Jay Bookman

By T

September 23, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

I like this one Jay. There was always(and still is) something about W that makes you want to punch him in the face. McCain draws a certain level of respect, but still kinda scary.

By Eli Jones

September 23, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

The Obamaphiles won’t tell you this but I will. Obama is currently sponsoring US Senate bill S2433. If Obama’s S2433 is passed, it will commit American’s to pay 845 Billion dollars in “ADDITIONAL” taxes over the next few years. This additional tax levied on American citizens will consume 0.7 percent of the US gross nation product. Your hard earned tax money will be given to the corrupt UN specifically for “The UN Global Poverty Act”. Your money will then be redistributed to third world dictators, mostly in Africa. Google “Obama’s S2433” and read how Barack Obama plans to use the UN to redistribute your hard earned money. If elected, Obama has also promised to double the capital gains tax thus plunging the housing market into deeper depression. If you have bought a second house as a retirement investment, kiss your retirement investment profit goodby. Obama has vowed to eliminate the reduction in the death inheritance tax that President Bush implemented, so if your love ones leave you something in their wills, Obama’s sticky fingered Marxist government will take most of it from you and give it to the unproductive losers of the world. Barack Obama is not about hope, Barack Obama is about pessimism and sky high taxes. Just like Karl Marx, Marxist Barack Obama believes in total wealth redistribution. Can you afford Obama’s change? Do you really want it?

By "The Corporal"

September 23, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Jay

This is about as low as you have been in awhile. Why were the terrorists in Iran afraid of Reagan but not Carter? Because they thought he was a “cowboy”. Even if everything you tout is true (which it is not) I would rather have an ex-fighter pilot than Wibur Chamberlain Milktoast anyday ……….. and guess who would rather have Wilbur?? That makes my vote easy.

P.S. Just for the record : “Every man thinks meanly of himself for not having been a soldier, or not having been at sea.” Samuel Johnson (1709-1784).

By JAY BOOKMAN

September 23, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

The Iranians were afraid of Reagan?

The guy who sent them a cake, and gave the Iranians arms in exchange for hostages?

The guy who skedaddled out of Lebanon as quickly as possible after our Marines were attacked there, an act that Osama bin Laden often cites as evidence that the Americans will run if you bloody their nose?

That Reagan? Please.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 23, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

“It is arguable that, because of his inexperience, Obama is not ready for the presidency. It is arguable that McCain, because of his boiling moralism and bottomless reservoir of certitudes, is not suited to the presidency.

Then Palin it is.

Oh yeah, by the way, fighterpilots are losers, sure thing.

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Jay,

I mentioned yesterday that I was troubled with McCain’s quickness to set forth a proposal to fix the economy without even knowing the details of what Congress plans to do first.

His quickness to seem like he’s doing something and his eagerness to one-up Obama just makes him appear to care more for how he appears and not a good planner. And we’ve seen what a bad planning president can look like. Not again.

In business and politics it is never a good idea to throw proposals around without knowledge of key facts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eli,

What right wing garbage blog did you get that info from? Have you even read the bill? Let me guess. NO. Why don’t you try googling the bill and reading it first before you go off the deep end with your right wing nonsense.

By T

September 23, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

By Eli Jones

I believe the bill you mentioned is a counter- terrorism measure. Why wouldn’t you want to pay for that? Seems that this is kind of impelmenting policies of W’s I could be wrong. Just how I interpreted it.

By GOPs got to go

September 23, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Do you think we can possibly find the guy in Vietnam who shot McCain down, as Jay puts it, “ the guy who gets inside the other guy’s decision loop, as the expression goes — is the guy who survives.”

He might make a better President than McCain.

By getalife

September 23, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

He lost ABC and whining about the Times fact checking his lies. He wants a free pass to the Presidency but he is unstable and should be nowhere close to the button.

Andy,

Is Palin’s voice worse than Hillary’s cackle?

I have to change the channel when she speaks.

The cons are having a presser on the bailout. They will vote no.

I think the markets are fine, let them correct and the Dems should use Obama’s bipartisanship with the cons and vote no too.

By "The Corporal"

September 23, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Jay

Yes, the guy that as he was being sworn in the Iranians decided to play ball.

By the way, why not a blog about this …….

WASHINGTON (AP) - Barack Obama’s running mate says a campaign ad that mocked Republican presidential candidate John McCain as an out-of-touch, out-of-date computer illiterate was “terrible” and would not have been done had he known about it. Trouble in paradise?

Not to mention Hillary is not doing a whole lot to help the campaign.

By T

September 23, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

By getalife

Just remember the Tina Fey impression of her and giggle the way I do.

By Midori

September 23, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Yes, the guy that as he was being sworn in the Iranians decided to play ball.

I don’t know if its naievete or ignorance.

By GOPs got to go

September 23, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Yeah Jay,

The jelly bean loving demented old guy.

They were really shaking in their turbans

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Speaking of Iran, did anyone hear Steve Inskeep’s interview with Ahmadinejad? It was pretty interesting.

Here’s the link:

Ahmadinejad: ‘Who Exactly Is The Provocateur?

Until we start addressing some of the points of view from “other side” our relationships will not change. I don’t think McCain is capable even if willing to do such.

These were two points Ahmadinejad made that I thought were most telling:

*”What right do they have to make such demands on us? Based on what legal system or what international regulation and law? Exactly where do they find the legal basis to demand such things from our people? Whilst they are enjoying nuclear energy, they are telling us not to?”

And

“Why is it that the U.S. administration and two or three groups that follow it allow themselves to speak for the world? We believe that that is the root cause of the confrontation. Simply because the U.S. administration and a few number of its European allies believe that they own the world. They want to interfere in anything that goes on around the world. I’d like to ask you, is it the Iranian army that’s around the territories around the country, or is it the U.S. troops that are around?

It is the U.S. troops around our borders. It is not ours around the American borders. So what exactly are they doing over there?”*

I heard Carter say in an interview once that one way to keep Iran from building nuclear weapons is to quit threatening to bomb them with ours. He’s right.

Like it or not, we need to listen to and talk to these people.

Do you think McCain would do that? I don’t.

By Paul

September 23, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Bosch 9:26

As I reviewed some news shows this morning (last night was Terminator and Heroes, of course. Gotta keep your priorities straight!) I saw a couple of references you may want to consider in light of “McCain’s quickness to set forth a proposal to fix the economy without even knowing the details of what Congress plans to do first.”

Both candidates spoke of the need for oversight. Obama spoke in general terms. So did McCain, but his specifics was not related to fixing the economy, but an oversight board as a check on the actions of the Treasury Secretary. Seems much of the discussion includes giving him the authority to administer the package. McCain said we can’t trust one person with that much power and proposed several names to indicate the type of person he’d want on - again, cutting across both parties.

Seems reasonable to me.

BTW - I haven’t yet watched the second Heroes episode - as you know, I tend to go to sleep ‘early’ and get up kinda early.

By RealityKing

September 23, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

When will progressives actually progressive beyond lies, hate, stereotyping and race baiting? Or perhaps George ‘crybaby’ Bush Sr., Chuck Yeager and all our astronauts need to line up out side Jay’s office for a kool-aid sobering dose of reality??

By Paul

September 23, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Bosch 9:45

One can make the case that recently the Europeans have been much more aggressive towards Iran than “the U.S. administration and a few number of its European allies”

But my point is not to debate the merits of Iran’s nuclear ambitions; rather, it’s to ask those who are for Obama: what is the reaction to Sen Obama’s comments, given at various times, at various forums, that Iran is a threat and that there is nothing he (Sen Obama) would not do to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon?

As I’ve said, Sen Obama is a thoughtful man who chooses his words carefully. As you’ve noted, he thinks things through and considers the facts before he makes a pronouncement.

And since ‘nothing he would not do’ is the same as ‘he would do anything’ - well, I’m sure you see the implications. And it does not mean he’d “talk, engage in real diplomacy, work with our allies, engage them without preconditions.” This is an end-game scenario. Thoughts?

By AJC/DNC Management

September 23, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Hmmmm, the Iranians held our hostages for 444 days all through the Dhimmy Carter presidency and released them on the exact same day Reagan took office, a mere coincidence, eh?

Reagan armed both sides in the Iran/ Iraq war with the sole objective of having these ragheads kill each other instead of American soldiers having to do it, the libs still whine about it.

Yes, we should have unleashed the Air Force upon Beirut, I agree.

By GOPs got to go

September 23, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

I heard the NPPR interview. Weird when Ahmadinejad has some valid points.

If we can not talk to our enemies things will never change.

Bosch did you hear the interview of the 5 past Sec.of States on NPR. You can find it on americaabroad.org The site was at Georgetown University I believe. It was very enlightening.

By getalife

September 23, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

T,

Tina wants to stop doing Sarah after November and I agree.

Sarah belongs in Alaska and not Washigton. All the wingnuts will join her in Alaska when they are scared and thinking it is the end of days.

Sarah, the queen of the wingnuts.

By Amanda

September 23, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Jay, While I appreciate the military service of John McCain, he is NOT suited for the Presidency.

His decision to choose Sarah Palin as his running mate was simply irresponsible. Sarah Palin is NOT suited to be second-in-command of the United States and does NOT qualify to serve as our president should the need arise.

She lacks national and international experience and knowledge. Per her own words, she only recently started paying attention to the war in Iraq. She made stinging remarks about Obama’s plan for Iraq, while she herself has said she wants a planned exit strategy. She has traveled little, and until very recently, was only concerned for Alaska.

Palin is ignorant to environmental concerns. She does not consider global warming to be man-made. Palin, whose husband works for BP Oil and whose gubernatorial campaign was financially sponsored by BP Oil, supports continued reliance on oil while scoffing at efforts to find alternative resources. She has said she believes God supports a $30 billion natural gas pipeline.

Palin’s extreme-conservative stands lack compassion. Earlier this year, Palin vetoed to reduce a state program benefiting teen mothers in need of housing. She opposes comprehensive sex education. She supports continuing with the current healthcare system.

Sarah Palin is in this to improve her lot in life, not anyone else’s. This contest is not about media attention and a pretty face but about running the United States, something she is NOT qualified to do.

By JEO

September 23, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

John McCain’s father and grandfather were admirals, and he was a Navel Aviator with over 25 missions before being shot down and taken prisoner in Vietnam. Consider his values being a military family: God, Country, and Duty. Of course Obama has the arrogance to questions McCain’s honor and patriotism, when Obama will not wear an American flag pin or say the pledge allegiance.

By RW-(the original)

September 23, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

The basis for the claimed expertise (growing up around military bases) for this article is a little ridiculous. It sounds like one could claim to be an expert in the psychological makeup of fighter pilots because they saw Top Gun twice and make a more compelling case.

I grew up in and around communities so let me assure you that the instincts of those that choose to organize those things tend to really be to follow machine politics and your only worth to them is how you can give them power. They lack the foresight or ability to make any independent decisions so the responses you get after they deliberate with their handlers may vary from week to week and even day to day because the handlers might have seen new polling data.

Insert flowery words from George Will making the claim that no one is qualified here.

By Ray

September 23, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Served with a lot of those fighter jocks in VN. Able to make quick decisions (sometimes you don’t have very long to ponder), approach a carrier landing as just in a day’s work, loved to party and raise hell (especially with our round eyed nurses) and seemed to have a certain confidence in their ability to size up a situation and ACT. Seems to spill over into rotary aviators flying dust-off missions into hot LZs to pick up wounded and going daily into harms way for the benefit of their fellow soldiers. Sort of humbles the average guy and makes him/her not so full of themselves, a little more focused, instills a love of country and purpose and a bit less tolerant of dumb sh**ts with a Harvard Law degree.

By getalife

September 23, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Yet, they said w was qualified.

How did that work out for ya?

Just saying.

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Paul,

Yes, I see the implications, but I also know this is an election, and words are words are words. They don’t kill people. I think Obama would be much more willing to rationalize the implications of marching into war than McCain would.

For me, it’s who do you think will have a better chance at working through this kind of tough diplomacy, not what they say on one day, at one time, in one context.

For me, the answer is pretty clear. The GOP needs war to stay in power, they need that fear that so many feed on and that absurd need so many Americans have to “kill” those they don’t agree with or think they will hurt us.

Ironically, the war mongerers amongst us only focus on the physical aspect of the U.S. getting hurt (terrorist attacks and such) - they NEVER think about the crippling economic ways the GOPs foreign policy has gotten us.

And who is it buying up our mess? The Japanese right now, and the English (but who cares about them, they’re just the English) - whose going to be the next buyer?

I think many people are JUST NOW starting to equate economic policy as a national security threat.

GOPS got to go,

“Weird when Ahmadinejad has some valid points”

It makes me feel all weird inside to come to that realization myself, but that’s just it. The same with the Palestinian argument, they have valid points, it’s just out extreme absurd notion that becaue it goes against the American ideal, that it’s wrong, and THAT’S EXACTLY why “they hate us so bad to do these horrible things to us” and we are in this mess with the ME.

I mean, he’s right - if the Iranian army was in Mexico - they had invaded - and we had no nuclear weapons, well, yeah, I think I’d be making some too! You’ve got to look at the other side of the coin.

No, I didn’t see the interview you spoke of, but I’ll look it up! Thanks!

By ByteMe

September 23, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Ray, yeah, God forbid the “Reactor in Chief” should listen to people who graduated at the top of their Harvard Law class. Isn’t that how we got into this mess, by having stupid butt-sniffing cronies around the President? Think Katrina response time before you answer.

And Amanda: you are wrong as well on one major point. Sarah Palin is indeed QUALIFIED to be Vice President. The only qualification stated in the constitution is 35 years old and a native-born American. Everything after that is an opinion on her abilities, intelligence, and vision, but they don’t disqualify her from running, just eliminate her from the list of people you want one bad heartbeat away from the presidency.

By GOPs got to go

September 23, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

You last 3 posters are exactly the blind followers of the GOP propaganda machine.

Flag pins and pledges BS, real issue related. You forgot to mention the Muslim thing.

Good Grief, you are idiots.

By Kim H

September 23, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

McCain’s extreme temper tantrums, confusion, and senility are bad enough, but when you add in his picking Palin to be his VP, that’s way beyond bad, it’s hopeless.

Palin and her husband wanted Alaska to secede from the US, how patriotic can someone be that doesn’t even want their state to be part of the United States? With her husband sitting on the board of BP-do we need another big oil big wig influencing the decisions of our failing economy?

Palin was only chosen to pull the Hillary Clinton supporters away from Obama, but I think most women are smart enough to vote for the right candidate whether they be male or female.

I don’t need people to tell me how to think because I know how to do research and make sound decisions without all the negative scare tactics that are being thrown out there.

By Dusty

September 23, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Let’s see.

Jay Bookman does NOT want a president that can make fast decisions.

bosch thinks McCain did not know details on the government’s plan. Really? How do you know that?

GOPs-gotta-go decides that he would like a VietNamese for President.

Midori doesn’t believe USA citizens held by Iranians were released after Reagan became president. Ignorance??

Jay Bookman never served in the military but he knows all about the “real thing”. He knows that a National Guard pilot (not the real thing) but a navy aircraft carrier pilot is the “real thing”(but thinks too fast).

I also saw the TV show where friends of McCain discussed his abilities to be President. Only one thought he was too quick on making decisions. Another thought he might be too firm in his ethics. (???) Lindsey Graham and other members of Congress thought he would make a great president.

So Bookman picks up on the doubter of course, not mentioning the positives.

It does seem that liberals want a non military, slow thinking,community organizer, tax raising, Vietnamese president for the USA.

I myself, prefer a fast thinking ethical, brave American who can make quick decisions. McCain!! But then I am a “thinking” American Republican (also FAMILIAR with the military—father,husband,son)) and proud of all of it.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 23, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Catfight!

Barack Obama’s running mate says a campaign ad that mocked Republican presidential candidate John McCain as an out-of-touch, out-of-date computer illiterate was “terrible” and would not have been done had he known about it.

Communication breakdown.

Obama on Biden’s Initial Opposition to AIG Bailout: “Joe Should Have Waited”

Now the libs are angry at each other, hahaha, what a bunch of dunces.

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

AND,

On a completely irrelevant side note, for all of my liberal friends who worry about me because I agree with the death penalty, this case with Troy Davis is troubling.

By Goldie

September 23, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

McBush\Palin ‘08 — Reckless and Unfit to Lead.

By Goldie

September 23, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

and seemed to have a certain confidence in their ability to size up a situation and ACT.

Ray @ 10:06 — very much like your guy W with his “ability to size up a situation and ACT” in his invasion of Iraq. America can’t afford 4 more years of the same recklessness we’ve endured for the past 8 years.

By GOPs got to go

September 23, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Bosch, It seems to me the whole point of all of the Middle East conflict is America’s reluctance to consider both sides of the coin with Israel and Palestine. Of course Israel’s is not the only point of view that is to be given validity. If we get a President that considers our wars a mission from God and believes that end times are in the next few decades (or less), they may want to personally help fulfill the book of Revelations.

Leave God and your personal beliefs out of Government. That is how our founding fathers wrote it.

By Paul

September 23, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Bosch,

Yes, words have meaning. Which is why I come back to that example. It’s serious. I’m not saying I disagree with him - in fact, I agree - but I am struck by the silent treatment I get when I bring that up. If memory serves me, you’re the only one who’s addressed it.

It’s also important because it is part of the “GOP gotta have war” theme. I’m looking ahead - we have a Rep candidate who’s not exactly in sync with the party power brokers and a Dem candidate who’s a bit out of the ordinary. One has a relative newbie running mate and one has a hardcore establishment guy.

But the ticket that’s spoken of future unilaterist military intervention in Moslem countries is the Democratic ticket. And that, I think, is worth pondering.

But your other point - about the opposing side perhaps having legitimate grievances or theorizing a seemingly analagous situation. They may well have. But may I posit the following?

It’s essentially irrelevant as a function of the US conducting a foreign policy in pursuit of its national interests.

I’ll also offer it is entirely possible Iran does not care one whit who’s elected President - it will not change their ambitions in the slightest.

My impression now is that many in the ME ‘hate us’ because of our presence there - not just in Iraq or because of the war. So back to my other drum beat: neither Obama nor McCain has offered up much more than a drawdown in Iraq and a troop increase and shifting forces around other ME countries. And that’s a problem.

By G

September 23, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Bosch, I’m liberal and I believe in the death penalty. The Troy Davis case is very upsetting to me also. I really hope the U.S. Supreme Court will come through in his favor.

By GOPs got to go

September 23, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Crusty wrote:

“It does seem that liberals want a non military, slow thinking,community organizer, tax raising, Vietnamese president for the USA”

Sad when the above would make a better president than McCain or Palin.

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

GOPS got to go,

I couldn’t agree with your assessment more. I forget who it was yesterday mocking something about what Obama said about embracing guns and God, but what he said was true.

There is still about half of our population (I’m using past voting in elections for that ##-okay, so I’m exaggering) who do see this as a mission from God, or that the answer to dealing with terrorism is more wars and terrorism itself.

By getalife

September 23, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Looks like Joe wants out as VP.

Hello Hillary Clinton.

By Ray

September 23, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Bosch,

So you feel that we should sacrifice a few shopping centers and a bevy of soccer moms who are there to avoid the economic impact of protecting ourselves. We did not fly those planes into the WTC. So lets just cancel all of the F-16 flights on our coasts, ignore the intel that monitored telephone calls gives us, give everyone a free ride to board our airlines and let any Mexican into our country,no matter what his status. Let’s save some money. Seen the videos of all of the Mexican gangs in So Calif? Sort of gives you really warm and fuzzy feeling about our Congress whose job it is to pass laws and allow enforcement to do their job instead of pandering the Latino vote.
You still don’t get it. I don’t want a war anymore than you do but preservation of our country and our way of life dictates that we allocate funds to protect ourselves and elect people to office who understand that. Although our government has taken on a few more roles in the last 150yrs, one of it’s main purposes is to protect it’s citizenry. It’s gotten a little harder to do over the last 100 or so. Friends? We don’t have many. Big happy family…… right!! They want your head on pole, Bosch and any president we elect, no matter who, has the main purpose in his life of keeping your head where it belongs. But the Annointed One has a Harvard Law Degree….. lawyers have a higher opinion rating than our Congress but it’s pretty close.

By AmVet

September 23, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

So the BIG government Reaganista fans, most who were still in sh!tty diapers at the time, continue to delude themselves that the extremist, “laws be damned when I think they’re wrong”, Ronnie “Iran-Contra” Raygun did not delay the hostage release as a means to occupy the West Wing.

According to various reports, Mr. Reagan’s campaign director, William J. Casey, who later became director of central intelligence, met with Iranians during the fall of 1980 in Paris and Madrid to strike a deal that would keep 52 American hostages under Iranian control until after the 1980 election.

In return, arms shipments would be made to Iran, via Israel, after Mr. Reagan took office.

Hmmmmm. Not like Ronnie to aid dictators or anything with money or guns, eh?

And as Mr. Bookman already noted, the never-served father of all neo-cons did leave Beirut lickety-split, tail between legs after we lost all of those Marines.

One of the first major chicken hawk embarrassments.

Carter, at least, tried like hell to rescue the hostages from what to were become Ronnie’s and Rummy’s Iranian allies and friends…

There were plenty of gullible fools then, and there are still a handful now…

By getalife

September 23, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Quick, call palins’s pastor.

The witch that he expelled for causing fatal car accidents with her magic brew is residing on this blog under the name “Dusty”.

By RW-(the original)

September 23, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Bosch,

Have you read S2433. I don’t know where T gets that it’s about counter terrorism it sounds like it’s meant to get some cash to Obama’s hut dwelling brother.

The bill is only assigned to committee and I believe it would have to be reintroduced in the next Congress if they don’t do anything now so don’t be surprised if somebody tries to slip it into the banking rescue bill.

By Midori

September 23, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Hey everybody!!!

look at Dusty’s new car!!

By V

September 23, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

War and taxes go together hand-in-hand, as they should, as nothing costs government more than active military operations.

Of course, only the GOP-neocons-come-lately will criticize other politicians who try to tell you otherwise, and while no one likes taxes, people need to take ownership of their decision to march to war. If there is anyone to blame, if you voted for Bush or supported the decision to go into Iraq, you need only look in the mirror.

While the Iraq war has cost upwards of $845 billion, our chickenhawk command in chief has given tax cuts, because everyone likes a “free” dollar. Those tax cuts of $300 to $600 would’ve probably gone further than they did had gas not doubled over the past year, so not only did they not help the average household, they were dollars that would’ve been better accounted for injected towards our mounting national debt.

So yes, it is patriotic to pay taxes, and every generation has had to do in past wartime administrations, you must pay for your decisions, and you must take ownership of your wars.

V

By GOPs got to go

September 23, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

And let us not forget that it was America, meddling with Iranian politics by helping to bring the Shah to power in the first place, that fostered all the resentment and suspicion in Iran today.

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Paul,

I see your concern, but like I said earlier, for me, it’s who are you willing to gamble with. No joking, who do you think could/would handle the situation better?

And not just foreign policy, but also the economy, healthcare, all the issues. I know that sounds a little on the “Duh” side.

I try to get past all the garbage and really think about who I’m willing to gamble with running our country. And for me the choice is pretty clear.

Even if you don’t agree with their position on every issue, or exactly everything they’ve said, it’s who do you think would/could do a better job.

I know what Obama/Biden have said, but I don’t think Obama would unilaterally go into Iran, that’s absurd, and if he did, I’d be the first to call for his impeachment.

“It’s essentially irrelevant as a function of the US conducting a foreign policy in pursuit of its national interests”

Not sure what you mean by that.

I don’t think us NOT being in the ME is a problem at all. Do you remember my crazy rant a few months back about brining the bad guys over here? That was kind of a half-joke. I think we need to mind our own business here for a while. It doesn’t bother me one bit if we got every soldier out of every foreign country in the world, and brought them home.

I know we need a strong world presence and presence in global economics, but if I were in charge, things would be a lot different.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

G,

I think people who murder other people do not deserve to breath the same air that the rest of us do. When you murder someone, you forfeit your right to breath, in the “Bosch Book of Life and All Other Things.”

AND, if Jimmy Carter is speaking on this guys behalf, I’m all for clemency for this guy. If it doesn’t pass the smell test with Jimmy, I allow him to speak for me, it doesn’t pass the smell test with me.

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 23, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

President Wet Start?

EEEK!

By AJC/DNC Management

September 23, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Uncharacteristically low turnout for Barack Obama rally in Green Bay, Wisc.

McCain/Palin drew 4,000 more supporters at same venue a week ago.

al-Gitmo: You libs should dump Biden right now.

By Paul

September 23, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Jay,

Not only is a certain person drawn to that line of work, the services take all those drawn and weed out those they think are unsuitable. I’d take issue with the “often quick to anger” part, even though it forms a central premise of your column. I’ve never, ever heard a military person cite “quick to anger” as a characteristic – either desired or by job temperament.

The characteristics desired in a fighter pilot that are different from the general population might be labeled pushing to the limit, thrill seekers, you know, the teenager who wants to go skydiving for his 15th birthday. But that’s far different from ‘quick to anger.”

The “reacting by instinct” - a minor disagreement, some might say, but again, it appears to form another premise of the “basic personality is quick to anger, add to this ‘react by instinct’” - the impression created is of one who has no control, of an angry individual who’s on autopilot who reacts by instinct. I’ll submit the ‘react by instinct’ is reaction not from personality but from the ‘intense training’ to which you refer.

The training is intense, and much is the same thing over and over and over. Whether it’s memorizing all the steps, in order, necessary to respond to an emergency and being able to recall those when questioned; whether it’s being able to handle the aircraft in an emergency because those maneuvers are practiced for hours every month; whether it’s making the correct decision when in the middle of a demanding situation because one has intensely trained in simulators where multiple disastrous situations are thrown at the pilot in a short period of time; no, it’s not ‘instinct.’ It is the action and disciplined thought process honed by hours of training combined with a ‘personality’ that can handle such demands.

Going further with the idea ‘here’s a characteristic, here’s how he’ll act’: Much of the training they receive (leadership) tends to have them assess their personal characteristics and adapt them to the needs of the situation. It’s the idea that they are not captive to their personality and are slaves to it in every situation; in fact, I understand part of the training is to know how to change how they should act, depending upon the needs of the situation. It actually demonstrates quite a flexibilty of style and maturity.

By the way – wasn’t it McCain’s campaign manager who was excoriated by Democrats for saying this election would be determined by personality, not issues? Seems many Democrats agree with the ‘election by personality’ assessment, after all.

By T

September 23, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

RW

Section 2

`We fight against poverty because hope is an answer to terror. We fight against poverty because opportunity is a fundamental right to human dignity. We fight against poverty because faith requires it and conscience demands it. We fight against poverty with a growing conviction that major progress is within our reach.’ (W, 2002)

Now, I don’t understand all the specifics, but I’ll keep looking. Do you have another source? Might help me learn something.

By RealityKing

September 23, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

“a different, more volatile breed. A certain type of person is drawn to that line of work — aggressive, quick to act and often quick to..”

I’d bet my paycheck that British loyalists printed the exact same words about General George Washinton..

By Wyld Byll Hyltnyr

September 23, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Jay, I see your Thad Cochran and George Will and raise you Joe Biden. Joe Biden once said that his running mate is not ready to lead. Why should we distrust Biden? Seems that SARAH PALIN is the only person that has not been knowcked by her party - SARAH for President. Viva La Bush Revolucione’

By Klondike Kat

September 23, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Nice Try in turning our attention back too the political process, but right know it matters about as much as who last flushed the toilet in the men’s room. We have real problems when our financial structure melt’s down in less than two weeks….Morgan Stanley & Goldman Sachs merging and going back with traditional business models…..Even President Clinton weighed in on the crisis last night in a late appearance on Letterman.

From a laymen’s point you could say we were a slot machine who kept taking in dollars with an all or nothing jack pot, knowing full well that one day all those bars could line up and break the bank.

Well it is broke, now we have a big mess, and it really does not matter who gets in the White House. Entitlements are going too be cut, Federal spending also will be slashed and Taxes are going to be raised on everybody across the board. The Bull is gone and their is a new bear (market) in town, unfortunately it happens too be a Polar bear…..

I am Klondike Kat and I hate Meeces to pieces!

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

RW,

Yes, I HAVE read the bill. What did you think of the show?

Ray,

That’s the same hyperbole I’ve heard many times before - it’s just a fundamental difference in ideals.

I don’t want to get blown up by a terrorist no more than anyone else, but I’m not willing for our country to invade others to protect us from that threat.

One of the reasons people WANT to blow us up is because of that activity, and I want a President and elected officials who understand that a situation like we are in now with our economic meltdown is MUCH more of a threat to our national security than the fear (or even if it happens) of someone blowing up a shopping center, or a Mexican drug gang.

Do I want stronger border protection, well, “DUH” who doesn’t? But the biggest threat to our security is not from bombs or gang lords, IT’S THE ECONOMY!!!

By RW-(the original)

September 23, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Paul,

Do you really think your knowledge of how the military screening/training processes work trumps Jay’s growing up near military bases?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ayers wanted teachers trained to instruct against “oppression” and to push schoolchildren towards political beliefs Ayers valued — apparently valuing them higher than actual education. Barack Obama agreed, and for several years worked in close partnership with Ayers to implement that educational policy. Even had Ayers never tossed a single bomb, this kind of educational philosophy would likely raise eyebrows with most parents, who desire a real education for their children and not some sort of political indoctrination camp. With the context of Ayers’ violent radicalism, however, it makes the CAC even worse — a breeding ground for future Weathermen, ready to follow Ayers’ lead when the time comes for the revolution that Ayers and his wife (and co-terrorist) Bernardine Dohrn to this day desire.

Just a guy in his neighborhood……

By GOPs got to go

September 23, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Ray,

Let me take a wild guess, go out on a limb here, but I would bet that you and yours are armed to the teeth with all available for purchase weapons. You take care of your own head dude. I am not quite as paranoid as you and will take my chances without arming myself.

All your tough guy BS will not protect you from the real bad guy here that might just screw you and yours up, the Greedy Wall Street types that are essentially ensuring that you and me will never be able to retire due to the state of the economy and the Mutual Funds that so many Americans have tied their money to. I am far more afraid of this bad guy than your big bad Muslim out there. That bad guy has my full attention right now.

Thinking America is not falling for your flag pin, pledge, arugala eating elitist, oh I’m SO scared, terrorist fist-bumping garbage.

By Fed Up

September 23, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Palin indicated on Monday she would cooperate with a separate probe run by people she can fire.

The joke continues. It is unbelievable that Palin is still on the Republican ticket. She has so much baggage and just about everything that she told the public in her introduction to the nation was a lie.

She did not say No to the Bridge to Nowhere.

She did not sell the governor’s plane on Ebay.

She did not fire the governor’s chef.

She did not travel to four countries on her only international trip, it was only two.

She is not a pitbull with lipstick, she is a crybaby.

She is not a government reformer - she is just a corrupt politician.

By Mike

September 23, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

See how an intellectually honest pundit behaves, Jay?

You know. The kind that willing to criticize “his side” and doesn’t feel the need to demonize “their side”. The kind whose analysis actually carries some weight because it is not driven by mindless partisanship.

Perhaps you have something to learn from Will.

By JAY BOOKMAN

September 23, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Actually RealityKing, Washington was known as a very deliberate decision-maker.

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

MIDORI!!!

LOL!!

But seriously!!!

You’ve got to stop the Dusty/Witch comparison - think of all the great witches out there amongst us. Hermione Granger is a witch! The lady from Bewitched is/was a witch! Well, they aren’t real witches, but you get my point!!!

By Copyleft

September 23, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Ehhh. This is kind of an “iffy” column, Jay. Criticizing Hothead McCain’s personality and temper are easy, but lacking in substance.

Of far greater concern is his apparent cluelessness about diplomacy, economics, foreign affairs, and energy. THOSE are issues that actually affect us.

By LoooseyGooosey

September 23, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Fact: Sarah Palin has more experience running a government entity than the 66 year combined service of the other three candidates. And, ohhhhh boy…, WOW! SHES HOT!!

By tcoach

September 23, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Jay I guess once again you forgot to do research in your lust to smear John McCain. But the military relaesed McCain’s records from when he returned from the war and the required psychiatrists exams for years after.
The doctors who examined him used words like intellegent, a caring person,ambitious, intellectually curious. In the exams there were very few mentions of the type of personality that you tried so hard to pigeion hole McCain into.
I guess I just expect more if you are going to be the leader of the Blog, that is what you are you are no longer a journalist, that you may be willing to do some research other than your life’s experience and left-winged web sites. Just try to be professional and actually inform readers of your column, then again that would work against your agenda.

By John

September 23, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Jay, your argument is truly New York Times-like! I want the 5 minutes it took to read that crap back. Your whole arguement proves that when it comes to policy or things that actually matter, you are morally bankrupt. Your so-called analysis proves exactly why you write opinion. I am sure that you think you wrote another brillant piece as you hide in your office. But you should know that you are about as disconnected with the public most liberal politicians. I will admit that I read the ajc online for FREE, but I would never spend 50 cents to read anything that you contribute to. And by the way when it comes to posers you top them all.

By getalife

September 23, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Andy,

I agree again. Hillary should be VP to shake it up like Palin. Her supporters that went to McCain will come back.

October surprise?

“T. Boone Pickens says he’s having problems working with drill-only Republicans; Democrats have been co-operative :

“So I am having no problem working with the Democrats. Having a little problem working with the Republicans. They don’t like it because I want to do more than just drill. And they, somehow have gotten it, a lot of them have, that you can drill your way out of this,” says T. Boone Pickens.”

Welcome to Washington T.Boone.

Why do you think they call it the G as and Oil Party?

They block all progress.It’s their weird country first strategy and then blame dems for do nothing Congress.

Thanks for trying T. Boone and try again after the election. Many of the gop will be gone.

By G

September 23, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Bosch, I admire Jimmy Carter tremendously. He does so much good work worldwide, such a wonderful person. He “walks the walk” every day.

By Tommy Maddox

September 23, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Naval Aviator - Spine;

Columnist - Spineless.

By RW-(the original)

September 23, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

T,

I linked to the full text of the actual bill. What better source do you want? In any case, I don’t put much stock in the text of a bill in committee since many changes will take place if the bill is allowed to be argued on it’s merit. What worries me is that our lawmakers have a nasty habit of using a bill that must be passed to slide all these other things into.

There are lot’s of other statements of “perhaps” if we reduce poverty we reduce X or Z, but I wouldn’t make the claim that any of them are the main focus of the bill. The bill is an attempt to end global poverty. If it’s not our job to be world police, why is it our job to be charity to the world?

Bosch,

Since you read the bill and blasted someone earlier for not, in your opinion, reading it do you have any thoughts on the bill?

The show was great and I’ve always thought it would be great to have two hours, but now I’m not so sure. It takes a while to sort everything out after one hour and two was a little nuts. Nikki/Jesssica’s new character has a nasty new power though. I won’t go any farther than that until Paul gets a chance to watch the second hour.

By getalife

September 23, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

John, tcoach, and the rest of the unhinged right.

It is George Will’s argument.

You know, that leading con on ABC.

Write him but try to be a little nicer.

By AmVet

September 23, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

MCain has numerous flaws to be sure, but I consider none of them fatal.

I agree with tcoach’s article at 11:37, and believe that unlike George W. Bush, he is essentially a man of honor and character, and is willing to look at various sides of an issue, notwithstanding his hotheaded and impulsive nature.

And that he is practically the antithesis of the BushCo neo-cons is the reason that McCain resonates so well with moderately hawkish Americans, among others.

It is an irrefutable fact that Bush, Cheney, Blunt, Rove, Rice, Chambless, Purdue, Gingrich, Delay, McConnell, all the way down the line, ALL avoided active military duty.

ESPECIALLY in time of war.

The percentage of elected Republicans who have served the nation in uniform is disgracefully low. And has been ever since Ronnie.

And is even more shocking and shameful when compared to elected non Republicans.

And the tiny few men of valor in the GOP including McCain and Hagel, have little if any respect for these bungling, incompetent neo-con posers and chest pounding feather merchants (look it up if you don’t get the drift, Haliburton apologists).

The obvious and most critical difference here, is that the non neo-cons who have not served don’t wish to satisfy their impotent, cravenous blood lust by getting other people’s kids killed like these gutless RepubliCons.

That these gutless non conservatives now lionize McCain is laughable and transparent. And further demonstrates the difference between real American patriots and these UGA Young Republicans who know somebody whose brother knows somebody whose dad served in uniform…

By Joe

September 23, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Well Jay since you only refer to snippets of an article let’s take a look at a Joe Biden quote. “No I don’t think he’s ready for the Presidency and I stand by that quote”. Of course he was referring to you master Barack Hussein Obama. If McCain does have a knee jerk reaction to some things then it’s good that he has a calm influence as his VP. Sarah Palin brings more than executive experience to the ticket. She brings fundamental leadership and the calmness that it takes to lead. Sarah Palin has brought a breath of fresh air to this year’s election. I realize that it has libs like Jay foaming at the mouth which is a good thing. If you loons fear her so much it’s certainly a good thing…

By AmVet

September 23, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

This interminable summer of discontent keeps getting worse for the worst administration in American history:

WASHINGTON (CNN) — By a 2-to-1 ratio, Americans blame Republicans over Democrats for the financial crisis that has swept across the country the past few weeks, a new national poll suggests.

In a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey out Monday afternoon, 47 percent of registered voters questioned said Republicans are more responsible for the problems currently facing financial institutions and the stock market; only 24 percent said Democrats are more responsible.

Twenty percent blame both parties equally and 8 percent say neither party is to blame.

01-20-09 The End of an Error

By tcoach

September 23, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

why target me did I say anything to you? No

I thought it was important that there was an article in TIME that talked about the same things as this article except without the bias and slanted jargin as that expressed here.

But you have a nice day, See I never said anything mean as you said I did either. I know factual information not leaning left does constitute a mean and nasty satement but the truth is it is not.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 23, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Amazing, isn’t it, that the libs frown on McBushie’s anger but yet they so love little red faced Billy KKKlinton?

~~~~~

al-Gitmo: Please do.

Contact all of the kook sites that you haven’t been banned from and advocate loud and clear for Bruno.

Oblahma already knows he blew it, what, is he trying to be like Bushie by strongly sticking by his decisions, no matter how much the fringe left whines and moans?

Dumping this bozo wouldn’t totally crash and burn his Senate career, it would only seem like it did.

And all those people that hate the KKKlintons, and voted against her in the primaries, they probably won’t even remember who she is.

I’ll bet.

By Paul

September 23, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

AmVet

Nader’s going to be on O’Reilly’s radio show today -

By John

September 23, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

getalife, why don’t you understand that nobody really cares what you think about everyone comments. leave your comment and go about your day. what makes you think that your opinion is better than everyone elses. The attitiude you display is the exact attitude that Obama and other liberals (including Bookman) have. And you know what, that elitist attitude is the biggist reason why McCain will win this election. You are disconnected, like it or not.

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

RW,

I was blasting the person’s assessment of how it will be paid for considering there is nothing in the bill to indicate how such a program would be paid for, and it appeared by his post, like many, his analysis was based on not the bill itself, but rather a right-wing biased source.

But I rather agree with much of what you said about the bill, so I really don’t have much to add, it’s always been my position that we should not be the world’s police or it’s charity - I’m rather conservative in the notion that we must all help ourselves. However, in some cases, there is corruption and a little secret “help” may be required.

Okay, one question, and I’m pretty sure this was in the first episode - what in the world did Sylar pull out of the cheerleader’s brain? That was rather unsettling, was it her “superhero chip?”

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Oh and another thing RW,

If I were watching a secret DVD my father had given me after his death, about how to save the world and such, knowing what I knew, I would NOT have another guy in there watching it with me, even if he was my best friend, and when he’d just made a remark about his love of money.

That’s just me.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 23, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Indeed, after months of Republican fretting and expectation-setting about a money gap, the campaigns are about even when party money is included. As of the end of August, Obama and the Democratic National Committee had a combined $95 million to McCain and the RNC’s $94 million. And, thanks to his decision to take matching public funds, McCain has $84 million extra coming courtesy of the federal government.

Put some lipstick on that bacon.

By fearless fosdik

September 23, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

I want to know that the President of the United States gathers information from varied and challenging sources and then makes thoughtful, reasoned and logical choices in guiding this country. As is patently clear from both his Senate career and his friends and colleagues, that would not be John McCain. As his out-of-left-field choice of running mate perfectly exemplifies, John McCain is a gambler and a reactor, making decisions intuitively and quickly. That may work well in some arenas (although I’m hard-pressed to think of one other than the mentioned fighter pilot), but as President, what a recipe for a worldwide disaster. Especially considering how poor his intuition has served in critical areas.

The last damned thing we need in the white house now and in the future is a guy who makes snap knee jerk decisions.

By Paul

September 23, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Bosch 11:05

[[Even if you don’t agree with their position on every issue, or exactly everything they’ve said, it’s who do you think would/could do a better job.]]

Well, that’s the heart of it, isn’t it? That’s where the long-term evaluation comes in. So much of what I read is a defense of the most minor gaffes or an attack on the most minor gaffes. Substitute “major comments” for “minor gaffes” too. And what would happen if one side said “wow, my guy/gal said this and I think they’re out to lunch”? The other side would say “Aha! So you admit he shouldn’t be President!” Just look at all the ‘flip flop’ nonsense. After the last eight years I’m rather looking forward to someone who can change his mind.

I’m not so sure about Obama and unilateralism with Iran – heck, the French may want in on the strike force (that was a joke, folks. Calm down). And I’d likely disagree with you on impeachment. But I still do not understand the Obama supporters who act as if he never, ever said such things or acknowledge he did but ignore considering the implications.

What I meant by the “national interests” comment is our national interests change and our alliances change. Some groups have grievances but we go with what’s in our interests – witness Nixon to China, no Tibetan concern. And when we get sucked into grievances we go and get stuck – witness Kosovo.

I think we agree that a general military pullback is in order. And I will add that translates to a reduction in billions in requirements – hence my call to cut the defense budget.

RW-(the original) 11:21

I think Jay’s opinion is based on early associations. I disagree on the ‘anger’ part. A young lieutenant or ensign is a bit different in temperament than one who comes out of the system years later.

And thank you for holding off on the Heroes plot.

Getalife

There are rumblings Biden may go?

Bosch

I saw that. I thought Sylar touched the brain part that controlled her power and that’s how he absorbed it. When she asked “aren’t you going to eat my brain?” I almost split a gut when he said “that’s disgusting.”

Off for a bit to catch the second episode.

After I finish listening to Nader on O’Reilly’s radio show. Nader’s taking no prisoners with either party - blames them both and is lambasting the CEOs. Hit BOR’s point the companies are private so they can pay CEOs millions by breaking up the ‘board’ system and putting the shareholders in direct charge.

By fearless fosdik

September 23, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

“There are rumblings Biden may go?”

Paul @ 12:28 PM Where are these “RUMBLINGS (Rumors)COMING FROM?

I can find no referece to back-up this statement!

By tiff

September 23, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Wyld Byll Hyltnyr, I don’t know if you have been living under a rock and just crawled out yesterday. But there have been plenty of criticism from republicans about McCain picking Palin. When this whole thing broke Peggy(what’s her face) stated to a newsman that McCain and the republicans were finished because of his pick of Sarah Palin. This isn’t the only time we have heard this from people in your party. The news media won’t tell you, this is why we have goggle. Even her own friends have confessed they won’t vote for her because they like her as a friend but not as a politician. And as for what Biden said about Obama not being ready, everybody and their momma knows that was just political talk to win the nomination. Just as Hillary admitted the other day what she said was in the heat of battle. Now as for the republicans who have cast doubt on Palin these were not people running against her, they were just people in her party.

By ByteMe

September 23, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

RealityKing: yes, because lightning fast reflexes and decision making is required when they’re shooting musket balls at you at 50 yards while wearing red and marching in a straight line. Uh… whatever.

By USstuckonstupid

September 23, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Obama: Occidental College - Two years. Columbia University - B.A. political science with a specialization in international relations. Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude

& Biden : University of Delaware - B.A. in history and B.A. in political science. Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

vs.

McCain: United States Naval Academy - Class rank 894 out of 899 (meaning that, like George Bush, McCain was at the bottom of his class)

Palin: Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in journalism

Now, which team are you going to hire to lead the most influential nation in the world?

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Paul and fearless,

I have often thought that since Palin was announced as VEEP choice, Biden may have a mysterious health crisis and drop out.

By T

September 23, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

RW

I read the same bill. I thought maybe you had some further insight. I was just commenting on how it was laid out. Or the ‘supposed’ purpose of it. Do I think we should police and feed the world? No. Not until we police and feed our selves. Now, like you stated where this thing will lead, who knows? I’d like to see the finished product with all the hidden agendas and pocket lining.

By Midori

September 23, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

so this is where the “Joe Biden will resign” rumors are coming from - wingnut blogs

should have know.

And Bosch - you haven’t been paying attention. Didn’t Palin’s minister exorcise a witch from a town in Africa? The witch who was causing car accidents? why do you think Crusty went out and brought her new car? Her other one was totalled :)

By Slick

September 23, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Jay,

I agree with your analysis of McCain’s quick temper, reckless behavior, “shoot from the hip” mentality, and distain for thoughtful decision making. He displayed all of these bully-boy traits in high school, and as a midshipman (where he was known as McNasty)… long before he wormed his way into Naval Flight Training because his father was an Admiral. He was FIFTH from the BOTTOM of his 900 member midshipman class which hardly reflects qualities that admission to the Flight Program normally require.

He was NOT a fighter pilot - he was an attack pilot, and there is a big difference between the two. He did not engage in air to air combat - he droped bombs and fired rockets on ground targets. He was shot down by a surface to air missile - not an enemy fighter plane. He also said that he truly learned to love his country while he was a POW - which raises the question of what did he think of his country before his “conversion.”

His reckless, combative personality is obviously a fact, regardless of its origin, and picking the poorly qualified Palin as his running mate casts serious doubts on his judgement.

He is also dumb as a red brick!

By Bosch

September 23, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Midori,

OOOOHHHHH!!! Yes, I missed that. Okay, that is even funnier now.

By tiff

September 23, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Slick, funny how no one raised the question of McCain’s patriotism when he said he learned to love his country while he was a POW, as if he had not loved it all alone. But when Michelle Obama said she was proud of her country for the first time, the media took it and ran it in the ground. They were saying she was Unpatriotic, Anti-America and that she didn’t love her country. Well what about McCain, what he said should be deemed far worst, because he is running for president. (NOT GONNA WIN) but he is running.

By Slick

September 23, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

tiff,

Well said! I have wondered the same thing…McNasty gets another mulligan from the press.

By RealityKing

September 23, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Washington was known as a very deliberate decision-maker…

In fact, George Washington had a group of his own army shoot their commaning officers, or risk being shoot themselves, for marching on Congress, to get their back pay. Image that.. Yes very deliberate actions, and by instinct.

But we all know what Jay and the AJC would be printing about General Petraeus if he did something like that. Well…, depending on which party was in change of Congress at the time, of course.

By RW-(the original)

September 23, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Bosch,

Sorry, I should have mentioned earlier I was on my way out the door.

Sylar always steals the part of the brain that holds the power that person had. He cuts open their head, steals it and goes, leaving them dead. He was in Claire’s brain for so long trying to figure out how it worked. He realized he couldn’t kill her, but he could share her power. Potential plot twist, he may have done something wrong since Claire can still heal, but can no longer feel pain.