Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2008 > November > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGOP high-water mark: March 21, 2005
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you walk a bit along Cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg, you’ll come to a place that historians describe as the high water mark of the Confederacy.
Right there, at that spot on July 3, 1863, a massive Confederate assault known as Pickett’s Charge broke against Union lines and then was forced to withdraw. From that point on, the once-bright fortunes of the Confederacy declined into defeat.
Another defeat — although of somewhat less historic significance — looms Tuesday for the modern Republican Party. In the Senate, Republicans may fall below the 40 votes needed to filibuster. In the House, they may lose 20 seats or more. And unless the polls are mistaken, the GOP’s grip on the presidency will end as well.
Conceivably, a defeat of that size could exile Republicans from power for a decade or even a generation, particularly given the party’s poor reputation among younger voters. If so, when future historians go looking for the high water mark of the Republican Party, the moment when its power in this era peaked and then began to decline, I’d suggest the date March 21, 2005.
Back then, a majority of Americans still thought favorably of President Bush, who had won re-election just a few months earlier. Republicans had taken control of the Senate in the ‘04 election, picking up four seats. Karl Rove’s dream of a permanent Republican majority seemed quite plausible.
But then, perhaps a little giddy with power, party leaders did something extraordinarily stupid. Egged on by their masters in talk radio and the Christian Right, they called Congress back for an extraordinary emergency session. Their purpose was not some great matter of state. Instead, they passed legislation demanding that the federal courts intervene in the tragic case of Terri Schiavo. On March 21, that bill was signed into law by President Bush, who had hurried back to Washington from his Texas ranch for just that purpose.
As far as impact, that law had almost none. But symbolically its impact was enormous. That was the moment, I believe, that the vast majority of the American people began to suspect that the Republicans had lost their collective mind. Voters who usually go about their daily lives without paying much attention to the politicians in Washington were transfixed by the case, in part because it had little to do with government and everything to do with the literal life-and-death decisions confronted by every human being at some point.
What they saw in Washington was a blatant abuse of government power — ignorance compounded by arrogance. Afterward, in fact, more than 80 percent of Americans said they disagreed with what Congress had done, but Republican leadership was so out of touch that they had actually believed they would reap political benefits by intervening. An internal GOP Senate memo had called the Schiavo case “a great political issue” that would excite “the pro-life base.”
From there, the GOP decline began. A few months later, Hurricane Katrina hit over Labor Day, and the Bush administration’s apathetic, incompetent response shocked the country. In stark contrast to the Schiavo case, the president did not pry himself from his ranch vacation for days after the storm came ashore.
Slowly, voters began to realize that in the eyes of GOP leadership, government was just a useful weapon in the culture wars, not a tool to try to improve the lives of the American people. Many voters who had themselves thought of government in those terms began to question that belief, a process that quickened as the nation’s economic crisis deepened. As a result, they began to seek leaders who took a more serious approach to government, leaders to whom competence was more important than ideology.
The Schiavo case did not in a major sense cause the GOP’s decline, just as Pickett’s Charge did not doom the Confederacy. It’s just that at certain moments, weaknesses that were once hidden become glaringly apparent, and at those moments the tides of history begin to turn.
Comments
By AmVet
November 3, 2008 6:58 AM | Link to this
What we have seen in Washington was a blatant abuse of government power — ignorance compounded by arrogance.
Bravo, Mr. Bookman!
For your keen wit and speaking truth to power!
As an ideology, neo-conservatism is morally and especially intellectually defective. And many would now say, bankrupt. Reasonable, rational Americans should hope that, like the Confederacy, it will never “rise” or be relevant again…
By GodHatesTrash
November 3, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this
By GodHatesTrash November 2, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this Unbelievably, Bookman pulled down around a dozen of my posts from Friday night, yesterday, and banned me for the day.
I consistently provide some of the best writing on this blog (not that that’s saying much), instead he prefers the never-ending monotonous garbage, chum, empty threats and swill from the misanthropes and paranoids. He never challenges them, he never ridicules them, he just let’s their vile lies and slanders stand unchallenged.
Well, Bookman, face it, you’re no Ralph McGill. But you’re on track to be another Jim Wooten. Good for you!
So I’ll leave you for your regular clientele for awhile.
I urge other progressive decent people to do the same.
Without us, this blog is just another hate site.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
Republicans argued on behalf of Terri’s parents who wanted her to live.
democrats argued on behalf of her scheming and conniving cheating husband, who collected life insurance money when she passed.
Which side are you on?
At one time, democrats thought that the bond between mother and child was enough to change American foreign policy, see Sheehan, Cindy.
But in this case they sacrificed another living human being for their special interest group shibboleths.
This is the perfect example of why we need to get out the vote tomorrow, Republicans, are you going to allow the fascists in the left wing media to define who we are when we have no more say in it?
Or are we gonna have some say in it?
Let’s win one for the Gipper!
By AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
What we have seen in Washington was a blatant abuse of government power — ignorance compounded by arrogance.
Uh-huh-
According to the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training, the coal industry provides about 40,000 direct jobs in the state, including those for miners, mine contractors, coal preparation plant employees and mine supply company workers.
In addition, the coal industry pays about $70 million in property taxes in the state annually, and the Coal Severance Tax adds about $214 million into West Virginia’s economy. The coal industry payroll in the state is nearly $2 billion per year, and coal is responsible for more than $3.5 billion annually in the gross state product.-W Va. Record
Ignorance, indeed.
By Bod-a-getta
November 3, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
The Republican party is roughly 36 hours away from being soundly rejected by Americans. And unless they learn a bit of humility, quit branding those who disagree with them as fascists/socialists/traitors/etc., and figure out how to wrest control of their once proud party from the Christian Right, they are facing irrelevancy for at least a generation.
It’s time for the GOP to do a bit of soul searching and contemplation. But I’m not holding my breath that it’s gonna happen.
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 3, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
I’m not sure what’s left of the Republican party has a soul to search.
By JAY BOOKMAN
November 3, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
How are we going to miss you, Trash, if you never go away?
Seems to me you posted that same threat yesterday…
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 3, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
HOLD ON
YES WE CAN.
By Say What?
November 3, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
Each party can be berated for its excesses. The Republicans had years in power to display their ineptitude. With Obama soon to be our new president, and a Congress stacked with Democrats, let’s hope that partisan politics take a back seat to real progress for Americans in general. Sure, the rabid right will spend the next four years telling us that the Democratic Party should be taken out and shot, but take their grumblings with a grain of salt. They want power just as badly as the Democrats have wanted to be in this position. Let’s hope that compromise and integrity will replace fiat and unaccountability in the coming years in Washington.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
Pollsters have been gloriously wrong in the past. I can clearly remember the morning of Election Day 1980 when the pompous Walter Cronkite in his stentorian tones, and David Brinkley in his more down-to-earth and pleasing Carolina phrasings, told us the election was “too close to call.” Of course it wasn’t close at all. The Old Cowpoke beat Jimmy Bob that day by a hair under 10 points. It was a rout and the pollsters as well as the pundits missed it. Could they be this outrageously wrong again?-AmSpec
They don’t even need to be “outrageously” wrong.
By TN Gelding
November 3, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
Divine intervention?
By AmVet
November 3, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
bodhisattva at 7:16,
That sentiment is another example of how the clarity of the political center-left to center—right is really crystallizing before this election.
I have noted before that the ONLY silver lining to the unending, failure-ridden, BushCo “reign of terror” is that they have so damaged the lunatic fringe/”conservatives” chances for the future, that perhaps we will see a return to government actually separated from religion again!
And one that anew at least makes a pretense to be of the people, by the people and for the people.
There will be no redemption for Republicans tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the next year. Or the next election. And there should be none.
Just more finger-pointing and the same old failure to own up to their actions and the abysmal results.
Why don’t they ever learn?
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
In case he’s missed it from last night, I’ll repost my response to Corporal (Just learning to fly a combat fighter jet is more dangerous than most military occupations even in wartime (except the infantry):
I’m well aware of that, Corporal. My father was a naval pilot just like our Mr. McCain. (BTW, for one of the all-time great Hollywood renderings of this life, see Men of the Fighting Lady (1954) with Van Johnson. Heartbreaking but classic.)
My point had nothing to do with actual heroism, but rather with the bad faith of those who wish to use it as a cudgel to bludgeon people they disagree with. Prime candidate: Sean Hannity. His pseudo-poetic “Let freedom ring”” nauseates me.
The patriotism of young men (and let’s not forget, women) who willingly take on the dangers of fighting for our country is no small thing. But it cannot be enforced. (Look at the union draft riots during the Civil War.) And ABOVE ALL it cannot be enforced by rabble-rousing blowhards.
By Say What?
November 3, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
You folks who are still hopeful that McCain might pull this one out have ignored the obvious:
This election is a referendum on the apparition formerly known as George W. Bush. Bush = Failure, and that’s one of the reasons people will show up in droves to vote AGAINST the Republican Party.
Barack Obama has been able to rally all people of color, and they will show up in droves to vote FOR the Democratic Party.
The old pincer move, and McCain/Palin will go down in flames as a result of it.
By E
November 3, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
The Schiavo case was the most disgusting display of government meddling I’ve seen in a long while and this from a party that is supposedly for less government.
Then after that Jeb Bush tried to reopen an investigation of Michael Schiavo. Absolutely despicable.
The Bush family are scum, plain and simple.
Obama/Biden ‘08
By ILHFSG
November 3, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
JAY - let’s be very clear: the republican party demise started from within the day they started acting like democrats. when a conservative comes forward, you will see a swift rebirth.
By kitty
November 3, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
Oh,yeah, the contrast between Bush’s response to Schiavo and Katrina was rather obvious. He had federal government interfere in a family decision decided in a state court where I thought the righties wanted things decided…on a local level…and then ignored the plight of poor folks dying on bridges on and on roofs while he patted Brownie’s behind. The GOP is so out of touch with real America it is mind boggling. McCain proved it with his “economy is fundamentally sound” comment while the economy was crashing. Nero fiddling while Rome burns..that is the GOP. I hope we can rid them Good bye for a while.
By TN Gelding
November 3, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 7:09 AM
She wasn’t living, she was being kept alive.
It was past time to let her go ito the quiet night. Something we all must face at some point. It was outrageous to try to score political points from this family tragedy.
We won’t be gypped again!
By AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
Horsey: Are you her mother and father?
By Say What?
November 3, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
Except for the zealots, I think we’re all sick and tired of the Republican Party playing the Morality Police and ascribing Godless attributes to anyone who votes blue.
Time after time, the GOP has been exposed as abject hypocrites when it comes to morals, ethics and human compassion.
You never had a mandate, and you never spoke for America. Deal with it.
By TN Gelding
November 3, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 7:13 AM
Join us as we cross that bridge to the 21st century.
By TN Gelding
November 3, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
JAY BOOKMAN
November 3, 2008 7:28 AM
More than once.
By Joe Poverty
November 3, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
While trick or treating with my kid Friday night, someone had made a grave on their front lawn in Alpharetta. It was marked with a McCain-Palin campaign sign I felt so good the rest of the night.
By Taxpayer
November 3, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
When the clean air act was written, older coal-fired plants were grandfathered in so that power companies would not be faced with the cost of retro-fitting these plants to new standards. The intent was to insure that new plants would be constructed to new standards and ultimately replace the old plants while still allowing the power companies to produce electricity from the older plants without the costly modifications that they had lobbied so hard against. Even with these concessions in hand, power companies chose the low road in many cases and illegally modified grandfathered plants while ignoring the requirements for decreased emissions of oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, particulates, mercury, etc.. The courts have consistently ruled against power companies as they have tried to seek more economically favorable resolutions to charges brought against them for their defiance of clean air standards. Let’s hope that Bush does not once again throw we the people under the bus before leaving us to heal the many wounds he has already left open and festering by lessening the very laws that may one day allow our children or grandchildren to breath without the need of a respirator, asthma medication, or other breathing aids. If you have ever suffered from asthma or other respiratory ailments, then you surely appreciate what I am trying to tell you. Don’t let the Republicans and their no regulations policies choke us to death on top of everything else they have done for their power and money hungry masters. We all deserve better, especially from our elected officials.
By AmVet
November 3, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
ILHFSG,
Tis true, but you fail to recognize that the misnamed conservatives simply took their already horrific base ideology, and added onto it, the very WORST of the Democratic one.
And I concur that when a real conservative shows up we will all be either truly amazed or unable to recognize him after this thirty year, hijacked debacle.
In the meantime we endure immoral, idiots like Bill Frist, Mitch McConnell, Saxby Chambliss and Sam Brownback…
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 3, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
ILHFSG
Define real conservative please.
What makes a real conservative?
What is conservative fiscal policy?
What is conservative social policy?
What is conservative national secuity policy?
By TN Gelding
November 3, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 8:05 AM
It was the husband’s decision to make.
By williebkind
November 3, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Jay, the conservatives will do just like the liberals. Dress themselves up to be democrats and run for office. What are you going to report on when your dreams come true. Will you pick on those democrats that does not promote marxism, ban the constitution, or change it to fit your agendas. Are you afraid to lose the first ammendment rights? No marxist government can allow a free press. Of course the republican radio will be abolished. Then slowly and surely the other media will lose out. All will go except the liberal media which is socialism already. Now the mass will be informed just what they need to hear right? Yep your chickens will come home to roost.
By ILHFSG
November 3, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
MRS. GODZILLA -are you jay’s mommy? he knows what i mean and you never will. but to make it easy for you, conservatism is everything you hate. you keep voting blue.
By gadem
November 3, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
Andi(girl)…studies showed that Terri Schiavo was brain dead…why keep the body alive if her spirit is gone…better yet, lets keep everyone that is dead on breathing machines…
By ByteMe
November 3, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Mrs. G: which is to say ILHFSG has no idea what he means or that he’s too immature to defend it.
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 3, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
8:32 and 8:33
WHAT?
Seriously, boys.
What is Conservatism?
It seems to have little to do with conserving America’s wealth or resources.
I don’t want to think you two are blind, wrong headed idealogues, I want to think that you can tell me what it is about Conservatism that makes you embrace it.
Can you do that?
Can either of you make a case for conservatism in America?
By ByteMe
November 3, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Ooo ooo!! Let me try!!
“Conservatives” are the team that wraps themselves in red white and blue.
Everyone else’s team colors have run so that it looks pinkkkkkkkooooooooo!!
By AmVet
November 3, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
In the next few days, we sill see the Republican Party challenged as much as those nightmarish days of Nixon/Agnew.
And it is during such times that character is revealed. Or the lack thereof.
Some in their ranks believe their very neo-con survival is at stake. And it likely is.
I believe there will emerge two warring factions - one that looks to the future, is young and sees that their only salvation lies in creating a centrist party that is not so out of touch with middle-class America. From Schiavo to global-warming to interventionist militarism. But this task is absolutely daunting for them. And appears to be one, not yet in the making.
Then there are the remaining old yellow dog Republicans, completely intransigent and incapable of learning new tricks, who think they’ve done nothing wrong. They will again lament that they lost so badly because they “weren’t conservative enough” and the media had it out for them.
Meaningful, positive change seems like it is not yet an option for the GOP.
And some, like that knee-jerk reaction at 8:26, may never grasp this concept but see only two diametrically opposed positions to everything.
And this is exactly why it appears that they are going to get beaten like a b@stard step-child for some time to come…
By TN Gelding
November 3, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
MN changed to leaning Obama from solid.
By ByteMe
November 3, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
AmVet: be wary. Out of the ashes of the Republican Party of Watergate’s aftermath came Dick Cheney and the neo-cons.
TN: from this morning at fivethirtyeight.com: Don’t worry too much about that SurveyUSA result in Minnesota, which shows Obama just 3 points ahead. SurveyUSA’s polling in Minnesota has been very, very weird all year; they’ve never shown Obama with larger than a 6 point lead in their likely voter model, and had McCain ahead in the state as recently as October 1st. SurveyUSA does not have a Republican lean in general, but in Minnesota, it has consistently had a huge one.
By williebkind
November 3, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Ms Godzilla:
Conservatism is a disposition in politics to preserve what is established ie. the constitution(and need not be changed by judges). A political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change; specifically—such a philosophy calling for lower taxes, limited government regulation of business and investing, a strong national defense, and individual financial responsibility for personal needs (as retirement income or health-care coverage) Ok Ms Godzilla how many more times should I tell you? Do you understand the above. Can you see how the media and the liberal are defiling the values already established. If it is vile and discusting you liberals are for making it part of the constitution. Should I repeat the values again? How many times must you hear it before you see what we stand for and what we are against. Again, education does not cure stupid.
By "The Corporal"
November 3, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
To Jay
Excellent article.
The first high-water mark left us with an all powerful federal government the founding fathers never intended and your second high-water mark will leave us with a socialistic government that they would not have imagined in their worst nightmares.
To Soixante huitard
I appreciate your views on patriotism as you see it but I ask you again ………. therefore, which branch did you serve in ?
If you didn’t serve, I would think you would reconsider putting down anyone who did even if it was the Texas Air National Guard.
By Taxpayer
November 3, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Well, I finally got through to another hard core supporter of the Republican scam on America. We were talking about healthcare and I was trying to get across some simple points while being confronted with the same old talking points and my words finally started to sink in. I was talking about the fact that our elected officials get access to healthcare that is the highest quality and yet we don’t have access to the same coverage even though our tax dollars even pay for their coverage. Then, I was talking about how insurance offered through big businesses don’t have the limitations regarding pre-existing conditions that policies for individuals have. All the while, the retort was repeatedly, “…but, I don’t want government-mandated healthcare…I don’t want socialism…” until finally my words made that light bulb come on. I said that I don’t want government-mandated healthcare. I want true market-based solutions with appropriate government oversight to help keep at least some people honest. Just like Obama, I want a level playing field. I want access to the same coverage that I’m currently buying for government employees at every level of government from the county up to the White House. For starters, just give me access to the same insurance plans that the county employees have. It’s better than what we have now. I want to be able to buy a policy for myself and my family and not worry about it being declared void years later because I forgot about or even did not know about something that a doctor wrote in a file that I had never seen before. I like being able to buy a prescription for $4.00 at Wal-Mart because it sure beats Bush’s prescription drug bailout for the major drug companies. There are better ways to deal with these problems if we can just push the special interest groups and lobbyists over for a change. Finally, I got through. Now, I can move on to the next person. One person at a time if that’s what it takes.
By gadem
November 3, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
You know things are bad when Joe “I’m going to buy the company I work for one day” Plumber is doing interviews and stomping for McCain…if he is trying to save to buy his business where only two people are employed, why is he taking all of this time off? Shouldn’t he save his vacation days for something better? Shouldn’t he be there to help unclog some $hitty pipes instead of regurgitating what he has been told? Word to the wise, just because you like “pipe” does not make you a plumber.
By Truthman
November 3, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
WILLEBKIND: Your spelling is atrocious!
BTW, you lover, W, hasn’t lived any of those values (see Schiavo, trillion-dollar deficits, illegal wars, intrusion into private citizen’s lives…I could go on and on).
Your kind is politically dead tomorrow!!
Don’t let the Constitution hit you in the arse!!
Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!
By AmVet
November 3, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
ByteMe, good point.
And it is a fact that every administration inherits various problems. But this one greatly exacerbated nearly all of them!
And I just don’t believe that has ever happened to this degree before.
Hopefully the American public’s notorious short memory span will not soon forget this…
By Joey
November 3, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
To those suggesting that Republicans need to learn humility.
Should Republicans model their new humility after Democrats like: Barney Frank, Reid, Pelosi, Kennedy, Byrd, Obama, Rangel, Dodd, Gore, Kerry?
By RW-(the original)
November 3, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
gelding,
She was being kept alive by feeding her. Everything else was on her own and if she had a living will there wouldn’t have been any question.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How are we going to miss you, Trash, if you never go away?
OMG! Bookman is finch.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Conceivably, a defeat of that size could exile Republicans from power for a decade or even a generation….
Jay B.,
I have to disagree with you there. Your theory presupposes that the Democrats, with an unfettered majority, will govern effectively and not overreach. I don’t believe they’ll do that. Without having Republicans to blame they’ll be ushered back out much quicker than if they have some bogey man to blame.
Democrats would be better off with 57 Senators than 60. They would still have enough to end most filibusters and they would have the advantage of being able to whine that if they only had 60 the world would be the utopia they always promise.
By Truthman
November 3, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
This post has been pulled as a personal attack.
Truth, new rules have been set on this blog. No personal attacks, no abuse, period. Repeat violators will be banned.
— Jay
By Truthman
November 3, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Joey…YES. AND WE WILL!!
Bwahahahaha!!!
By Bosch
November 3, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Oh God, must we revisit the Schiavo case? I guess those who thought Terri Schiavo should have been kept alive in those false conditions have never had to see anyone living in those conditions.
But it’s good to revisit some of the atrocities of the past administration so we can be reminded NEVER AGAIN!!!
I must admit, I’m getting nervous about the election — you can never underestimate those who vote out of fear, and you can never underestimate the lengths those in power will do to stay in power (especially the GOPers).
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 3, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
*williebkind
I appreciate the effort it took to cut and paste that answer at 8:59. It is a start. Now why do you embrace this philosphy? Do you see any members of the GOP that will be able to lead your party based on these principles? Why do you specifically embrace it?
Based on the mess made by what must be the “not real” conservatives of the last 8 years, what would “real” conservatives have done differently? What would YOU have done differently than the “not real” conservatives who are responsible for the mess we are in?
I can very clearly see what Mush, McCain, et al, stand for. It is YOU we are mildly curious about.
Next, I don’t remember you ever telling me anything before today willie. Are you and old poster with a new name?
You are correct, education does not correct stupid any more than conservatism makes folks right or compassionate.
By Truthman
November 3, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Bosch and Mrs. G…ditto!!!
By GOPs got to go
November 3, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
The Terry Schiavo case was despicable to watch. As someone who has been in health care for 30 years I can tell you emphatically that there are far worse things than death.
The parents of Terry were not thinking of Terry at all but of their own feelings of fear and guilt. If Christians so truly believe in an afterlife what is the fear of death really about?
I can testify that patients coming into the hospital, even for simple elective procedures, are far more likely to bring in a living will stating their wishes in the event of a life threatening situation. So if nothing else has come from the pitiful death of Terry Schiavo, the patient’s right to choose was highlighted and acted on significantly. At the time there was a great national discussion about how far is too far and what each individual wants if faced with the awful decision Terry’s husband had to make. I have personally had to help make this decision for my mother who became ill rapidly and was on life support. I fought like a tiger for her right to die with dignity and was given the gift of helping her pass away with support and love. It was what she wanted. I have always thought it odd that she would have had a discussion about death with me a few months prior to her own, being relatively young and long before Terry brought the issue to the national conscience. While not a participant in organized religion any more, I still believe in a part of this world that can not be defined. I think she sensed a problem coming, and in her typical way, decided to set things straight and take control of the situation.
I have certainly made my wishes known to my husband and children. Let me go on in peace, and donate all my organs.
By zeke
November 3, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Once agin you show your true ignorance! If voters were only going on approval ratings, all of congress would be shown the door! Sure w’s ratinga re low, but, just how much biased unwavering slanting reporting by the media can the voting public withstand? W’s ratings are still 4 times as high as congress’ ratings! If the South had not been economically deprived from 1800 till 1860, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO CIVIL WAR! IF THE SOUTH HAD ANY INDUSTRIAL CAPACITY, WHICH HAD BEE PREVENTED BY THE NORTHERN STATES, THE GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESSES, THE USA WOULD NOW BE THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA! WITH AN ARMY 1/4TH THE SIZE OF THE NORTH, THE SOUTH WAS KICKING THE HELL OUT OF THE NORTH UNTIL IT RAN OUT OF WEAPONS AND AMUNITION! AND, FURTHER, WITH THE CONSTANT BRAINWASHING OF OUR YOUTH BY LIBERAL TEACHERS AND PROFESSORS, HOW DO YOU EXPECT THE YOUTH OF THIS COUNTRY TO HAVE ANYU RESPECT FOR THE PRESIDENT OR THE RULE OF LAW?”?????????
By Dr. R
November 3, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
The best thing that could happen to the GOP is to lose badly this week, then go back and rebuild the party on the foundation that it should have relied on all along: Smaller, more efficient government, strong defense and building a free market economy. The values crap took the party so far to the right that the people who care about real issues, folks who have, I dunno, read a book, got turned off. And they’re still turned off. It’s why they lost me and a lot of other Libertarian-leaning conservatives who don’t want a party that wants to run my life and still spend too much of my money. So I hope they get their butts handed to them so they’ll learn that some of us out here want reason, not righteousness. That we can get at church.
By BDAtlanta
November 3, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla has an arguable point. Is “Conservative” just a hollow label now?
Are “Conservatives” now the centrist Republicans who don’t mind spending like it’s their last day on earth? Conservatives used to be fiscally conservative but the change away from that is clear, it’s what Bob Barr railed against before he left the party.
Conservative at homeland security? That’s not possible. These conservatives have totally ignored securing our ports for the last 8 years. In fact, they wanted to hand over the security detail to Middle East countries a few years ago.
It looks like the only “Conservative” label that applies anymore is socially. Their thinking is that we should have laws to tell us who we can and can’t marry, when we can purchase alcohol, which drugs should be legal, etc. (I’m sure you folks can expand on this list.)
Anyway, good point Mrs. Godzilla!
By Paul
November 3, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
G’Morning, Bosch
I thought of you when I heard this:
I spoke with my niece, mother of three little ones, ages 6-11. When they came in from trick or treating, they asked their mommy “Why did the homes with the McCain Palin signs have their lights out and wouldn’t pass out candy?”
I asked her if she explained candy redistribution to her kids.
Jay
Some thoughtful columns this weekend. Nice reading.
I’m not sure about the single event so much as the time frame. As far as being out of touch with the Party majority but not with the ideologues and power brokers, I can buy that. I also wonder, based upon two events, if Democrats might not avoid the fate that befalls when seemingly unlimited power (majorities in two branches occurs): first, Spkr Pelosi did beat somewhat of a retreat under fire (your Gettysburg analogy) over offshore drilling. She didn’t continue attacking the ramparts. Second, after obtaining the nomination, Sen Obama did pretty much make the MoveOn crowd a nonentity. Then again, their “Iraq” issue embarrassingly broke in the opposition’s favor.
So maybe, maybe, a Pres Obama will be more centrist, less ideological and will chart his own course, without relying on Pelosi and Reid as navigators. Maybe.
BTW - for what it’s worth - nicely done on the tougher policy. If gains in blog etiquette lead gains in political discourse there may be progress.
Nawwww…….
By Bosch
November 3, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
I’d also like to add, I’m not so much worried about John McCain becoming President as I am Sarah Palin becoming Vice President.
People used to talk about if Hillary Clinton became Obama’s VP, he’d better watch his back - I feel the same way about Palin - she’s got her own agenda, and is just as capable of nastiness as Hills. Plus, she’s a redneck who can’t admit when she’s done wrong (ethics violations).
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Corporal (“If you didn’t serve, I would think you would reconsider putting down anyone who did even if it was the Texas Air National Guard.”)
Oh, don’t worry. I’m not putting anyone down who thus served. Besides there’s no use arguing over what Mr. Bush actually did during these years as the records are so shrouded in mystery that we might never know.
But I’m quite aware of what being a fighter pilot means, having grown up hearing the stories (and having seen the effects personally on my father). Seriously, you should see Men of the Fighting Lady. You won’t regret it.
Based on your reasoned tone, I’ll assume you’re a reasonable person and not a blowhard rabble-rousing punk like Sean Hannity.
In fact, in honor of Mr. Hannity, I’d like to put forward a modified version of patriotism: “Let freedom ring in the ears of arrogant blowhard pseudo-patriots!” May their house of lies be brought low. Contributing to THAT victory: now THAT’s something of which true patriotism consists. And it’s patriotism of a higher order, because not just particular to one country. Get my drift? :-)
By Truthman
November 3, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
TRUTH, stop the attacks. Next time earns a ban.
— Jay
By Dr. R
November 3, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
So the demise of the Republican party is the fault of Northern aggression during the Civil War, liberal teachers and the media somehow making Bush look bad? You see, as long as you keep blaming everyone else for your problems, you’ll never address them. But if it makes you feel better to point fingers at the whole world, in all caps no less, knock yourself out. I think we need a strong two-party system in this country to offer us a choice and I hope the GOP finds a way to give us one.
By BDAtlanta
November 3, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
By the way, very interesting article Jay.
By Bosch
November 3, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Paul,
I had not one trick or treater come to my house, but I have an Obama/Biden sign in my yard!
We had to eat all those Snickers and M&Ms I bought ourselves!
By Greg Mendel
November 3, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
AC/DC is right. We can’t depend on the polls. Obama won’t win. 2008 may be Nader’s year.
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
NO PERSONAL ATTACKS.
By Mr Snarky
November 3, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Jay, I think you’re right. Let’s hope that if Obama wins, the Democrats learn from the Republicans and don’t govern like power drunk idiots. If Obama is smart, he won’t be afraid to veto a few bills…he needs to govern like Lincoln did.
By Dusty
November 3, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
OH the same ol’ Democratic claptrap from Bookman. From Pickett’s to Schiavo to Katrina… use anything to slam Republicans.
Pickett’s charge…bloodiest battle in the Civil War. Has nothing to do with anybody’s demise except Confederate History.
Schiavo…sad case driven to the court room. Shows how people should take care of their final wishes ahead of time (as RW reminded us). Hardly a worthy milestone in American history, taking a death to court.
Katrina…if President Bush had been filling sandbags in NO it would have made no difference. Nobody can prepare adequately for a super natural event, warned or not. They did what they could. The ones in charge tried. They could not stop the impossible. That is like saying Pompei would NEVER have been covered if the mayor, governor, emperor had just thrown up a few tents ahead of time.
Changing history to make a political advantage is pure conjecture and pure opinion. Bookman’s whole persona leans far left so we expect nothing else. But beware of taking it as fact. It is established in the Never Never land of Democratic Defense and little else. It is also the land of the Ungrateful and the Gullible. As I do not wish to join that Democratic Domain I have already voted for the Good and the Strong McCain.
Don’t join the folly of fools, my friends. Obama may make you clap and sing but he will shut down the show as soon as he is in power. And it has absolutely nothing to do with Pickett, Schiavo or Katrina. It is Obama’s obsession to rule.
By getalife
November 3, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Before open heart surgery , I signed a DNR form and told them no Schiavo.I told them if I wanted to live brain dead, I would be a wingnut.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
By gadem November 3, 2008 9:04 AM Shouldn’t he be there to help unclog some $hitty pipes instead of regurgitating what he has been told?
The new “civility.”
By BDAtlanta
November 3, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Dusty, Read Jay again, my friend. He is talking about the post-Katrina response. He is talking about the period “after” the event when the Bush administration could have done a lot more for those affected Americans.
You thought he meant Bush could have stopped the Hurricane? no…Bush is no Barrack Obama.
LOL
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Obama may make you clap and sing but he will shut down the show as soon as he is in power. And it has absolutely nothing to do with Pickett, Schiavo or Katrina. It is Obama’s obsession to rule.
Feeling a little paranoid today?
You need to get out, my friend.
Besides, you’ve got a big dinner to get ready for Tuesday night. I want to see you dressed to the nines and all your table cloths freshly bleached.
By Taxpayer
November 3, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
What’s not to love about this car? A new carmaker has a plan for cheap, environmentally friendly cars to be built all over the country. And the best thing…It runs on hot air. It has to be a Republican politician’s dream — to stump around the nation by consuming what he spews.
By Citizen of the World
November 3, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Adding to Taxpayer’s post at 9:02 — here’s a story that some who are secure in their employer-sponsored healthcare might find interesting.
After leaving my job and becoming an independent contractor, I took my healthcare with me through Cobra, which gives you 18 months to find your own policy. It was much more expensive, since we had to pay the whole premium ourselves, but that was preferable to the risk of being uninsured.
About six months before the Cobra was to expire, we went looking for a new policy. We could not find anyone to cover us at any amount because my husband, also self-employed, had high blood pressure and was about 20 lbs. overweight. The policy we applied for had a ridiculously high premium and a very large deductible, but still the insurance company would not budge from their denial.
So, even though I was making good money as an independent agent, I had to look for work to get health insurance. We did not want to risk losing everything we had ever worked for due to illness. Fortunately, I found a good job I like, but the whole situation made me realize how vulnerable all Americans are to this crazy system.
What Obama is offering is a chance for everyone to have access to health insurance and coverage despite pre-existing conditions. There are 47 million people without this safety net, and it’s costing us all anyway, through higher premiums for everyone.
Under Obama’s plan, if we have coverage through our jobs, we can keep it. But if we are self-employed or have an employer who doesn’t offer health insurance, we would have access to the same health insurance coverage that government employees have access to — for which we pay with our tax dollars.
If you can’t empathize with people who have no coverage, maybe you haven’t been faced with that fear. But I have, and it’s frightening.
I think we ought to all be able to buy into a government group policy with no restrictions against pre-existing conditions and our premiums and deductibles should be based on income.
By Taxpayer
November 3, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Oops. I will try again.
What’s not to love about this car? A new carmaker has a plan for cheap, environmentally friendly cars to be built all over the country. And the best thing…It runs on hot air. It has to be a Republican politician’s dream — to stump around the nation by consuming what he spews.
By getalife
November 3, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Well dusty,
If you had a clue about hurricane preparedness you would know that our government did a better job in the last two and learned from the Katrina disaster.
Yes, learning from your mistakes makes you not repeat the mistakes but you will never learn because you never admit mistakes.
FEMA admitted they were still slow but will work on that.
By Dusty
November 3, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
getalife,
But they let you live brain dead anyway and now you are a Democrat.
(Just kidding, getal. You are not brain dead. Not quite!! I will send you a bottle of Ponce de Leon’s water from the Fountain of Youth!)
By Bruce becker
November 3, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Greenspan admitted that his failure to control the mortgage crisis was an ideological failure, because he “believed” that the market would ‘self-regulate”. He still doesnt understand. It DID self-regulate, and the result is a disaster, because the greed of the bankers who BET on 40-1 odds and went down went the market moved against their bets, was the ‘regulator’.
Similarly, when Karl Rove used the two house majority to RUBBER STAMP bills without LETTING anyone in Congress read them, in a manner like unto petty dictators in Africa, the self-regulation was not an American uprising of well informed citizens, but the failure of Rove’s IDEOLOGY in Iraq. Bush and Cheney were running the USA into the ground based on ideology, not on failed engineering. They did not allow Ambassador Wilson’s intelligence, which proved that no nuclear materials had reached Iraq, to have a say, because they had an agenda, and no facts on the ground would stand in their way. There was no exit strategy, BECAUSE ROVE NEVER INTENDED FOR US TO EVER LEAVE. His book said, take over the entire Middle East, via Iraq, and like a hypnotized Jim Jones groupie, Bush first declared VICTORY in IRAQ, and then “stayed the course” when things fell apart. In the same way Bush presided over what became an obvious failure as the WTO shipped more and more work overseas under the Bush tax code. Some people learn from their mistakes. Some dont.
VOTE OBAMA in 08 and end rule by ideology on foreign policy and return the USA to its rightful place in the UN and world affairs. Return engineering to its rightful place in domestic policy and yes, REBUILD our crumbling infrastructure and YES!! put millions of Americans back to work.
By Dr. R
November 3, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Re: Katrina. Whatever one’s views on the federal response, which everyone admits was lacking, here’s the real difference. Look at what happened when a hurricane approached this summer and the state and city were ready and evacuated. Today, Louisiana has a governor who represents the future of the GOP, a bright, educated, competent conservative. When Katrina hit, Louisiana was led by perhaps the most inept governor in modern history. The Republican governor understood his responsibilities and how the state should interact with the feds. The Democratic governor of three years ago simply panicked and waited for the feds to take over before they were asked. The best thing Ms. Blanco did for her state was to decide not to run for re-election.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Animal Lovers unite!
Relatives ‘set aside a bull to slaughter in celebration’ in Kenyan village…
How can PETA in good conscious vote for Oblahma now?
By Dusty
November 3, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Dear soixante huckster, 9:59
You may be a Maitre De but I am not a waitress. Now pass out those menus and hush. I left an extravagant tip last night so you and yours should be happy.
By Alarmist Barbie
November 3, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
The Muslim is coming! The Muslim is coming! He’ll take away all those things we hold dear — “American Idol,” TV wrestling, Soap Opera Digest! We’ll be forced to read books! There’ll be wet burkha contests!
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Manglement 10:12 AM
Uh, there it is. Smoking break’s over.
Paid bloggers back to line to start scribbling (cutting and pasting).
By AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
“This doesn’t paint a pretty picture for McCain,” said Brad Coker of Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc., who conducted the surveys. “He’s fighting for a half-dozen states that have been reliably Republican.”
But Coker added a caveat: Nearly all the states have a higher than usual number of undecided voters, and anywhere from 81 percent to 96 percent of them are white.-Denver Post
“Undecided” means never being called a racist by some hysterical lib pollster.
But when they close the curtain on the voting booth……surprise, surprise.
By BDAtlanta
November 3, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Bruce and Taxpayer, I like how you two think! Nice posts.
By getalife
November 3, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
dusty,
That disclaimer should keep you from getting banned but actually part of my brain is dead.
Still have enough left to not vote gop and reward failure.
The common sense is still there.
By Dusty
November 3, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Dear AJC/DNC 10:12
Where did you think the expression “Full of bull” came from? From Obama’s heritage, no doubt. Obviously he has had his fill with all the gravy that goes with it.
As to the celebration in Kenya, I do hope they invite Obama’s half brother in the mud hut. That would be nice.
By Bruce becker
November 3, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
correcting typo Greenspan admitted that his failure to control the mortgage crisis was an ideological failure, because he “believed” that the market would ‘self-regulate”. He still doesnt understand. It DID self-regulate, and the result is a disaster, because the greed of the bankers who BET on 40-1 odds and destroyed our economy when the market moved against their “bets”, was the ‘regulator’.
Similarly, when Karl Rove used the two house majority to RUBBER STAMP bills without LETTING anyone in Congress read them, in a manner like unto petty dictators in Africa, the self-regulation was not an American uprising of well informed citizens, but the failure of Rove’s IDEOLOGY in Iraq. Bush and Cheney were running the USA into the ground based on ideology, not on failed engineering. They did not allow Ambassador Wilson’s intelligence, which proved that no nuclear materials had reached Iraq, to have a say, because they had an agenda, and no facts on the ground would stand in their way. There was no exit strategy, BECAUSE ROVE NEVER INTENDED FOR US TO EVER LEAVE. His book said, take over the entire Middle East, via Iraq, and like a hypnotized Jim Jones groupie, Bush first declared VICTORY in IRAQ, and then “stayed the course” when things fell apart. In the same way Bush presided over what became an obvious failure as the WTO shipped more and more work overseas under the Bush tax code. Some people learn from their mistakes. Some dont.
GOP Lousiana governor Bobby Jindal acted proactively because the GOP convention happened the same day the hurricane landed in central Louisiana. It was neither as strong as Katrina, nor did it directly hit New Orleans. The next hurricane to land in the USA, which devastated Galveston is more to the point of continued GOP failure at the FEMA federal level. Galveston is still in shambles. Parts of Houston, which is 80 miles inland, from the direct landing, had no power for a month.
VOTE OBAMA in 08 and end rule by ideology on foreign policy and return the USA to its rightful place in the UN and world affairs. Return engineering to its rightful place in domestic policy and yes, REBUILD our crumbling infrastructure and YES!! put millions of Americans back to work.
By Dusty
November 3, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
ROVE! ROVE! ROVE!!
Would someone please tell Bruce Becker @10:08 that Rove is nothing but a political advisor and is NOT RUNNING FOR ANY OFFICE.
There now, Bruce. You can relax. Rove is not going to defeat Obama. John McCain is going to do that.
By Say What?
November 3, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
I have no doubt that the Republican base is already contacting its legislators concerning the drafting of Articles of Impeachment against Barack Obama.
They’re just leaving the “Reason for Impeachment” blank unpopulated for the moment.
By Bruce becker
November 3, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
DUSTY and American voters
Karl Rove is still operating and his failures of policy and his vile campaigns are a good reason to vote against McCain. Rove has been working for McCain’s campaign and everyone knows it. Rove’s Middle East strategy was the single worst thing to ever happen to the USA in foreign policy. The party that uses his services deserves to lose this election.
By The Oddball
November 3, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
The Republican Party lost its way when it traded in its principles for a marketing strategy. Just like Lee at Gettysburg, it came to believe in its own invincibility. We’ll see if their time in the political wilderness brings them back to their senses, or if they just decide that failure was the result of not pushing that marketing strategy hard enough. If Gov. Palin again is on the ticket again in 2012, you’ll know they chose the latter.
But the Democrats will be out of office just as quickly as they got into office if they don’t produce results. Then, God help us all.
By Bruce becker
November 3, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
I have no doubt that the Republican base is already contacting its legislators concerning the drafting of Articles of Impeachment against Barack Obama.
They’re just leaving the “Reason for Impeachment” blank unpopulated for the moment.
You are so cute when you are angry. Someone take your toys? No impeachment is going to happen because the GOP wont have a majority in any committee for 16 years.
By Say What?
November 3, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Bruce
It’s called sarcasm.
Sarcasm based on prior Republican performance.
If you can’t win an election, either engineer a recall, or pursue impeachment.
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Dusty: You may be a Maitre De but I am not a waitress.
I know you’re not the waitress.
Your the host along with millions of others, including me. Aren’t you looking forward to our special ‘guest’? :-)
By Taxpayer
November 3, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Then again, if all Radical Right-wing Rovian Republicans were to move to Alaska and vote their immoral majority out of the Union, we could offer the Bahamas or someone else the statehood slot and be all the better for it. Just think, no more waking at sunrise — by the way, how often does that occur in Alaska, sunrise, that is — and scanning the border for signs of Russian attack subs in order to file that security threat report….We could all be sunnin’ on the beach and pallin’ around with the Bahamians and we wouldn’t even need a passport any more.
By Dusty
November 3, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Dear Soixi,10:53
I have been hosting our candidate ever since he was declared nominee. I will continue when he is elected. We will have a great president with a fine record already written.
I look forward to his next achievemnt. McCain Palin 2008 and the great four years to follow..
By Curious Observer
November 3, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Many will recall that the Republicans argued that because Schiavo was seen to smile, she was therefore sentient. A subsequent autopsy revealed that in fact she was brainless except for the parts that controlled motor functions.
So why shouldn’t the Republicans have looked after one of their own?
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Dream on, dusty.
All I’m saying is, someone’s comin to dinner and he ain’t no cowboy and his name ain’t Bush.
And I’m looking forward to what it will do to change this place.
It will never be the same. And THAT can only be a good thing.
By Taxpayer
November 3, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Soixante at 11:07,
Robots cannot dream.
By Paul
November 3, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Dusty
How can Jay’s columns “Time to stop stealing from our future” and “Stupid people doing stupid things” be considered “Democratic claptrap”? (9:51)
Sure, the stealing from our future was one of the ‘nonRepublican ideal’ legacies of the Bush years, but if Democrats do the same (more likely than not, especially if Pres Obama decides to keep his pledge to wait ten years to tackle Social Security/Mecicare) under Obama it’ll apply to them, also.
“Stupid people doing stupid things” I read as an indictment of Democrats who abused their positions of public trust to go snooping though government databases to embarrass a political opponent. I commend Jay for calling them on it. It shouldn’t be a Democratic or Republican position – it’s a civil liberties, abuse of power issue.
getalife 9:52
gutsy thing to say to a surgeon while you’re lying on the table! Without even checking his voter ID card! A fun attitude like that is why you pull through!
By ByteMe
November 3, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Dusty is mistakening McCain Palin for “The One”. You can tell with the reverence she writes about them.
Let us all show the appropriate level of pity for her. Her God is about to be shown weaker than our God.
By Outhoused
November 3, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
“Conceivably, a defeat of that size could exile Republicans from power for a decade or even a generation, particularly given the party’s poor reputation among younger voters..”
Know why he young voter loves Democrat’s? Cause they don’t know $h!t! As they grow older and experience life’s realities they become Republicans…
By TN Gelding
November 3, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Taxpayer
November 3, 2008 9:02 AM
I heard my congressman say once that HE was paying into Social Security.
I complained to our county commissioner that the employees had health insurance provided by people that were working from sunrise to sundown that didn’t, and they needed to start picking up more of the cost. He said he couldn’t get anyone to work there without excellent benefits. Could it be that nobody but the in-crowd knew they were hiring?
By ByteMe
November 3, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Outhoused: perhaps you learned the wrong lessons along the way. Or you learned the lessons you needed to learn, but came to the wrong conclusions.
Either way, you’re full of it.
By Jen
November 3, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Hmm…they become Republicans as they get older?
Let’s review my own history:
Age 18, Single, Income < 10K/year, Party ID Republican
Age 23, Newly Married, Income < 20K/year, Party ID Republican
Age 26, New Mom, Income < 30K/year, Party ID Independent (conservative)
Age 28, New Grad and New Career, Income ~75K/year, Party ID Independent (liberal)
Age 34 (now), Career Established and still married and still a mom, Income ~ 170K/year, Party ID Independent (frickin liberal)
Hmm….some of us get older, get more financially comfortable (but not rich), and get really, really, really liberal.
Do yourself a favor and read about Emma Goldman…
And get out and experience the world a little.
By Morningstar
November 3, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
By kitty November 3, 2008 7:58 AM | He had federal government interfere in a family decision decided in a state court where I thought the righties wanted things decided…on a local level…
Kitty, you’ll hear this ‘state level’ business regarding abortion when one brings up the FACT that the GOP controlled everything from 2002 until Nov 2006, when the dems gained a slight control. Until that time the R’s had controlled the house since 1994, the Senate since 2002, then the Supreme Court. In addition, they had most of the State Houses and State Senates, as well as most of the Governors, and the president since GWB. This has been continuously brought up on this blog, and elsewhere, and the response is usually hilarious.
Buttttt, sing the R’s. This is something that should be handled on a STATE LEVEL! Well Whopee Doo!!! And occasionally, you’ll hear some funny person state , “The dems keep bringing up the above to upset the faithful?” Faithful to what, whom????? Certainly it should not be catagorized as a religious issue, if ‘baby killers’ is the qualifying point.
There are many ways to kill babies. Examples: Lack of health care, food, parental nuturing, protection, UNNECESSARY wars, to name a few.
By lees
November 3, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
In the concious of a true conservative, Barry Goldwater always said that government has no place in telling a woman what she can and can’t do with her body, the same would he held for present day Republicans using the Schiavo case as a misguided political instrument. True Conservative governing has no place in these issues.
By SL3
November 3, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
If Obama wins by a large margin I don’t think it is any major shift to democrat party and principles of basically socialism. I think most folks are in the center. The democrats have the extreme left wing who want the gov’t to provide all social services without incentives to improve oneself. The republicans have the extreme religious right wing that wants the gov’t to legislate behavior that meets their religious guidelines. The folks in the middle of the two parties could probably get along very well with some compromise solutions. Most of those people are just leading their lives and are not represented on the talk shows. I guess that just doesn’t get good ratings. We get Rush or we get Olberman. Who’s in the middle? How about the AJC getting a moderate writing an opinion column?
By Morningstar
November 3, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
By Bosch November 3, 2008 9:15 AM Oh God, must we revisit the Schiavo case? I guess those who thought Terri Schiavo should have been kept alive in those false conditions have never had to see anyone living in those …..
No they have not seen anyone living in those conditions!!! Hubby and I have made our Living Wills clear to all interested persons (hopefully). If there’s a snowball’s chance that’s a different story, but if the ole grey matter’s gone, it’s gone.
I’m also a concerned about the election. You never know to what lengths some will go to win an election. We’ve seen a bit of that in the last few days.
By TN Gelding
November 3, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Paul
November 3, 2008 9:35 AM
I’m hoping Pelosi and Reid wil be replaced.
So he can start with a clean slate if elected.
By willeibkind
November 3, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
7 injured in shooting outside Chicago club CHICAGO — Police in Chicago say seven people were wounded in an early morning drive-by shooting outside a club on the city’s West Side.
Police say they don’t know what the motive was in the shooting early Sunday and no one is in custody.
Has anything but thugs come out of chicago?
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Dusty: Robots cannot dream.
Cool. I like the Ridley Scott reference.
By CJ
November 3, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Piggybacking on Bookman’s original post, Schiavo and Katrina were indicators to be sure, but there were other indicators as well:
The Medicare prescription pharmaceutical company boondoggle.
No action on skyrocketing health insurance premiums.
No action on skyrocketing college tuitions.
Enormous increases in agricultural subsidies (i.e. redistributing taxpayer dollars to millionaires).
Subsidies to big oil plus failure to collect royalties owed to the taxpayers.
A misbegotten war based on lies about non-existent connections to bin Laden and lies about non-existent nuclear programs (primarily to the benefit of oil companies and military contractors).
Rampant and unchecked corruption (continuing still with Sarah Palin found, unanimously, by a bipartisan Alaska legislative committee to have violated Alaska’s ethics laws).
A near doubling of our national debt in a fraction of the time that it took to reach the level of the first $5 trillion.
Lack of transparency (i.e. regulation) in the markets allowing billionaires to legally scam billions from investors.
Rampant and unchecked environmental destruction increasing the rate of global warming beyond even the most conservative predictions (limiting our water supply and beginning to kill the weakest links in our food chain).
The policies of the conservatives are based on Herbert Hoover’s philosophy that “the business of America is business”. In fact, corporate leaders are legally obligated to operate their businesses specifically for the benefit of the owners. On the other hand, our representatives in Washington must run the country for the benefit of their constituents which are not limited to business owners—but also include managers, employees, customers, and residents of surrounding communities. It’ll be nice to finally have some political representation that realizes that.
By Copyleft
November 3, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Gosh, what an intelligent question Willie!
How about these for starters:
Flo Ziegfield. Bob Newhart. Raquel Welch. Dorothy Hamill. Astronomer George Hale. Jack Benny. Edgar Rice Burroughs and Raymond Chandler, and F.P. Adams. Harrison Ford. Walt Disney. Benny Goodman. Gillian Anderson.
What have YOU contributed to America, by comparison?
By TN Gelding
November 3, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Something for you true conservatives to consider if you haven’t voted yet.
Saving Social Security and Medicare are also priorities, McCain said. Supporting personal accounts to supplement the social security crisis, McCain said he’d reach across the aisle to Democrats to make sure promised benefits are honored.
“Now are we going to fix it the way Ronald Reagan and Tip O’neil did back in 1983 or are we going to hand it off to an unluckier generation of Americans?” McCain asked.
By Obamadefined
November 3, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
“ignorance compounded by arrogance”
Well done Jay - you’ve described and defined Obama as well as anyone….
By Rockerbabe
November 3, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
“Permanent Republican Majority”!? These repubs haven’t learned a thing; there is no such thing as permanent in American society, religion, law, economics or in life in general.
By Morningstar
November 3, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
By TN Gelding November 3, 2008 12:05 PM I’m hoping Pelosi and Reid wil be replaced.So he can start with a clean slate if elected
I’ve gotta agree. I admire and respect both Reid and Pelosi in many ways, but I’m disappointed in their refusal to STAND UP to the oppisition. If it’s against your principles, kick their buttts!!! Remember Franklin D and Teddy Roosevelt? Truman?
Oh yeah, ole Teddy was a Republican, with the right standards and values. I’d vote for ole Teddy in a skinny minute.
By Pro-choice
November 3, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
To By Bod-a-getta November 3, 2008 7:16 AM
I gotta agree with you. Those terrible Christian right people trying to stop the right to choose to cut-up, burn to death with a solution, or pith defenseless children (fetuses for the p.c.) that haven’t quite made it out into the world. That is what abortion is no matter how you want to ignore that part of it. How can those Christian right people be so immoral, closed-minded, and intrusive? That only leaves the choice of contraceptives and adoption. Oh those meddling evil people. My open-minded friends, maybe we should have even more time to decide if we really want the kid or not. Maybe then we will really know if the kid is going to cramp our style or get in the way too much. Come on we are such open-minded little gods. Aren’t we!?!?!
By Mike the programmer
November 3, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I still love John Stewart’s comment about Terri Schiavo The republicans thought Terri Schiavo was a dance class away from joining the cast of Stomp! I also remember Bill Frist diagnosing her from the senate floor, based on a video. What a fraud!
democrats argued on behalf of her scheming and conniving cheating husband, who collected life insurance money when she passed. - AJC/DNC Management That is actually a lie. The husband kept her alive for (as I remember it) seven years. He had hired nurses to care for her, and even got himself certified as a nurse.
What the Terri Schiavo incident, as well as the Kerry election and the Obama election prove is that republicans will say anything and do anything (All the President’s men was on TV last night) to get elected and keep power. They don’t care if it’s the truth or a lie; they don’t care about long term consequences. These people who proclaim themselves to have the moral compass prove that they have little if any morals whenever they open their mouths.
Change is Coming
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Has anything but thugs come out of chicago?
Sure. Jenny McCarthy.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 3, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Aahhh, yes, no more personal attacks:
By AGTFan November 3, 2008 12:28 PM AJC/DNC Management You truly are an arrogant, dishonest idiot. You have no idea of what you are talking about. I have been in shoes of that family. I have been faced with the same horror. You and the hypocrits don’t have a clue. You and the hypocrits should just shut the @#$@# up.
Uh-huh:
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) — A lawyer for Mary and Bob Schindler — who are fighting to have their daughter Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube reinserted — filed an appeal late Wednesday with the U.S. Supreme Court, which in the past has refused to hear the case.
It’s none of your business.
By jon
November 3, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
A reminder of not so distant history:
1974, the President that the libs hated even more than they hate Bush resigned in disgrace, and Ford served out Nixon’s term. In 1976, Carter was elected, and we all know how that worked out. Of that disaster Ronald Reagan was elected and Republicans were in the White House for the next 12 years.
By Stuart
November 3, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Bravo Jay. I never liked the Republicans much, but it wasn’t until the Terri Shiavo pandering that I realized that they would exploit any personal or private issue for their political benefit. And that they had sided with a sadly ignorant and self-rightious portion of the country who are not able or willing to distinguish between a sentient human being and a lifeless body or a zygote. Are the Democrats perfect? Hardly, but they are saints by comparison.
By Citizen of the World
November 3, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
CJ @12:18 — you ‘da man! (or woman!)
By findog
November 3, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Jay, That was just one of the follow up skirmishes. It was deregulation of the communications, but not cable, industry. Newt tried to sell it as competition driving lower prices but it was a union busting move. Coupled with Powell the junior’s failure to stop WorldCom’s funny accounting ability to gather market share, and the shameless Bush justice department allowing MCI to live the United States lost millions of jobs and the capacity to the continue supporting Bell Labs.
If competition is so good, why not the cable industry? Because they are a newer worker model without the unions. Newt and his party put the death of all unions ahead of the national interest. And thus, coupled with deregulation, allowed the greediest of corporation managers to plunder our country like Regan era corporate raiders.
The tide turned for the Republicans before Bush; he was just the last fitful act of a corpse consumed with cancer. They died by trying to destroy everything of the New Deal and Great Society; find the date they floated taking Roosevelt off the dime, that was their bridge from sanity that went too far…
By Dave
November 3, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Darn, Jay you’re having another one of those “wet” dreams… I’m going to miss you when you and the AJC are gone…
By Abomi Nation
November 3, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Here’s one of my favorite episodes of Republican “ignorance compounded by arrogance,” with some Republican pretendo world thrown in. The Gannon/Guckert fake reporter fiasco.
“Senate Democratic leaders have painted a very bleak picture of the U.S. economy. Harry Reid was talking about soup lines. And Hillary Clinton was talking about the economy being on the verge of collapse. Yet in the same breath they say that Social Security is rock solid and there’s no crisis there. How are you going to work – you’ve said you are going to reach out to these people – how are you going to work with people who seem to have divorced themselves from reality?” Said the phony “Talon News” reporter.
What a classic! Of course everyone has their own special moment of Bush infamy, there have been many.
In a startling coincidence, its the Republicans that have “divorced themselves from reality.”
Gosh, how ever are the Democrats going to be able to work with them?
By the messiah is coming
November 3, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Blessed be the Obama for he shall save all mankind and reign forever. Move over “sliced bread”, Obama is here and he is our god and all highly rich liberals (such as Clinton, Kerrys, Kennedys, Oprah, … ) will give away all their wealth in support of “his majesty’s” new redistribution and fairness policy. Because all good disciples should liberally apply his redistribution/fairness ideology.
By cc
November 3, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
that’s funny, because just recently i started calling republicans ‘picketts’. in reference to pickett’s stupid moves at gettysburg. he had no real good reason for the charge, only a little info to go on, and that was bad, but he did it anyway because he couldn’t be wrong. and when it didn’t go well the first time. he did the exact same thing again and it went bad. then people started telling him it was a bad idea and it shouldn’t continue, again he sent another doomed wave. this happened over and over again until the men were completely spent. then and only then did pickett stop, when it was too late. pickett made up his own mind, not heeding counsel and not acquiring enough info. wouldn’t listen to others as things went bad. and kept doing the same bad things over and over again unable to admit fault. probably even blaming others as is the case today.
By Abomi Nation
November 3, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Dave you are going to be very disappointed.
This election appears to be shaping up to be a landslide. The American people are getting ready to say loud and clear, the Republicans are on the outs. The Republican role in the government is about to be reduced to more of a ceremonial role.
I would suggest the AJC follow the market. After the election and landslide I would think the AJC would want to add another liberal columnist. Just to stay balanced with the public voice.
By dw
November 3, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
To cc,
You are correct that sometimes change is good and we should learn. But I fear the only thing that will really change in an Obama/Biden government is there will be more government bureaucracy, extra freedoms for some; and less freedoms for others not contained in the openminded liberal ideology (i.e. removal of 2nd amendment rights that many libs would love to institute; calling conservative voicing of opposition and opinions relating to various social agendas as “hate speech”, even when done in a currently lawful and peaceful way, and therefore taking away the right to free speech from that portion of Americans). The economy will continue to bounce back and forth regardless of who is in office. There is no magic party that can contain that “beast”. Rich people will continue to be rich and the rest of us (and i’m talking about those making under $250K, or $200K, or whatever the magic number of the day is, will continue to toil away in obscurity, without real representation, but have a little less as that will be diverted in redistribution.
By Jeff
November 3, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
How can you support the political party that supports killing millions uf unborn children? How can you support a presidential candidate that vows to destroy the US Constitution? And why does anyone with a brain think that the smallest group of income earners (5%) that already pay over 45% of the taxes the US government takes in should pay more, How is that fair?
Obama and Bookman are socialest!!! And the only difference between a socialest and a communist is the 2nd admendment,,, and that will be the first thing Obama will try to get rid of. And then Bookman, your freedom of the press and freedom of free speech will most assuredly be infringed upon!!!
By dw
November 3, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
By Jeff,
You are totally correct!!! But, now sit back for the liberal retort.
By anne
November 3, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Yes, there are Republicans and Democrats that believe in life and do not believe in the crap the AJC sputters and voices in majority. There is a reason I am cancelling my AJC subscription (paper copy). See if you can stay in business…..should be interesting for alot of you liberal folks.
By jeff
November 3, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
And Bookman, one more thing, The party that freed the slaves was WHO? the REPUBLICAN PARTY!!! Democrates, NO ANSWERS JUST BLAME!!
By Captain
November 3, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Schiavo and Katrina, ok. The Christian Right?
Let’s see, Schiavo’s parents got themselves involved by trying to keep her alive via machinery.Her husband got himself involved, and who could blame him given the years which passed, and wanted the plug pulled. Clear cut, his choice, eveyone else stay out of it. No need for the Bush Admin to be involved nor the Democrat Party, none. Family matter, stay out.
Katrina. I find it rather pathetic the Bush response. By that I mean, how willing he was to be blamed for something which clearly was not of his doing. He has yet to stand up, tell his side, and reject the blame. That’s a mistake on his part. You Bush haters are so quick to blame W and the Administration. Have you forgotten, my Liberal friends, of one most important tenets of our Federal government….state and local governments must ask for Federal help. Please be reminded, the then DEMOCRAT Governor of Louisiana, Kathleen Blanco, and the still DEMOCRAT Mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, did not ask for help initially. As a matter of fact, the Governor was called by the Bush Admin 96 hours in advance of the storm to discuss the Fed Gov’t role, and she said she would get back with them. She was called the following day, put them off again. Mayor Nagin had an evacuation plan in place, unfortunately in his rush to seize penthouse suites and stock them with liquor and food for his storm center at one of New Orleans premier hotels he forgot to enact the evacuation plan. Have all of you forgotten the hundreds of yellow school buses sitting underwater? The same buses Mayor Nagin used in his writtend evacuation plan submitted to the Fed Gov’t for Federal monies to be used for levee repair. By the way, I would be very appreciative if someone would explain why flood victims in New Orleans were so quick to loot while flood victims in neighboring Mississippi didn’t? Or why flood victims this year in Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma and other places didn’t feel the urge to loot. I will look forward to hearing back from you Liberal Bush haters for an explanation on who loots and why. Back to Katrina, it is very strange how the Governor of Louisiana and the Mayor of New Orleans seem to have escaped blame for their lack of performance with Katrina but Pres Bush catches all the blame. Why? Why is it that a Mayor and Gov who ‘choose to ignore issuing evacuation’ orders are held blameless, yet a President who was not asked by the locals for help initially is totally to blame? Why is that? Oh, right, he’s a Republican. Does this situation mean that Democrat politicians who ignore their responsibilities, or who are totally incompetent get a free pass? It must, to re-elect Nagin seems to indicate that the citizens of New Orleans feel he did a superb job in trying circumstances. Who could blame them, he did nothing to stop the looting. Don’t we all recognize the Governor and Mayor abdicated their sworn duties in a time of crisis? Where did Nagin spend the millions sent to the City for shoring up the levees? Why weren’t the levees tended to with the millions sent to New Orleans? Where did Nagin spend the money? Here’s where I blame Bush, and yes, I blame him. This country could have saved money, billions, if he had simply given each family in New Orleans $500,000 and let it go at that. Unfortunately, in an effort to appease the critics BILLIONS have been sent to New Orleans, God knows where the money has gone, and the City is still in ruins. I guess that shows that a Democrat, Mayor Nagin, with billions to spend can’t buy his way out of trouble. By the way, I don’t recall any looting in Galveston and Houston, I wonder what that tells us?
As to the Christian Right and those of you concerned about the Republican Party being taken over by the Christian Right…. what about the Religious Left? It seems the Democrat Party has been taken over by the Religious Left,why isn’t that a concern? The Religious Left being Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Father Flager, Rev Wright, the various Muslim groups, talk about a dangerous crowd!!! The Religious Left and its assorted representatives concerns me far more than the Evangelicals, James Dobson, Pat Robertson and Billy Graham.
Good luck and Have a Nice Day.
By CJ
November 3, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Jeff asked, “How can you support the political party that supports killing millions uf unborn children?”
Outlawing abortion wouldn’t be anymore effective at reducing abortions than prohibition was at reducing drinking. Anybody who thinks that passing a law against abortion is going to solve the problem is living in their own private Idaho.
Jeff is wrong when he claims that Democrats support killing unborn children. Most (not all) Dems and most (not all) Republicans want to eliminate abortions (except in the cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s health is at risk), but we know that anti-abortion laws won’t work.
You want to reduce/eliminate abortions? Work with Dems to effectively reduce unwanted pregnancies and grow the middle class (which would also reduce crime, increase the tax base, grow the economy,…).
By Shawny
November 3, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Obama vs. jobs. sad, but true
By GaLiberal
November 3, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Pulled.
— Jay Bookman
By dave
November 3, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Abomi Nation - While I probably will be disappointed, the AJC can’t afford another “buy out” so no matter how many more “Jays” they hired they (and Jay) are history.
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
And Bookman, one more thing, The party that freed the slaves was WHO? the REPUBLICAN PARTY!!!
Don’t even try to go there, buddy.
If Lincoln were here today he’s be run out of town on a rail by the likes of the rabble that is the Republican party base and its AM radio hatchet crew.
And you know it.
By Say What?
November 3, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Take away the issues of abortion and homosexuality, and the pandering nature of promised tax cuts, and the Republican Party wouldn’t have an identity. Period.
Abortion and homosexuality are private matters in a country which prides itself in its FREEDOMS…and tax and spend is a helluva lot more honest than borrow and spend, folks.
By dw
November 3, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
To CJ,
You are, in my opinion, naive. If most people are against abortion, then why and how have there been millions and millions of them performed. In my opinion, most liberals, which seems to be about 50% of the country, support the choice, that supports the all too frequent “option” of abortion, and the abortion is the terminating of an unborn life. i.e. thru the associative property, liberals support killing unborn babies. Somebody is supporting it!!! You say work with the Dems on reducing. How is that going to happen, as any measure you speak of has been available for a long time and yet ignored. Contraceptives, education, and all that have been around a long time. We will have to agree to disagree, but in my opinion any country that has systematic disposal of a class of human beings is innately a degraded society. When do they decide that the elderly aren’t worth keeping, or some other classification? If you do it for one class what makes you think it can be brought forward to another classification?
By Soixante huitard
November 3, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Is there room enough is today’s Republican party for a giant of the likes of a Lincoln?
Not a chance.
Like sticking that huge Paul Bunyon statue from the movie Fargo into a ordinary camping tent.
There’s no room for giants in your little tent. Just little men (and their yes-women).
By dw
November 3, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
By Say What,
What if your mother had decided to let your head enter the world, stop, and then let some “physician” pith you as you are not wanted and not yet officially a living being in the U.S. and not worthy of protection under the law. Still sound like such a good option to you now.
The Reps may be “pandering” tax cuts, but the Dems are straight out lying about it.
I am fairly conservative, as you can tell, and really don’t care much about the homosexual agenda one way or the other. So on that I would be close to agreement with you.
By CJ
November 3, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
dw wrote, “…support the choice, that supports the all too frequent ‘option’ of abortion, and the abortion is the terminating of an unborn life. i.e. thru the associative property, liberals support killing unborn babies.”
dw later wrote, “I am fairly conservative…”
So, if I’m against passing a law against an activity, then that means that I “support” that activity (e.g. smoking, drinking, eating sugar)? Sorry buddy, but that’s a non sequitur.
Incidentally, there’s nothing conservative about seeking to pass a law against everything you disagree with.
If you want to reduce abortions…then work to reduce unwanted pregnancy’s. Go here to make a contribution.
By Eric
November 3, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Sorry Mr. Bookman, you are incorrect.
The high water mark was the day before the horrible Medicare prescription drug bill was passed. That was the day fiscal conservatives sadly shook their heads and knew things were probably permanently headed towards a welfare state.
By Mr. Rational
November 3, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
I hope all of you get just what your asking for. Look to Europe for our future. No job growth, terrible health care, etc. I’ll take care of my family no matter what the Democrats do. Democrats, remember your motto: Tax the rich, feed the poor, till there are no rich no more. OH WAIT! then what do we do?
By Mr. Rational
November 3, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
I’m no McCain or Bush fan but I am conservative and cannot believe so many people believe in this guy, Obama.
If a bum on the street thinks you owe him something, is it OK for him to reach in your pocket and take what he needs?
Of course not, but that’s what the govenment does with taxpayers money. Except they force you to behave in a certain way to get the money.
Look at every successful economy on earth and it is Capitalism. Let’s not throw everything away because these stupid Republicans botched everthing.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
November 3, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
GodHatesTrash, we hate your dumb a* too! Bye b***!
By Hillbilly Deluxe
November 3, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
As a history buff thought some might be interested to know that only about 1/3 of the men involved in Pickett’s Charge were under Pickett’s command. Things get twisted around sometimes. Sometimes to the good and sometimes to the bad.
By hold onto your wallet
November 3, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
I find it amazing and sad that people will blame Bush and the Republicans for everything that is going wrong in this country today.
The Republicans and Democrats both been responsible for allowing things to escalate to the point they have in this country. Both parties have pandered to special interest, worried more about what other countries think of us than what our own people think, can’t pass legislation without pork add ons, tax and spend to the point of destroying the middle class.
The middle class is the funding engine of this country’s government and its programs. It is certainly not the Hollywood elite , multi-millionaires, the bankers or the Wall Street crooks, nor is it the low income or those on the government hand out programs. Just who do you think is going to fund the bail outs, the infrastructure projects, the “programs, the spreading the wealth? The working class!
Everyone seems to forget Jimmy Carter started the program to provide housing to those who couldn’t afford it. It was a noble idea, but it wasn’t well thought out and it didn’t take long for people to figure out how to “cheat and beat” the system.
While Reagan’s trickle down economics were certainly debatable, but by the time Clinton got in office, we all had a pretty good ride. Clinton added to Carter’s housing program and bent to pressure to put quotas on lending institutions to write more of these loans being backed by Fannie & Freddie.
W came into office during a crisis (.bomb, 911 and the Y2k mess) and hasn’t done anyone any favors by being so busy worrying about the rest of the world that he forgot to pay attention here at home. We have had the last two years of a Democrat controlled Congress and they failed to accomplish any of the things they promised in their first 100 days.
It is easy to call each other names and place blame, but in my opinion it is both parties that are responsible for this mess. It has taken decades and both parties. It’s about time they both accept that responsibility and admit they both share a role in letting the American people down, then get to the business of getting us out of the ditch.
This situation is not the result of 8 years of Bush, this is the result of decades of Democrats & Republicans forgetting who pays their paychecks. Politicians being wined, dined, lobbied and bribed into meeting the special interest needs of the few at the expense of many.
If we’re going to ask the American workers to give more, then the government needs to give up more of its wasteful ways. There are hundreds of wasteful areas of the government that can be cut.
One of the first things cut should be the fat paychecks for past-presidents, their spouses and their entourages. Every politician should have the same retirement program the rest of us have…why do they not have to pay into SS?
America is still a great country and much better than many places in the world, but we are at a place in our history where we need to be focused on the home front. Both political parties need to be focused on restoring the faith of the American people in their government to lead and protect…not dictate.
We, the people, need to set the example and the tone we expect by acting like civilized adults and stop with the hate and name calling. A house divided…
By GetReady
November 3, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
“tax cut” for families making less than 250K, then 200K, then 150K, then 100K, then….
“Tax cut” for those who don’t pay taxes????
By ConcernedWoman928
November 3, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
Let me give you the first rewards of an Obama win—My friend told me today that her boss told her that if Obama is elected, there would be no more pay raises or 401K contributions because his small company couldn’t afford it. NO new hires and he would have to consider letting some of his staff go.
See, Obama is already making a CHANGE in the job outlook for thousands of people.
The whole Terri Schiavo incident was stupid—that was a family issue and should have stayed a family issue. But Katrina was a mixture of things—yes, the federal government dropped the ball in some areas, but so did the state and local governments as well. And some personal responsiblity needs to be taken by those who sat around for days before the storm hit, waiting for someone to rescue them, then clamoring for help when it was too late. It doesn’t take the brain of a rocket scientist to figure out how to run from a wall of water 30 feet high is coming your way!
I’m a conservative Christian. I don’t force my choices on anyone, but I do vote my values and morals, and I’ll defend that right any day. Why do some say that the Christian Right should have no voice in our country, all the while shouting about the separation of church and state? So I’m not suppose to voice my values and beliefs but you have the right to voice yours? What do you think people like me are going to do? Roll over and let you vote in laws according to your morals and standards while ignoring mine? I don’t think so.
So I will continue to pray for our leaders, whether it be McCain or Obama, Democrat or Republican because in the days to come, no matter who wins or loses, this country is going to need all the prayers it can get.
By ghostwriter
November 3, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Wrong Jay. The Republican high water mark was January 26, 2005 when a fake reporter/defiler of military symbols/male prostitute by the name of Jeff Gannon asked President Bush a softball question in a presidential press conference. It was later found out that he had no prior press credentials and was habitually let in the WH to learn political dirty tricks which he later used against Tom Daschle. This corrupt draft dodger of a president can leave fast enough for me.
By TN Gelding
November 4, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this
ConcernedWoman928
November 3, 2008 7:34 PM
Your friend’s boss was trying to influence her vote.
And he was lying. The modest tax increase would have very little effect on his ability to continue business as usual. And he might even come out ahead with the help paying for health insurance and other incentives to small businesses.
If he fires anyone it will be out of spite. In case you haven’t noticed, the economy is on the brink of a depression now due to fraud, greed and lack of oversight.