Jay Bookman

By Goober

December 6, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

Jobless auto workers? I thought the union took 85% care of them. That’s still a pretty good living.

By AJC/DNC Management

December 6, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

The company ruining Unions live on, let’s take a moment to pray silently for GM, maker of thee Escalade and many other fine fuel hogs.

@

@

@

Amen.

Their as-s is grass.

Notice how the lib^^ makes no mention of any conditions the goonies in Congress are going to tag them with?

Got heap big battery?

By Russ

December 6, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Yes, the big three make Big SUVs and trucks, but they also make small fuel efficient cars also. None of the foreign maker makes a decent size truck or an SUV large enough to take a large family and luggage on a vacation trip. This country will be in a mess, automotive and economically wise, if the US companies are allowed to fold. Not everyone can fit their family and luggage in a Prius.

By AJC/DNC Management

December 6, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Five Blackwater Worldwide security guards have been indicted in Washington, D.C., and a sixth is in plea negotiations with prosecutors for a 2007 shooting in Baghdad, sources said. Seventeen Iraqis were killed, and the shooting became an anti-American rallying cry for Iraqi insurgents. The indictment is sealed but prosecutors could make it public as early as Monday. The exact charges were unclear.-Urinal/Jihad

Blah, blah, blah, our stone cold hate of everything American has not thinking very clearly this morning, why would an “insurgent” get upset about Americans killing innocent people, what, were we stealing some of their business from them, huh, huh?

Sounds to me like we killed 17 insurgents and made those that we missed “upset” and caused them to “cry” about it.

Which, by the way, is good.

By catlady

December 6, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

AT WHAT POINT DOES IT STOP?! WHO IS LOOKING OUT FOR THE COMMON TAXPAYER? Which industry is too big and too DUMB to save?

By Paul

December 6, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

G’morning, Jay. Up bright and early, I see.

Half a million jobs gone. In one month. And that’s before the numbers from the Big 3. Made some sort of assistance nearly inevitable. Listened to talk yesterday that the call from Dems for Pres-elect Obama to be more involved were really a plea for political cover - they didn’t want to be charged with letting the Big 3 go down the tubes.

At this point, it’s justifiable. I mean, after all this, what’s another $35 billion? Never thought I’d refer to that amount as “noise level.” We could pull troops out of some countries where they’ve been at peace for years and redirect the money. Better the Big 3 than a jobs program for foreign countries.

I’ve wondered in all this: what, exactly, have the Big 3 done wrong? They built vehicles Americans bought in record numbers. They sold vehicles that generated dividends for shareholders. They have lead times measured in years. Before gas prices peaked they began development of production alternate fuel vehicles. Ford announced ‘no more V8s”. Toyota increased the size of the Tundra pickup to be on a par with American offerings. They also kept their heavy, full-size SUVs. Honda’s vehicles got larger and heavier - check the fleet average fuel economy numbers - Japanese average has gone down. Big 3 have offerings with mpg on par with foreign in nearly every category. In full-size, mpg is actually better than the competition.

And one last Saturday-morning thought about Caroline Kennedy as Senator from NY. For years, the Democratic Party has promoted itself as the party of opportunity. No matter your birth circumstances society would equalize the opportunities to give everyone an equal chance. Republicans were derided as controlled by, or catering to, those of wealth and privilege, resisting efforts to level the field for their fellow citizens.

Now an opportunity for the governor of NY to appoint a senator. Who do Democrats clamor for? A child of wealth and privilege. Are there none other who could mirror the example of the Pres-elect, from a humble, disadvantaged background, who through personal initiative, family and mentor support, utilizing programs instituted by Democrats, has gained success in education and the workplace who could serve as another example of the success of Democratic principles?

By AJC/DNC Management

December 6, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Concealed weapons in national parks OK, New federal rule takes effect early January- Starting in early January, some kayakers in the Okefenokee Swamp, campers on Cumberland Island, and hikers on national Chattahoochee River trails can start packing more than their lunch.-Urinal/PMS

You copy that, perverts?

The next time you scheme some innocent woman, she just might pull out a piece bigger than your is.

Kaboom.

Buh bye sicko.

By catlady

December 6, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Paul, maybe one of MLK’s kids would move to New York.

By AJC/DNC Management

December 6, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Well, so much for Saxby not bringing home the pork-

Washington —- Georgia Rep. Sanford Bishop is a contender to become secretary of agriculture, close observers of farm issues said Friday.-Urinal/DNC

Oink oink.

~~~~~

President-elect Barack Obama, returning to his home state of Hawaii for the holidays, plans a beachside vacation at one of Oahu’s most exclusive properties, according to an islander involved in the planning.-Urinal/DNC

A vacation, already?

In Oahu no less?

While millions of Americans suffer?

Wow, this guy couldn’t care less, could he?

By Paul

December 6, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

catlady

Rapid ripostes may be entertaining but they usually provide little new substantive thought. No problem. I do it myself, sometimes. But I try to wait until the thoughtful responses appear exhausted. Or the initial comment is so, what… off the wall I have difficulty taking it seriously.

Besides which, if your point had been someone of Dr King’s accomplishments, the point would be congruent with my post. However, the King children have more in common with the Kennedy children (wealth/success more directly attributable to ancestor efforts) than to Pres-elect Obama.

By AJC/DNC Management

December 6, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

How it is supposed to be done-

Caterpillar Inc. has started cutting ties with some contract workers in an effort to lower costs amid the global economic slowdown. The company says it notified agencies that employ the workers in the Peoria, Ill., area, where it is based. It did not specify how many workers would be affected. Similar reductions already have been made in North Carolina and Europe.-Urinal/DNC

Caterpillar knows it would never get a government bail out, like a lib would stick up for an earth moving machine maker, haha, so guess who get’s to pay-

The unions.

Like it should be.

By mm

December 6, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Hey Manglement, get a life loser.

By Taxpayer

December 6, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

You would think that the Republicans would be thrilled with the latest announcement of another 533,000 tax cuts. At this rate, we won’t have anyone in the country being taxed. Isn’t that just what the Republicans wanted. You would think that they would be utilizing that accomplishment in all their election campaigns.

By Paul

December 6, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

mm 9:24

AJC/DNC Management’s posted regarding Congressional mandates of specific automotive technology and its implications for an industry on its knees; subjecting Americans working in a gov’t-like capacity to foreign courts in a war zone; justifications for concealed carry rules on Federal property; earmarks and subsidies as well as a vacationing Pres-elect during a time of crisis when members of his own party have called for him to be more involved; and UAW concessions compared to other unions in manufacturing;.

I was kinda hoping you’d provide additional support or refutation to those topics. C’mon, do the Progressive cause some good – focus on the issues.

Unless you agree with Management and don’t have a counter-view…

By AJC/DNC Management

December 6, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

If you ever wondered how Bushie got the worse approval rating in history, this will help answer a few questions-

But President George W. Bush gave no indication his administration would agree. He instead urged Congress to act next week to modify a $25 billion Energy Department loan program for making more fuel-efficient cars as a bailout remedy, an approach Democratic leaders oppose.-Yahoo

I ain’t so sure “democrat leaders” oppose, the pinko media wants to tag Bush with any responsibility they can fawn off on him, but for him to even put forth such an idea.

This guy ain’t nothing but a warmongering lib, always has been, always will be.

And if you haven’t figured it out yet we cannot withstand very many more libs in the Republican party, they have already reduced it to a shambles.

We should all thank God that McCain didn’t get elected, knowing some of the things that have popped up in his mind, it would have been an unmitigated disaster.

We need to get hard core once again.

What a perfect opportunity we’ve been given.

Palin 12.

By Taxpayer

December 6, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Here’s one of my counterpoints for you and Andy, Paul. I still don’t think that Andy is respectful enough of others to warrant any serious consideration given his persistent use of the word Urinal, as just one example of many, as a descriptor for the AJC — the same AJC that he proclaims himself to be associated with via a management position. So, Paul, won’t you share your views on this issue unless you agree with Management….

By getalife

December 6, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

They need to get Paulson’s friends back and ask them why they are not loaning the money we gave them.

By AJC/DNC Management

December 6, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Paul: It can’t be said any better than that, although I pretty sure your target audience has no idea what the issues even are.

Perhaps if they did, there would be less lashing out and more discussion.

~~~~~

Taxpayer: This “news” paper has no respect for America and has committed acts of treason against her and the brave soldiers that risk their lives to protect us.

“Urinal” just seems so piddling, if you know what I mean, homey.

By AJC/DNC Management

December 6, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

With the recount virtually complete on Friday, Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie said Coleman led Franken by 787 votes. Local newspapers put Coleman’s margin at about 200 votes, tallying ballots that had previously been challenged.-Rueters

So who do you believe, the Secretary of State or the “news” papers?

Perfect shining example of the bias that is so prevelant.

By jefferson

December 6, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

I wonder how Americans keep trusting pubic officials that say “nu-cular”. I’m positive most people that took one or two science classes in their lives could pronounce “nuclear” correctly. This goes to show that those in power know nothing beyond their “law” teachings. That’s why it’s so difficult for them to understand the economy, science and the technology.

By Paul

December 6, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Taxpayer

I do see the point. Management’s fine to engage in discussion. I generally find his posts to be be along the lines of Cold War American policy: massive retaliation. Or at least equal proportional (grin). But he’s made clear his views of the editorial and reporting slant of the AJC.

So while I’m all in favor of civil discussion, I find with many here to just let some of the comments slide and try to stay on point. I guess it gets back to the “why should I care how somebody I don’t even know wants to label me” and “why would I want to give them power over me” idea.

Some stuff I agree with him on, some I disagree, but I can’t recall him being disagreeable in our discussions.

But I must sign out now. Lots to do before Monday - son goes in for an operation with one week in hospital, five recovery, then do it again and his wife was admitted to the hospital yesterday, 30 weeks pregnant, confined until a natural (hopefully) delivery. Thank heavens for family, friends, church and a good support system.

Hey Management - one of the first things I recalled after reflecting on my daughter-in-law’s admission were a couple of your cites of how some people don’t consider a 30-week baby a baby. Sad.

By Taxpayer

December 6, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

You could not have conveyed your thoughts any better, Andy. A retort, Paul?

Later and have a good day, Jay — if you’re out there.

By sunshine and thunder

December 6, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

JAY

With all the talk of $1.00 per gallon gasoline I was just wondering when the oil companies might line up for their bail out.

I mean, there are some unionized oil companies aren’t there? Surely the dems need to wash their dogs too.

You have to admit that it’s funny that Obama’s tax platform seemed to rely on stealing more money from the oil companies and spreading it around.

All of a sudden that promise has gone away.

Gosh, $4.00 a gallon gas caused a reduction in demand. That evil free market worked again. We can’t allow that!!

By Paul

December 6, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

jefferson

Much research has been done in not only patterns of language acquisition but in how people hear and process. Most people who’ve taken one or two courses in these areas can cite the studies. “Nucular” is an often-used example. Has nothing whatever to do with intelligence, just as people who make quick decisions (a characteristic prized by many in supervisory positions) are not smarter than those who take a more deliberate, reflective path.

By Bosch

December 6, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Paul,

From earlier post:

Um, yeah, but it’s Caroline Kennedy they are talking about. What’s so bad about that?

And, I wish your family well and hope your son’s surgery is successful AND congrats on the grand dad thing again!

By leni

December 6, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Jefferson

What are “pubic” officials? Are they the folks who know how to pronounce “nuclear”? And if pronunciation is significant, or being articulate, or even being kind of smart, how come 5th district voters keep sending John Lewis back to Washington?

By jefferson

December 6, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Jeny, “pubic” was a typo like so many others here. I’m sure that you’ve seen them before. I can cite at least 20 in the other posts. Besides, i don’t know how those voters you are referring to pronounce the word, nor care.

But getting to the real issue.

Paul, I totally disagree with you in your intelligence definitions. People who don’t take science and math in school do not learn how to think properly, and that’s part of intelligence. The point is that most “public” officials do not have that training and they are required to make decisions daily concerning things that affect us all. One example that comes to mind is the Global Warming issue. I suggest you read back on that and you’ll get an idea of what I’m talking about.

By Paul

December 6, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Bosch

Hey - one of the “get ready to go” things is making sure the external HD has all the files up to date so I can set up elsewhere. So here I still sit while going thru that.

Thanks for the good wishes. This is the same son with the large intestine removed - same daughter-in-law referenced earlier. She was due end of January. Luckily they’re both in the same hospital.

I wasn’t writing in reference to Carolyn Kennedy as a person, a good candidate or her ability to do a good job. Just seemed to me an opportunity for a Democratic one-two punch following the Obama pattern: this is America, we’ve had our problems, Democratic programs instituted to fix the problems, give all a shot at success, even (Obama background) those in very difficult circumstances can rise to the top utilizing the programs and policies we’ve instituted. This is how we’re different than Republicans. That sort of thing.

But Kennedy represent what many Dems would criticized if it were a Republican candidate: child of privilege, getting the job because of family name, that sort of thing.

I was suggesting how it could be to appoint someone who was a successful product of Democratic policies.

Don’t see how else to restate it.

By getalife

December 6, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Paul,

Prayers for your son and new addition to your family.

By Paul

December 6, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

jefferson

That’s fine. I’ve read the studies. Another similar example is…. some people have a facility for higher math. Can see the relationships and implication. Others take the same courses, do well, but don’t ‘see’ the same. Not an intelligence issue. Different people have different brain functions that respond differently to stimulus,

Another example: not everyone who takes a language course can make the tonal distinctions or operate the tongue/mouth muscles to achieve a native-speaker ability. They can take all the language courses they want, it doesn’t matter. Is not an intelligence issue.

Same with how some people “hear” or “say” certain words.

By "The Corporal"

December 6, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

To AJC/DNC

Please see: “and don’t even THINK about singing ‘New York, New York’ @ 8:33am this morning.”

By RW-(the original)

December 6, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Andy,

In the case of the Minnesota Secretary of State vs. the Minnesota newspapers I’d be more inclined to believe the newspapers, at least in this issue of the recount number. The number you cite as being the margin the SoS reports is the highest I’ve seen and since he’s an ACORN toadie I’ll bet he’s scheming a way to get the illegal absentee ballots counted.

By Paul

December 6, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

getalife

Thank you very much. I am convinced positive, caring thoughts are a form of energy and have a good impact. thanks.

By RW-(the original)

December 6, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

jefferson,

How would you describe the intelligence of Jimmy Carter? Having spent his Naval career working in the nuclear submarine program he pronounces the word the same as President Bush?

Of course they’re both leaving office with the economy in shambles so maybe you have a point.

Paul,

My best to your son, daughter, and the little one. I’ll keep them in my prayers.

By getalife

December 6, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Paul,

Absolutely.

By catlady

December 6, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Hey, Paul@9:01. I think that was what i meant my point to be. Surely the King children, and their parents before them, did not live a hardscrabble life. They did not have the degree of “comfort” of the Kennedy progenitors, of course, but their degree of financial stability and education from Daddy King and the other grandparents was more than was typical of their day for their race.

I think my point is, don’t include or cast out someone of means and education just on that basis, no matter their race. Don’t hold their wealth against them.

I think Caroline probably has the chops to handle it. I think she would be a quick study on what she does not know. And we need bright, capable people in Congress, the Presidency, and the governorships as well. We see that more clearly than ever.

Best wishes to your family in the days ahead.

By Paul

December 6, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

RW

Thanks. And I wasn’t aware of the Carter thing.

Another topic: I’ve yet to read Pres-elect Obama’s remarks to the governors. I heard he asked for their inputs. But all the states that’ve said they want bailout money, my initial impression is:

impacts such as Medicaid where states have to absorb costs caused by Fed mandates: press for realistic reimbursements or cost coverage.

impacts caused because of your govt-employee pay, benefits; failure to fund state infrastructure costs; programs you’ve instituted for whatever reason: you’re on your own. Citizens share in costs for common goods - defense, environmental, etc. States that want tax their citizens to provide other goods and services, then find out it costs more than they want to tax, shouldn’t turn to people in other states to pay for their programs.

By Paul

December 6, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

catlady

I don’t have any issue with any of what you wrote. As I tried to state to Bosch, it really isn’t ‘about’ Carolyn Kennedy. She’d likely represent her constituents very well. I just think the Democratic Party could score some points and be congruent with their stated principles by appointing someone from the Obama mold. Regardless of race or sex. Heck, they could pick a middle-aged white guy who came from a poverty environment, orphaned, had support of civic groups and government opportunities, made his mark in business, law or govt. Point is the person would represent the real-world success of Democratic principles and programs.

By jefferson

December 6, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

RW. With all due respect to the office he held, Jimmy Carter is a moron.

Paul,

Please go to the link below and there’s some definitions there.

www-emasterworld-com/marketplace/eduction-htm

Change the (-) to (.), Thank you

By @@

December 6, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Alright, I didn’t read your entire column jay but I did watch the news last night. Hilarious!

The dem congress doesn’t wanna step out on this limb alone (deja vous) so they proclaim that because they don’t have the votes, Bush could just veto and get the cars rollin’.

Nope! Bush has preconditions.

Barney Frank then goes on T.V. to plead with PrezE Obama to step forward and speak to the issue.

These representatives know they’re paid to work, make decisions, do what’s best, go out on that limb, don’t they?

I say let ‘em stick their own necks on the chopping block. The American voter (60% opposed) will sever ‘em in the next election cycle.

Chickens!

By alex

December 6, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

This bailout is nothing more than the job bank program on a massive scale. I am so tired of bailing out industries whose employees enjoy a higher standard of living than I do: Bankers, insurers, auto maker employees. I hope for their sake I don’t lose my job, I am not in an industry to big to fail.

By jefferson

December 6, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Paul sorry about the misspelling. This keyboard needs a replacement.

the link is:

www-emasterworld-com/marketplace/education-htm

By jefferson

December 6, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Paul sorry about the misspelling. This keyboard needs a replacement.

the link is:

www-emasterworld-com/marketplace/education-htm

By Paul

December 6, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

jefferson

I changed it to http://www.emasterworld.com/marketplace/eduction.htm and got a file not found. When I read your post I remember early on in the Bush Administration reading one of those academic journal articles dealing with just this issue. Kinda like some people have better night vision or can differentiate instruments in an orchestra. Just one of the differences in people.

Y’know, I’d be willing to bet if he’d never taken us into Iraq, had killed OBL in Afghanistan (even though that wasn’t in the CENTCOM mandate) and ended his term with a budget surplus, most people wouldn’t give a hoot how he pronounced words.

By jefferson

December 6, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Paul sorry about the misspelling. This keyboard needs a replacement. Please paste the following in your browser and change the (-) to (.)

www-emasterworld-com/marketplace/education-htm

By RW-(the original)

December 6, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Here’s jefferson’s link if anyone’s interested

By Paul

December 6, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

jefferson

Got through to the article. Nice one. Thanks. People can be highly intelligent, educated, know a lot and make absolutely moronic decisions, that’s for sure. I’ve worked for a few. Then again, some who’ve worked for me have probably thought the same thing!

I was referring more to how stimulus is processed and how output varies among people, regardless of baseline intelligence, level of education or amount of knowledge.

I really don’t have anything else to offer on this issue.

By RW-(the original)

December 6, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Paul,

I almost hate to say it considering the topic, but the problem with your link is that you misspelled education.

By Paul

December 6, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

RW

I just copied and pasted. Just scanned through looking for dashes to replace with commas, didn’t focus on the letters. I could almost say that proves the point?

By @@

December 6, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

I didn’t read all of jefferson’s link, but why does this:

sexual intercourse 4 a: the sum of what is known : the body of truth, information, and principles acquired by humankind b archaic : a branch of learning

fall under “Knowledge”?

On the subject of knowledge vs. intelligence blah blah blah.

My daughter’s dating a guy who served four years on a nuclear-powered naval vessel. He was assigned to the nuclear power plant operations. He spent a couple of days here during Thanksgiving. He’s about to complete his bachelor’s degree in finance.

Anyhoo, we’re all at my brothers (libertarian) who’s making fun of how Bush says nuclear. I point out that Jimmy Carter said it the same way. My daughter’s boyfriend turns to me and says……..”there’s no excuse for repeating Carter’s mispronunciation of the word.”

Later in the day he turns to me and asks what the 23%….26% tax increase that campaign ads were accusing Chambliss of wanting was about.

Well by yimernee, he knows how to pronounce nuclear correctly, but as a finance major he’s never heard of The Fair Tax?

He does now!

By jefferson

December 6, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

All,

There’s an Encyclopedia of events on most libraries about the events that happened in previous years. I can’t remember the name, but you could ask the librarian for it. It is separated by decades, 1960,1970 and so on. I’ve looked in the events pertaining to the recalls or autos that were sold with defects that were detected after the sale.

It is very interesting to note that most companies recalled at some point during the ten year period.

For years, the American public has pleaded with the big auto companies to build cars that fit the need of most of the population. For years, these companies have ignored the needs of the American people. Now, they want us to help them get out of their problems that they created all by themselves. Well, not exactly, by themselves, the government helped a lot by restricting the importing of cars that were a lot better than the ones made in America.

So, according to the news, they’re (car makers and US Government) still in “partnership” and we are to pay for their transgressions.

By leni

December 6, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

@@ I think that def. refers to “carnal knowledge” The old Yankees of my childhood ‘hood probably used expressions like that

By "The Corporal"

December 6, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Headline:

Obama Plans Largest Public Construction Program Since 1950s … ROADS, BRIDGES, SCHOOLS, BROADBAND, ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS, ENERGY!

O.K. That’s sounds good to me with one exception. Illegal Immigrants need not apply!

Liberals, this is for jobless Americans right ?