that his left arm is weak. The other one is House Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. who has been under care for depression (I've also heard bipolar disorder) and was just re-elected on Tuesday. He has not been able to do his congressional work for I think 3 or 4 months now. Even Rep. Giffords who also was in rehab for a lengthy period of time after her serious head injury.

Is there a certain point in time after which something happens? I know Sen. Kirk is hoping to return to the Senate, but I'm not sure if or when that will happen. I heard on the news that Jackson didn't want to run for re-election but was advised to run so he wouldn't lose his Congressional member health insurance. I think they should let the governor appoint someone (although in Illinois that could get messy) or hold a special election, or in Jackson's case let the runner-up be declared the winner and take it from there.

[RICHARD]

The funniest thing about 'religion' and being 'correct'?

People don't respect each other enough to let things slide.

-----------

Some holidays do not have a set date.

That religious holiday that gets moved yearly because it's the thirty fifth day from the winter peri-helion on Uranus?;)

It doesn't really matter to me.

I respect your right to celebrate, I am not going to be insulted or think anything about it.

That said?

Have your own holidays, spend them with your family, eat, drink and be merry....

JUST DON'T EFF WITH EVERYONE ELSE'S PARTY.

--------

And lastly?

The part that makes me laugh about all religions is the tenent of loving everyone - except when it comes to holidays.

The people that do-not-believe are a different story.

They are going to hell, anyways.:D:rolleyes::p

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Well, I am a Christian and I celebrate Christmas. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. If they don't want to hear it, they can walk away from me. I can not understand why everyone gets so upset about it. It's not like saying Merry Christmas is like saying your wife/husband is ugly. It's people who are celebrating something special to them wanting to share that joy with others.

I am not offended by other religions and am baffled that they are offended by mine. I have never in my life thumped a Bible at anyone.

I do get miffed by towns that will let other relligions display symbols of their faith in public places but not let Christians. I am glad our town still has a living nativity scene every Christmas. :love:

Someone wished me a Happy Father's day one time. Something I never ever thought I'd be wished. I just said thank you. Same to you and left. I don't know if she was offened or not.

[cassiesmom]

Well, I am a Christian and I celebrate Christmas. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. If they don't want to hear it, they can walk away from me. I can not understand why everyone gets so upset about it. It's not like saying Merry Christmas is like saying your wife/husband is ugly. It's people who are celebrating something special to them wanting to share that joy with others.

I am not offended by other religions and am baffled that they are offended by mine. I have never in my life thumped a Bible at anyone.

I do get miffed by towns that will let other relligions display symbols of their faith in public places but not let Christians. I am glad our town still has a living nativity scene every Christmas. :love:

Someone wished me a Happy Father's day one time. Something I never ever thought I'd be wished. I just said thank you. Same to you and left. I don't know if she was offened or not.

One of the things I liked about working at the Catholic hospital was that I could say, "Merry Christmas" more comfortably there than with secular employers. Last year we were told to say "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" just to keep it neutral.

[Lady's Human]

Question. Does Congress have a plan in place for what to do if a member requires an extended absence? I'm thinking of two people from Illinois. Senator Mark Kirk had a stroke in January and needed brain surgery. He has been through months of extended rehabilitation. He was just on TV because he participated in a stair climb for charity at the Sears Tower. I thought he looked really good- his speech is definitely improving, he looks healthy although I could still clearly tell that his left arm is weak. The other one is House Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. who has been under care for depression (I've also heard bipolar disorder) and was just re-elected on Tuesday. He has not been able to do his congressional work for I think 3 or 4 months now. Even Rep. Giffords who also was in rehab for a lengthy period of time after her serious head injury.

Is there a certain point in time after which something happens? I know Sen. Kirk is hoping to return to the Senate, but I'm not sure if or when that will happen. I heard on the news that Jackson didn't want to run for re-election but was advised to run so he wouldn't lose his Congressional member health insurance. I think they should let the governor appoint someone (although in Illinois that could get messy) or hold a special election, or in Jackson's case let the runner-up be declared the winner and take it from there.


Unless the Representative or Senator dies or resigns, they hold the seat. If they are absent, then no vote is cast from that representative.

In Rep. Giffords' case, she resigned, and the state had to hold a special election to fill the seat.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Some holidays do not have a set date.

That religious holiday that gets moved yearly because it's the thirty fifth day from the winter peri-helion on Uranus?;)


That would be Easter? First Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

There is only one federal holiday that is a religious holiday. Christmas of course. So I don't think Christians need to worry.

[sparks19]

doesn't it get exhausting talking down to people all the time? It's exhausting to read the constant back and forth

[lizbud]

doesn't it get exhausting talking down to people all the time? It's exhausting to read the constant back and forth


You've got that right. I'm so glad he doesn't post here that often anymore.:p

[sparks19]

You've got that right. I'm so glad he doesn't post here that often anymore.:p

??? Huh? Lol

Lots of people don't post here anymore but it hasn't made a dent in the back and forth nonsense.

This thread is a good example of why this country will always be bipartisan and divided and the "other parties" will never stabd a chance

[Lady's Human]

??? Huh? Lol

Lots of people don't post here anymore but it hasn't made a dent in the back and forth nonsense.

This thread is a good example of why this country will always be bipartisan and divided and the "other parties" will never stabd a chance

I'm sure you can tell who everyone in this this thread cast their vote
for just by their comments.......

[Karen]

NOT! ;) I tell folks it's a secret ballot for a reason.

But Sparks, we have more in common than this thread would lead anyone to believe. And I do not think of America as split, or bi-partisan, no matter how much the political pundits proclaim it to be so. For example, there's not such thing as a "red state," or a "blue state" in every state, I guarantee you, there were people who voted the opposite of the way the state landed on the big map, and people who voted for parties and people not represented in that equation. America is not two colors, it is not "red" and "blue" - truth be told, it has green, pink, brown, rainbow - it is more like plaid! But that doesn't make it simple enough for clever sound bites.

Don't buy the hype the commentators spew forth. And remember, here on Pet Talk, we all love and care about pets - who have no politics whatsoever. Any dog I know would take a treat as readily from a member of one political party or another, big or small, red, blue, green, rainbow - a treat is a treat! And some cats are as likely to snub any human being of any political party, regardless of his or her opinion about elections.

[Lady's Human]

I'm reading Texas and Louisiana have petitions to secede.....

Wanna go? Fine.

However....

We'll be expecting repatriation of all troops and equipment in any military posts in those states,to include the National Guard equipment (Uncle sugar provides the equipment, the state just provides a portion of the training money) as well as all machinery related to military production which has been paid for with United States tax dollars, in addition to research labs and all other government infrastructure. As for the physical infrastructure we will be leaving behind, we'll expect payment for that in due course.

LockMart Fort Worth? We'll be wanting that as well as all the research data. After all, we keep hearing that without military contracts, it would fold. Let's cut out the pain in the middle, just send it north.

Ditto for Siemens in Arlington.


We'll be expecting the return of all Army Corps of Engineers equipment and personnel as well.


As to Louisiana, you can keep Ingalls shipyard. The work has been shoddy as of late, and the equipment is just too big to move. We will, however, be seizing or destroying (depending on size and ease of movement) any equipment mission-specific to the construction of US naval vessels. I'm sure the shipyard in Philly would like the work back.

Please note, all research facilities at Universities and the information generated there paid for with federal tax money will be expected to be returned as well.

Given the tenor of the proposals, we don't expect that you want the US Navy and military in general to protect you. Please reflag all vessels forthwith, and be advised that the US Navy is no longer your protector. I'm sure, however, for a price (after all, you want unfettered capitalism, you got it) we can arrange something.

[RICHARD]

My secret ballot is cast for Florida to secede.

----------

How hard is it to cast a vote?;)

-----------------------

Gotta run, Antiques Roadshow is doing a cat and dog episode.

[Edwina's Secretary]

doesn't it get exhausting talking down to people all the time? It's exhausting to read the constant back and forth

That's seems real simple. Stop reading.

Don't accept our hospitality and then complain about it!

Bad form.

[blue]

doesn't it get exhausting talking down to people all the time? It's exhausting to read the constant back and forth

For the people who do it, Im gonna say it is their pleasure and the highlight of their day.

Richard, not that he is one of the culprits, is at least entertaining when he posts instead of degrading..

[sparks19]

That's seems real simple. Stop reading.

Don't accept our hospitality and then complain about it!

Bad form.

Don't worry your pretty little head. I haven't checked this area of the forum for a long time. Just figured I would see if there was any intelligent discussion about the recent election but I can see it's business as usual.

Don't fret, I won't be back to this section. I Teach in a preschool, I get my fill of children there :)

[Edwina's Secretary]

Don't worry your pretty little head. I haven't checked this area of the forum for a long time. Just figured I would see if there was any intelligent discussion about the recent election but I can see it's business as usual.

Don't fret, I won't be back to this section. I Teach in a preschool, I get my fill of children there :)

I am glad to hear you are gainfully employed! :)

[caseysmom]

Trying my best to stay away from this, I just want to say it is possible to have different political opinions from someone and still get along and respect the person, just saying.

Not sure what the gainfully employed comment meant, Brian provides very well for his family and I respect the hell out of the fact that for the most part sparks can be a stay at home mom, it really is the unltimate sacrifice and shows ultimate trust in your spouse and in no way makes you less of a person, in fact I really admire it.

[Lady's Human]

Humanity has the internet.


An incredible medium for information interchange.


A packet can move around the world at the speed of light (or very close to it)

Why is it that we choose to use this incredible medium for the distribution of poorly researched (or not researched) jingoistic partisan pap?

It's like a baboon display, everyone showing their rear end, and then people reposting and spreading the BS without pausing for a minute to think it through.....after all, it fits their viewpoint, it must be true.

[RICHARD]

Humanity has the internet.

It's like a baboon display, everyone showing their rear end, and then people reposting and spreading the BS without pausing for a minute to think it through.....after all, it fits their viewpoint, it must be true.

So, everyone climbs on board?

I see your point....

55371

[sparks19]

I am glad to hear you are gainfully employed! :)

just wanted to address this.

It is only two mornings a week and I only do it because Hannah gets to come with me but I am still very much a stay at home/homeschool mom (although it seems we are rately actually AT home)

I certainly don't do it because we need the money or because I somehow felt like a lesser human being because I stay at home and parent my child. Brian provides very well for us and gives us the amazing opportunity for me to stay home and homeschool Hannah. I am extremely thankful for that. I took this job because it was a great opportunity. I mean, I get paid and Hannah gets to come to class with me for free.

I am not sure why you would care if I was gainfully employed or not. We don't take any government Money or handouts, we fully support ourselves and in the future as long as God is willing I will still be a stay at home/homeschooling mother and I am proud of it :) My self worth isn't tied up in my job.

[Edwina's Secretary]

back on topic....

Dear Red States,

We're ticked off at your Neanderthal attitudes and politics
(like
"legitimate rape") so we have decided to leave you.

We in New York intend to form our own country and we're taking the
other Blue States with us. In case you aren't aware, that includes
California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Michigan, Illinois and the rest of the Northeast.

We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation and especially
to the people of the new country, the Enlightened States of America
(E.S.A).

To sum up briefly:

You get Texas, Oklahoma and all the slave states.

We get stem cell research.

You get Bobby Jindal and Todd Akin. We get Andrew Cuomo and Elizabeth Warren.

We get the Statue of Liberty. You get OpryLand.

We get Intel and Microsoft. You get WorldCom.

We get Harvard. You get Ole' Miss.

We get 85 % of America's venture capital and entrepreneurs.

You get Alabama. And
Louisiana.

We get two-thirds of the tax revenue.

You now get to make the red states pay their fair share.

Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22 % lower than the Christian
Coalition's we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of
single moms.

Please be aware that the E.S.A. will be pro choice and anti-war and
we're going to want all our citizens back from Afghanistan at once. If
you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids
they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no convincing
purpose.

We wish you success in Afghanistan and possibly Iran as well, but
we're not willing to spend our resources in these sorts of pursuits.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80% of the
country's fresh water, more than 90% of the pineapple and lettuce, 92%
of the nation's fresh fruit, 95% of America's quality wines, 90%
of
all cheese, 90 % of the high tech industry, most of the US low sulfur
coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy (Yale,
Harvard, etc.) and Seven Sister schools plus Stanford, Berkeley, U of
Chicago, Cal Tech and MIT.

With the Red States you will have to cope with 88% of all obese
Americans and their projected health care costs; 92% of all US
mosquitoes, nearly 100% of the tornadoes, 90% of the hurricanes, 99%
of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100% of all televangelists; Rush
Limbaugh, Bob Jones University, Clemson and the University of Georgia.

We get Hollywood and Yosemite.

38% of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale;
62% believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the death penalty
or gun laws;
44% say that evolution is only a theory;
53% claim that Saddam was involved in 9/11 and
61% of you crazies believe that you have
higher morals then we lefties.

Sincerely,


With apologies to anyone who thinks expressing an opinion contrary to the one you hold is "talking down" to you.

[Lady's Human]

Does this mean we have to keep Gov. Romney as well?

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Please note: Very few of us in the "red" states had anything to do with this wanting to pull out of the union nonsense!!! I am not red or blue. I have voted both ways over the years. I had two 5th great grandfathers who fought in the American Revolution and I'll be dang gum if I go against what they fought so hard for.

So, if most of the rest of Kansas wants to pull out of the union, there will be one little yellow house on the prairie that will remain American!!! Of course, the rest of you all might have to air drop me and my cats supplies. :love:

By the way, I wouldn't brag about getting to keep Hollywood.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Does this mean we have to keep Gov. Romney as well?

Sometimes a little chaff gets stuck in the wheat.

[lizbud]

So, if most of the rest of Kansas wants to pull out of the union, there will be one little yellow house on the prairie that will remain American!!! Of course, the rest of you all might have to air drop me and my cats supplies. :love:




Not to worry Moff. We won't let you & the kitties go hungry.:D :love:

Although I live in Indiana, one of the Red states involved, I don't think this will be more than a brief outburst of all the sore losers. They seem to
be going through the five stages of grief right now.

[RICHARD]

:)Five stages of grief?;)

That sounds like something from an MSNBC program.

------------

There are sore winners and gracious winners out there, someplace.

The cackling media are just as guilty of being gold plated AHs as the politicians are. I love it that most news readers won't win with any kind of shot or SA remarks about 'what went wrong'.

What went wrong? The Republican party lost - some of them worse that others - and what then?

------------

The honorable thing to do is to bury the casualties, stop for a second to be gracious and give your opponent a nod for bringing you the fight.

When you dance on the bones of your foe?

-----------------

Ever notice that baboon arse is blue and red?

[Karen]

Plaid, I say! America is not "red" and "blue" - it's plaid! And will remain that way, pundits and naysayers besides. They are actually the smallest of the minorities, but have the loudest whines! ;)

We have not a nation of "winners" and "losers" - we are a nation of human beings of every skin color, ethnicity and size, and our glory is in the things that unite us, not divide us. I don;t know anyone on the streets talking about secession - and here is where the American Revolution started, just a few miles away from me.

And here on Pet Talk, we all have animals we love and spoil and that sets us apart from other folks. But we'll just pity them, and try to education them!

[RICHARD]

I played sports for all my life - but I am devoid of the "winner gene" - The beauty of sports is looking across the line at your opponent and playing to the best of your ability.

After game I always felt good about being able to play, If the team won? So much better.

Afterwards you shook hands or sat around for a soda, beer or played again.

-----------------

Sportsmanship is a as important as winning or losing.

You can tell who the winners are because you forget who won the next day.

Losers will remind you, long after the contest is over, that they won the game.

----------------

Instead of the politicians and media rolling up their sleeves and saying, "good game, let's plan the next match?"

They are too busy reminding everyone they won - no wonder no one wants to play with them again........

[Edwina's Secretary]

According to a letter to the editor in today's Orange County Register the cause of the demise of Hostess was not bad management...it was not evil unions...it was....

are you ready? This is almost impossible to believe...but if it was in the OC Register it MUST be true...the responsiblity goes to...

Michelle Obama

That's right. It is her fault because for "so many years" she has been advising people not to eat unhealthy and fattening snacks and junk food.

[Karen]

Never mind how many people have been telling folks that before her ... and been ignored just as much. And even she would allow a snack cake if it was a treat, not an everyday substitute for fruit in their diet, for example.

Don't you love how there's gotta be someone to blame for everything? No one ever admits it is their own fault ... must be some external influence, yeah ... find a celebrity to blame!

Hey, maybe it is MY fault - after all, it has been many, many years since I have eaten a Twinky, even before I had food allergies that now prevent me from eating them ...

[Bonny]

Never mind how many people have been telling folks that before her ... and been ignored just as much. And even she would allow a snack cake if it was a treat, not an everyday substitute for fruit in their diet, for example.

Don't you love how there's gotta be someone to blame for everything? No one ever admits it is their own fault ... must be some external influence, yeah ... find a celebrity to blame!

Hey, maybe it is MY fault - after all, it has been many, many years since I have eaten a Twinky, even before I had food allergies that now prevent me from eating them ...

Kinda like President Obama blaming President Bush for everything??? :D

[RICHARD]

Kinda like President Obama blaming President Bush for everything??? :D

I kinda blame the lost Bush kid, Reggie.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Kinda like President Obama blaming President Bush for everything??? :D

No, not like that. If you want to make an connection to Bush you would have to have something like...it is Laura Bush's fault that so many people are reading "50 Shades of Gray".

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Someone please explain to me how a congress who can't keep us from the looming fiscal cliff and all the cut backs coming has the gumption to give themselves a $900 a month raise? When I worked, we only got raises when we earned them. I don't think any one in congress has earned any sort of a raise this year.
But, that's just the opinion of someone living 130% below the poverty level. :eek:

[Karen]

Someone please explain to me how a congress who can't keep us from the looming fiscal cliff and all the cut backs coming has the gumption to give themselves a $900 a month raise? When I worked, we only got raises when we earned them. I don't think any one in congress has earned any sort of a raise this year.
But, that's just the opinion of someone living 130% below the poverty level. :eek:

Vote the bums out! It amazes me every time we Americans re-elect so many of the same people that are screwing this up - and it is a mess they created for themselves!

[momoffuzzyfaces]

It just seems that no matter who is in office, the results are the same. :(:love:

[Lady's Human]

Congress is working on legislation to rescind the pay raises for Congress and the executive branch.

To echo Karen's statement, we just sent a Congress which is rated as one of the worst in history back to power largely unchanged. 90% of the seats remained in the same hands they were in in November.

We have reached national insanity, electing the same fools and expecting different results.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Congress is working on legislation to rescind the pay raises for Congress and the executive branch.
.

I'm sure they will work really HARD on that!!! Specially seeing how hard they work the rest of the year. :D That's like putting a fox to guard a hen house.

I totally agree about the national insanity. I keep wondering what are people thinking? :confused::love:

[Grace]

Someone please explain to me how a congress who can't keep us from the looming fiscal cliff and all the cut backs coming has the gumption to give themselves a $900 a month raise? When I worked, we only got raises when we earned them. I don't think any one in congress has earned any sort of a raise this year.
But, that's just the opinion of someone living 130% below the poverty level. :eek:

Congress did not give themselves pay raises. It was the President, by Executive Order - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/28/obama-pay-raise-congress_n_2377714.html

Congress is trying to get the Order rescinded - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/12/31/obama-gives-congress-pay-raise/

[pomtzu]

Congress did not give themselves pay raises. It was the President, by Executive Order - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/28/obama-pay-raise-congress_n_2377714.html

Congress is trying to get the Order rescinded - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/12/31/obama-gives-congress-pay-raise/

I''d be happier than a pig eatin' poop, if the President gave me a $900 per month pay raise. But of course if that ever happened, then Medicare would go up to $895 per month!

[RICHARD]

A 'funny' set of news reports today.

One politician telling the other to eff off......As if they did it politely?

I guess he forgot he was dealing with politicians.

------------

Chris Christie complaining about the hurricane Sandy relief and how he was promised help from the fed government - I guess he forgot he was dealing with politicians.

--------

And CBS closed the evening news with a story about a man who had spent 18k given to him by FEMA to fix his house.
He was in danger of losing the home because he ran out of money....but, right after the storm he spoke to the pres and CC and they promised him help to get back on his feet....

I guess he forgot he was dealing with politicians?:rolleyes:

[Lady's Human]

Congratulations to Congress.

That can is getting pretty scuffed and dented about now.....

[RICHARD]

Congratulations to Congress.

That can is getting pretty scuffed and dented about now.....

Did you think they'd chance kicking rocks with the nice shoes they buy?:eek:

[blue]

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hjres15

H.J.Res. 15: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-second article of amendment, thereby removing the limitation on the number of terms an individual may serve as President.

[Lady's Human]

THe number of bills proposed that actually get anywhere is a tiny fraction of the total introduced.

Being that there's no groundswell for a Constitutional amendment to repeal term limitations, rather there is a large opinion in favor of term limitations on more offices, this dog ain't getting off the porch.

[blue]

rather there is a large opinion in favor of term limitations on more offices.

We can only hope.

[Lady's Human]

Kill this damned boondoggle:

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/22/u-s-military-grounds-f-35-fighter-jets/?hpt=hp_t1

And the LCS.

Boeing had displayed a semi-stealthy version of the F-15 2-3 years ago. Buy it, it fills the need without busting the budget.

LCS? Korea can build frigates with actual warfighting capability for 1/3 of the price of the precious LCS. Why can we somehow not figure it out?

[lizbud]

Things you don't hear about on the Nightly News. I read a story about this problem last week & then they were saying it was only
one leak, now they say it's six. This is so near the Columbia river. Oh, those in charge say not to worry. Right. :rolleyes:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/22/hanford-nuclear-reservation_n_2744974.html

[Lady's Human]

Hanford has been a problem site for a long time. Successive Congresses, however, haven't voted fund to fix the issues, and continual punting on Yucca mountain just make things worse.

[Karen]

Why the heck do spammers think I'd open any email that claims "Congress passed a new bill to ...." when they can't even get their act together with sequester looming?

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I think our Congress is one big joke and not a funny one. They just got back from a break and will be gone again Friday. HELLO!!!! Keep your bums in your chairs until you get something done to fix the sequester mess you have coming down on OUR heads!!! :mad:

[Lady's Human]

I think our Congress is one big joke and not a funny one. They just got back from a break and will be gone again Friday. HELLO!!!! Keep your bums in your chairs until you get something done to fix the sequester mess you have coming down on OUR heads!!! :mad:

They need the breaks. Otherwise their tongues would dry out from too much time spent sticking them out at each other.

[RICHARD]

Hanford has been a problem site for a long time. Successive Congresses, however, haven't voted fund to fix the issues, and continual punting on Yucca mountain just make things worse.

I followed the Yaquis (the team from Yucca) for a few years.

They need a new quarterback. The kicker is getting worn out.;)

[lizbud]

I really find it surprising how much time & attention Media is giving to the election of a new Pope by the Catholic church. Are non Catholics really
that interested in Catholic Politics? and it is Political.

[Karen]

I really find it surprising how much time & attention Media is giving to the election of a new Pope by the Catholic church. Are non Catholics really
that interested in Catholic Politics? and it is Political.

It is what's called a slow news cycle ... also, there all reportedly over a billion Catholics, so the media figures they have a big audience out there! Also, because the voting is done in secret, it leaves lots of room for rampant speculation!

[Lady's Human]

THe selection of a new Pope has always been covered heavily in the media, mainly because they know they have a massive audience interested in the proceedings.

[RICHARD]

THe selection of a new Pope has always been covered heavily in the media, mainly because they know they have a massive audience interested in the proceedings.

I want to know how much smoke they need for that chimney...and what the smoke is.:o:eek:

[pomtzu]

At least it's better than coverage of murders and all the garbage that these newscasters dig up. I know my DIL in FL is glued to every tidbit of news about this election of the new pope - you'd think she had a direct connection to anything in the Catholic church. She's fanatical!! :rolleyes:

I personally would like to know what is so secret and hush-hush about the election process. I think the Catholic people deserve the right to know what goes on behind those closed and locked doors - afterall - it will directly impact their lives. I know the Vatican is just following age old traditions, but maybe they need to change a bit - just as the times have changed!

No - I'm not Catholic............

[lizbud]

I personally would like to know what is so secret and hush-hush about the election process. I think the Catholic people deserve the right to know what goes on behind those closed and locked doors - afterall - it will directly impact their lives. I know the Vatican is just following age old traditions, but maybe they need to change a bit - just as the times have changed!

No - I'm not Catholic............



Everything about the running of the church is a secret. I am, or was, a Catholic. I will be eternally greatful for their school system, which is one of the
finest in this country, but I can't support the Catholic hierarchy response to the sex abuse scandals. They seem to put a priority on keeping the institution
intact instead of dealing with sexual perverts within the church who prey upon our children.

[pomtzu]

I can't support the Catholic hierarchy response to the sex abuse scandals. They seem to put a priority on keeping the institution
intact instead of dealing with sexual perverts within the church who prey upon our children.

I don't understand that at all, and understand even less, the blind devotion of the many Catholics, to a church that seeks to sweep this issue under the rug, and protect the perpetrators.

[lizbud]

I don't understand that at all, and understand even less, the blind devotion of the many Catholics, to a church that seeks to sweep this issue under the rug, and protect the perpetrators.


There is a growing division within the Catholic church on this topic, among others, to drag the Church into the 20th century. Many others feel the need to speak out
and hope & pray for serious change within the church. ( I'm not at all hopeful that anything will change in my lifetime) This article offers a little insight from a Catholic
writer. http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/03/11/paul-begala-a-prayer-for-the-catholic-church.html

[Karen]

I am not Catholic, but it makes me a little happy and hopeful that the new Pope chose to be the first Pope Francis, as Saint Francis of Assisi was not only a notorious friend to birds and animals, but a reformer of the church as well.

I know nothing about this guy, but that made me smile.

[Catty1]

Some notes on the new Pope:


His views While he is known for modernizing an Argentinian church considered to be among the most conservative in Latin America, he is also known for his strict views on morality -- having staunchly opposed same-sex marriage, contraception and abortion.
He has called adoption by gay parents a form of discrimination against children -- a stance that was publicly criticized by Argentinian President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.
Still, Bergoglio has shown compassion for HIV and AIDS patients, visiting a hospice in 2001 to kiss and wash the feet of some of those affected by the disease.
He once accused his fellow church leaders of being hypocrites and lambasted them for forgetting that Jesus was known to bathe lepers and ate with prostitutes.
"Jesus teaches us another way: Go out. Go out and share your testimony, go out and interact with your brothers, go out and share, go out and ask. Become the word in body as well as spirit," he told priests in Argentina last year.
“This is a man who goes into the shantytowns and cooks with the people," said Gerard O’Connell, CTV Vatican specialist. "I think the world is going to discover a very new style of being pope."
Fast facts on Jorge Mario Bergoglio:


Ordained as a priest in 1969
Initially trained as a chemist
Taught psychology, philosophy and theology
Became Buenos Aires archbishop in 1998
Became cardinal in 2001
Lives in a small apartment rather than a palatial bishop
Known to love the tango
Often rode the bus to work and gave up his personal chauffeur
Chose to sit in the back row of bishops' meetings



Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/new-pope-chosen-argentine-jorge-mario-bergoglio-who-becomes-pope-francis-1.1193437#ixzz2NTpBKpqB

[cassiesmom]

I am not Catholic, but it makes me a little happy and hopeful that the new Pope chose to be the first Pope Francis, as Saint Francis of Assisi was not only a notorious friend to birds and animals, but a reformer of the church as well.

I know nothing about this guy, but that made me smile.

I heard on the news that the new Pope chose the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, who cared for animals. I didn't know St. Francis was a church reformer. I also heard on the news that he is the first Jesuit Pope -- I went to Loyola University of Chicago, which is a Jesuit Catholic school. I'm not Catholic, though. Does he go back to Argentina before he takes over -- does he get an opportunity to pack up his things and say farewell to the people he had been working with there? Or, does he become the Pope immediately and they a new cardinal takes his position in Argentina?

[lizbud]

Ah, a little ray of sunshine, in what has been a very politically dark & dreary Indiana Legislator Session. :)


http://www.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/leader-of-indiana-senate-says-hell-kill-bill-to-keep-fenced-deer-hunting-preserves-open-in-indiana

[Lady's Human]

Have him test the Presidential waters!

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/10/issa-newhampshire-presidential-politics/

Rep. Darrell Issa is headed to New Hampshire next month to deliver an address at a venue that has been a must-do appearance for presidential aspirants.

The Vista Republican and chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will speak to a joint session of the Concord Republican City and Merrimack County committees annual Lincoln Day Dinner on Monday, Feb. 17.

[Karen]

Okay, just got an email asking me to sign the "People versus Carbon" petition! Hello? Hello? Anyone home? Um, we humans (and most life on earth) are partially made up of Carbon - did a quick Google, and we are about 18% Carbon - not really something we can be opposed to and live, anyway!

[Cataholic]

Okay, just got an email asking me to sign the "People versus Carbon" petition! Hello? Hello? Anyone home? Um, we humans (and most life on earth) are partially made up of Carbon - did a quick Google, and we are about 18% Carbon - not really something we can be opposed to and live, anyway!

Really? That was what you took away from the petition? That if one opposes carbon, the human species dies? So, we need iron...OK to drop a ton of it in your yard/neighborhood and let it sit there?

I think the petition speaks more to atmospheric carbon, pollution and the stricter monitoring of coal/oil production. The local coal plant here is shutting down half its operation, as it won't be able to financially work the re-structuring necessary to address the nasty pollution.

[Karen]

Really? That was what you took away from the petition? That if one opposes carbon, the human species dies? So, we need iron...OK to drop a ton of it in your yard/neighborhood and let it sit there?

I think the petition speaks more to atmospheric carbon, pollution and the stricter monitoring of coal/oil production. The local coal plant here is shutting down half its operation, as it won't be able to financially work the re-structuring necessary to address the nasty pollution.

I knew they mean they oppose the burning of fossil fuels, and carbon emissions just thought the title of it was absurd! Glad for you your local coal plant is at least shutting down half its production/pollution, there are scrubbers, etc., that could be installed of course (Dad was a stationary engineer) but that does cost money to build and maintain ...

And thanks, we have a bunch of iron here - cars, including mine park outside! ;) And of course, iron-y happens sometimes anyway! ;)

[Lady's Human]

The output from the scrubbers is epa regulated, and it's no longer easily disposed of, which adds to the expense and complicates planning of implementing scrubber technology.

One question:

The elimination or restriction of coal use would eliminate 40% of the power currently used in the United States. Where are we going to make up the difference?

Solar and wind are weather dependent, and the backup batteries which would be required for grid redundancy with the heavy use of those technologies are REALLY environmentally nasty, both in production, which require massive amounts of strip mining, and use, as an industrial-sized battery would require some special provisions. In addition, the production of the generators for wind turbines also require massive amounts of strip mining.

Nuclear energy production has been hamstrung in the US by lawsuits and scare tactics, and the sole proposal for a workable nuclear waste storage site has been stuck in gridlock.

Natural gas production is being fought tooth and nail.

Where would you propose we acquire new energy sources?

[cassiesmom]

What's wrong with this picture? Illinois gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner's daughter was admitted to Walter Payton College Prep, a Chicago selective admission high school, even though the family lives in the suburbs, specifically tony Winnetka. What's up with that? And then, when she was initially declined for admission and then accepted - using an as yet undisclosed Chicago address - the Rauner Family Foundation made a donation of $250,000 to the Payton Prep Initiative for Education. This doesn't look good. This is the same candidate who said he wanted to decrease the state minimum wage from $8.25 to $7.25 an hour to make Illinois more competitive with other states. That went over like a ton of bricks, so he quickly reversed his position on the minimum wage in Illinois and said it should be increased. Illinois politics are so weird.

[Lady's Human]

So would that make the governor wannabe the Big Noise from Winnetka?

[cassiesmom]

So would that make the governor wannabe the Big Noise from Winnetka?

I think he would like to be the Big Noise from Winnetka. His campaign seemed to start out as "I'm a businessman, not a politician" but he's a lot more wealthy than the average businessman.

[Lady's Human]

I wonder what the Ukranian term for Anschluss is?

[RICHARD]

I once went to a meeting where the BIG boss was asked about hiring one person - a transporation aide - to push the patients to and from surgery....

The idiot answered, 'I want a porsche, but can't afford one - you will just have to do your job'.

Ever since then, whenever I hear someone in charge make a flip statement it really wrankles me arse...

-----------

Hokay, The idiot republicans want to 'sue' the president and the dems are laughing at them. Useless waste of resources?

So the prez is out and about doing speeches and whatever and he begins to mock this 'lawsuit', and rightly so.

But, instead of stopping there, he cracks a joke. He says, "You know who is going to pay for it......"

The crowd mumbles.....

"You are!"

All politics aside - just talking demeanor here - Does that mean he thinks it's funny that he is the head of an effed up system and being the target of this stupidity is a badge of honor? He carried on for another minute or two, but I didn't listen, I was trying to figure out who would brag about being the cause of some bureaucratic waste of time - then mock the people who were 'paying for it'....

We are governed by a bunch of idiots....No, Idiots would be insulted if they were lumped into this group of morons.....sheesh.

[Lady's Human]

Just remember, at some point, WE the people voted for this lot of poltroons.

[Lady's Human]

Why the ()@#)_( is the government allowing the introduction of vectors by bringing infected aid workers back into the country? The British had quarantine procedures worked out in the 1700s. They worked. they weren't compassionate, but they stopped the spread of disease. use them.

The reassurances from the CDC that there's no risk are hardly reassuring, as this is the same agency which in recent weeks has lost track of lab samples of bird flu, smallpox, and anthrax.

[phesina]

I'm with you on this, LH.

[cassiesmom]

From the World Health Organization: "Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. In Africa, infection has been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest.

Ebola then spreads in the community through human-to-human transmission, with infection resulting from direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids. Burial ceremonies in which mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased person can also play a role in the transmission of Ebola."

I'm not with you on this one, LH. I think bringing the doctor home for treatment under the close supervision of the CDC was the right thing to do. The level of ICU care he can get here cannot be matched in developing countries.

[Lady's Human]

Close supervision of the CDC?

Again, they can't even maintain adequate procedures for handling virus cultures in their own labs. They shouldn't be trusted at the moment to contain an outbreak of chicken pox, much less control the spread of a hemorrhagic fever virus. There are other alternatives, such as setting up a closely monitored clinic in the affected areas to control the disease using strict contact protocols.....

Wait, never mind, that's how the aid workers were infected in the first place.

[Lady's Human]

So, patient 0 has died, there are 80 or so possible close contacts being monitored, one has checked himself into the hospital for monitoring.

Still want to leave those borders open?

[pomtzu]

So, patient 0 has died, there are 80 or so possible close contacts being monitored, one has checked himself into the hospital for monitoring.

Still want to leave those borders open?

The family is blaming the U.S. for his death. HUH???? Yes - the hospital screwed up when he went in the first time, and they sent him home, but the family is complaining that he didn't get the same experimental drug that the other 2 patients that survived, received. There was no more of that particular drug to be had, so he was receiving a different one. Yeah - I guess they have to blame someone - right??? :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Karen]

The family is blaming the U.S. for his death. HUH???? Yes - the hospital screwed up when he went in the first time, and they sent him home, but the family is complaining that he didn't get the same experimental drug that the other 2 patients that survived, received. There was no more of that particular drug to be had, so he was receiving a different one. Yeah - I guess they have to blame someone - right??? :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I am sure they are right now acting out of grief and pain, and fear for their own lives. I do not count anything they say right now against them, frankly.

[Lady's Human]

I am sure they are right now acting out of grief and pain, and fear for their own lives. I do not count anything they say right now against them, frankly.

They've named "reverend" Jackson as one of the family spokespeople. Racebaiting lawsuit in 3...2...1...