AJC.com > Opinion > Woman to Woman > Archives > 2008 > December > 19 > Entry
Who is the most admirable woman of 2008?
Shaunti Feldhahn, a right-leaning columnist, writes the commentary this week and Andrea Cornell Sarvady, a left-leaning columnist, responds.
Commentary
Although this has been an historic election year for women, I want to highlight a Republican female who has never been a candidate — and whose grace, strength and history-changing contributions have often been missed by the spotlight.
In a destructive, vicious political culture, Laura Bush has lived out the compelling alternative of gentleness and respect. This summer, I was so proud of her for contradicting a reporter who wanted to gossip about Michelle Obama’s infamous comment that she was proud of America “for the first time.” In an intense political season, Mrs. Bush defended her political opponent by explaining how easy it is to misspeak and be misconstrued.
Although she cannot single-handedly change a rough political climate, she has been a major agent of other change. Mrs. Bush has overcame an enormous personal reluctance toward public speaking or acclaim, and has used her platform to accomplish an equally enormous number of humanitarian goals.
She has been particularly tireless at her “pink diplomacy” efforts on behalf of women around the world. Despite her understated nature, Laura Bush is one of this decade’s most effective leaders at drawing international attention to the need for breast cancer research. Just eight weeks from leaving the White House, she traveled to Panama on “Starbright” - the first lady’s version of Air Force One - to announce a new research partnership between the U.S. and Panama. This was not just a photo opportunity: Panama was the latest country to join a program Bush herself launched in 2007 to help nations fight breast cancer by sharing regional research. Just a few weeks earlier she was on an exhausting mission through Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries to confront the cultural taboos that prevent attention to the disease.
Or take her initiatives to promote literacy and a love of reading; or her award-winning efforts to draw international attention to the little-known genocide perpetrated by Burma’s brutal regime; or her success at educating women on heart health….
Her admirable attitude and accomplishments together must be the reason Laura Bush is one of the most popular first ladies in history, with an approval rating hitting 85 percent in 2005. As she leaves Washington, this quiet and self-effacing woman deserves some resounding applause.
Rebuttal
I spent my childhood immersed in superhero comics, marveling at characters that traveled the globe, fighting crime. My admiration for superheroes hasn’t dimmed, but now they take the form of medical researchers, in lab coats instead of capes, battling an unseen yet devastating villain.
For admirable men and women working tirelessly to wipe out communicable diseases, rewards are years in the making, if they come at all. For Francoise Barre-Sinoussi, the French virologist who helped discover HIV, December provided a rare moment to savor and celebrate; she was a co-winner of this year’s Nobel Prize in Medicine. The discovery of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) led to the creation of strong antiviral drugs; Barre-Sinoussi and colleague Luc Montagnier have helped turn a certain death sentence into, what is for many, a livable, treatable, condition.
I’m sorry that Robert Gallo, an American researcher also involved in the discovery, didn’t get to share this incredible honor. Yet I’m equally relieved that Barre-Sinoussi wasn’t edged out. Nobels have been awarded since 1901, and of the 789 individual laureates, only 35 have been women—Marie Curie won it twice. With her Nobel, Francoise Barre-Sinoussi is guaranteed to make it into the history books, giving the next generation of female researchers their own Madame Curie to emulate.
“I’m personally convinced that we are on a good road towards a world without AIDS,” Barre-Sinoussi told her Nobel Lecture audience earlier this month, and she’s certainly doing her share to make that happen. She learned of her Nobel while in Cambodia; her current work includes training researchers and studying mother-to-child transmission.
In 2007 alone, 290,000 children died of AIDS, and statistics like these were clearly very much on Barre-Sinoussi’s mind as she accepted her award. For despite much of a lifetime spent around the globe, and one of the highest honors anyone can receive, it is her close collaboration with her patients that she deems “a wonderful experience.”
Few of us will ever meet the altogether admirable Francoise Barre-Sinoussi; many (myself included) struggle to properly pronounce her name. Yet in telling our daughters about her remarkable work, we send a powerful message: there might just be a cape out there with your name on it, honey. Find it and fly.
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Comments
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
I say Shaunti Feldhahn!
By USinUK
December 19, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
My sister. She was an outstanding English teacher for 20+ years and now is an outstanding HS vice principal. She’s a great wife, mom and the best big sister anyone could ever have. And I love her more than life, itself.
She’s never run for office. She won’t be getting a Nobel anytime soon. But, I think she’s the most admirable woman I know in any year.
:-)
By USinUK
December 19, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
GtW -
thanks for the Dickens discussion - am going home tonight and cranking up the Jean Luc Picard version - you’ve put me in the mood, (as it were)!!
and, yes, I usually cry when ol’ Eb ask Fred if he can join them. Tiny Tim never did it for me - it was always Scrooge going to see Fred, his beloved sister’s son.
By Gale
December 19, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Oh Gandalf, I thought you would say St Sarah. BTW, thanks for the rag top lesson. I just knew you would know. ::batting eyelashes to hid the smirk::
This is the first topic in a while that I am really going to have to give some thought to before my nomination. I do know she won’t be Laura Bush. The First Lady’s plane is named Starbright? Isn’t that just cute? Sounds like Matel named it. I like Andrea’s choice better because that woman has spent years in a chosen field and has made a significant contribution to humanity. It’s the sort of thing I wanted to do when I was a child.
Has Laura contributed? Yes certainly. But if she were not First Lady with the taxpayer’s pocketbook, would she still do all that? I don’t know. As the proponents and the detractors pointed out in Clinton’s case, the First Lady is a special class of citizen.
But now I am going to have to tink about women in 2008. Sheila Bair of the FDIC seems to have risen to the challenge recently. She is worthy of note. Obviously, this should be more than just a high-paid and powerful woman as displayed by USinUK’s nominee.
By Gale
December 19, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
The Christmas Story was never my favorite. I am a big Dickens fan otherwise. Thanks for the lesson, Gandalf.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
EXPAT: Good, have some eggnog for me!
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
EXPAT: Good, have some eggnog for me!
By Mara
December 19, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
USinUK - speaking of Jean Luc…his nemisis, Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett-Roddenberry) has passed away. A sad, sad day for Trekkers everywhere.
as for the topic - I nominate Hillary Rodham Clinton. I did not vote for her but I think that she handled herself with class and dignity during the election.
While there were many reasons one might not support her candidacy, those reasons tended to get lost in the misogynist catcalls. Shrill, cankles, and cackle were some of the nice words associated with her. Despite articles discussing the “meaning” behind the neckline of her blouses, her hair, her wrinkles, her cleavage (oh, fer gods sake!)…despite these “issues”, she held herself with poise and graciousness.
By USinUK
December 19, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Gale -
ooooo … Sheila Blair … good call. If we’re talking finance, Brooskley Born should also be included - she is the Cassandra of Derivatives.
(which, in a related note, is why I’m not really that happy that Summers is in Obama’s cabinet)
By USinUK
December 19, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Gale -
I am a big Dickens fan otherwise - since PBS ran the BBC Bleak House series, I’m sure they’ll pick up on the current Dickens-extravaganza, Little Dorrit. keep an eye out - it’s gotten rave reviews here.
By Gale
December 19, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry - wasn’t she also the voice of the computer in the original Trek?
Mara, Hillary immediately came to my mind as well. She certainly ranks high for all the reasons you give. But I am still considering. It was a very busy year.
USinUK, other people were sounding warnings about derivatives. What is her claim to the Cassandra title? Or should I just google her?
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
If you believe in forever, then life is just a one-night stand……
By Gale
December 19, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
I wasn’t aware of the Bleak House series. I’ll have to look for it. That is one of my favorites, even though it is bleak.
By USinUK
December 19, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Gale -
What is her claim to the Cassandra title? Or should I just google her?
she was one of the first folks who said that they could lead to a major melt-down back in the late 1990s - Summers fired her, Greenspan and Rubin told her to shut her yap.
The WaPo did a fantastic article on her a couple of months ago, but I can’t find it
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
and, yes, I usually cry when ol’ Eb ask Fred if he can join them. Tiny Tim never did it for me - it was always Scrooge going to see Fred, his beloved sister’s son.
I got a little choked up last night while watching a show called “Secret Millionaire”. The premise of the show is for a wealthy person to feign poverty and live among the less fortunate for a week or so. Then, at the end of the week, the millionaire presents checks ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 of their own money to those that they feel are worthy of assistance. One of the beneficiaries last night was a wheelchair-bound young man the millionaire met at a skateboard park. The young man was zipping around the park and even did a backflip while in his chair. His dream is to start a company which manufactures wheelchairs which are suitable to play sports in.
One of the worst parts of earning less money now is that I’ve had to cut back significantly on my charitable giving. It makes me feel bad to have to throw all the charitable solicitations in the trash can.
By USinUK
December 19, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
woohoo!!! found it!!
http://www. washingtonpost. com/ wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/14/AR2008101403343_pf.html
By Gale
December 19, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Brooksley Born: OK, I’ve done my homework. I don’t think she qualifies for 2008. But she is definitely in line for the Cassandra award.
By Gale
December 19, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Bruno, I asked myself several times if I could afford my usual gift to Heifer and I always answer, people are living in real poverty, I can manage. I’m just say’n.
By Mara
December 19, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Gale - wasn’t she also the voice of the computer in the original Trek?
Yup. She did the voice for all of the spinoffs too, and most of the movies. She also had the recurring role of Nurse Chapel.
LOL! I guess I’m parading my nerdiness with all this Trek trivia. :^)
By USinUK
December 19, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Brunoooooooooooo -
I got a little choked up last night while watching a show called “Secret Millionaire”.
yeah - it has been a Channel 4 show here for the last 2 years - and, you’re right - it totally gets you in the end! not only for the people they help, but a lot of the millionaires are so changed by the experience, they’ll continue to play a role in the lives of the people they’ve met. great show - but, it’s been on here for so long, I don’t know how they can keep up the “undercover” part of it all (“why is this guy - who is supposedly poor and looking for work - asking to see my books - and being followed everywhere he goes by a camera and sound crew?”)
By Mara
December 19, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Bruno - I got a little choked up last night while watching a show called “Secret Millionaire”.
me too, bro. Those two women running the safehouse for street teens really, really affected me. Their disbelief, turned to joy, turned to gratitude was so beautiful I did tear up. It was the second episode I had seen and, aside from the people themselves, what hit me most was the reactions of the millionaires when they first saw their accomodations.
Sure, both places were run down and needed a good cleaning, but I myself have lived in worse. In fact, I grew up in worse. It made me wonder how many folks who complain about welfare, rent assistance, and foodstamps really know how the poor live.
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Bruno, I asked myself several times if I could afford my usual gift to Heifer and I always answer, people are living in real poverty, I can manage. I’m just say’n.
Ok, Gale—Make me feel even worse about cutting back. I still do my best to support my favorite charities (Doctors Without Borders, Operation Smile, Nature Conservancy), but have had to cut back on some others (Easter Seals, March of Dimes, etc.). Very depressing.
but, it’s been on here for so long, I don’t know how they can keep up the “undercover” part of it all (“why is this guy - who is supposedly poor and looking for work - asking to see my books - and being followed everywhere he goes by a camera and sound crew?”)
I kind of wondered why the cameras and sound crews didn’t arouse more suspicion.
Those two women running the safehouse for street teens really, really affected me. Their disbelief, turned to joy, turned to gratitude was so beautiful I did tear up.
Ditto.
Sure, both places were run down and needed a good cleaning, but I myself have lived in worse. In fact, I grew up in worse.
I know what you mean, Mara. I guess I’ll never have the chance to meet you in “real life”, but you are a very cool person.
While I may be a tad biased, I think my mom may qualify for sainthood for raising 5 kids with virtually no help from anyone. Though we were eligible, we were too proud to accept government assistance. Instead, my mom worked 2-3 jobs and all of us kids began working at an early age as well.
By USinUK
December 19, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
GREAT article on It’s a Wonderful Life, if anyone’s interested:
http://www. nytimes.com/ 2008/12/19/movies/19wond.html?8dpc
the last sentence in the 5th paragraph nearly made me snort out loud.
a sweet reflection on one of my all-time favorite movies (and definitely my favorite Cmas flick)
By USinUK
December 19, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
heading home - have a good night and a great weekend!!
see you guys on Monday :-)
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
as for the topic - I nominate Hillary Rodham Clinton. I did not vote for her but I think that she handled herself with class and dignity during the election.
I actually did come away from this election with renewed respect for Hillary based upon the way she help her poise amidst all the adversity, but only to a point. In my heart, I don’t believe that she and Bill are fundamentally honest people. Strangely enough, I had a dream several months ago in which I met Hillary in person and had my picture taken with her. In my dream I shook her hand and told her that while I disagreed with her politics, I admired how hard of a worker whe was.
Though I guess that I’m the only one on board who agrees with Shaunti, I believe that Laura Bush is also a worthy candidate based upon her charitable work, much of which is never publicized.
By Gale
December 19, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Bruno, it sounds like you are not slouching from charitable giving; only cutting back on some of the charities that get plenty of publicity anyway. To be honest, I had considered last year that I would add another group this year. But now I won’t because the economy is too bad and I am being cautious. The others fund water initiatives and micro-loans. Maybe next year will be better.
All charities seem to be hurting this year. It saddens me a bit when I think for the millions spent in the recent campaign. It was probably twice or three times what should have reasonably been spent. What could that have done if donated to local orginazations for helping neighbors? Ah, but that is of no matter. It is not my place to think about where someone else’s money goes.
By Mara
December 19, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Bruno - I believe that Laura Bush is also a worthy candidate based upon her charitable work, much of which is never publicized
After you said so many nice things about me (I might blush…) I almost hate to disagree. Not about Mrs. Bush being an admirable woman, but about her being the MOST admirable woman of 2008. What did she do in 2008 that was any different, any more admirable, than what she did in ‘05, ‘06, or ‘07? Even Shaunti’s point about Laura Bush having an 85% approval rating was from 2005
At least Andy’s nominee had her watershed moment, winning the Nobel Prize in Medicine, in 2008.
By Frustrated
December 19, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
I kind of wondered why the cameras and sound crews didn’t arouse more suspicion.
I thought it said at the beginning of the show that everyone is being told that they are making a documentary about something…poverty or the town or something… I can’t remember.
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Ah, but that is of no matter. It is not my place to think about where someone else’s money goes.
You’re probably right, Gale, but I still get a chip on my shoulder when I see shows on TV which detail how many wealthy people fritter their money away on completely inane items. I guess the money eventually filters its way through the economy, but it still gets my dander up. I know I’m not morally correct to feel that way, but it’s hard not to shake your head at the frivolity of some of their expenditures.
BTW, I think you are a very cool person as well. I hope you and your partner have a great holiday.
By Mara
December 19, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
if you’d like to help a charity but maybe lack the extra funds, here’s one, a worthy cause, that only takes a mouseclick (add your own http://www.) - theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3
if you don’t feel comfortable giving to animal rescue, they have tabs for Hunger, Literacy, Childrens Health, Breast Cancer, and the Rainforest. A mouseclick is all it takes to help.
They do have advertisers and an on-line store though, with some very affordable merch. My best friend is getting a fleece throw ($14) the purchase of which will also provide 14 bowls of food for a rescued animal.
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
After you said so many nice things about me (I might blush…)
No need to blush, Mara. You’ve earned every praise that I’ve given you, and more. Your hubby is a very lucky man to have such a good-hearted, caring, intelligent wife like yourself.
her being the MOST admirable woman of 2008.
I likely wouldn’t pick her as the MOST admirable woman, but feel she deserves honorable mention at the least.
I thought it said at the beginning of the show that everyone is being told that they are making a documentary about something…poverty or the town or something… I can’t remember.
I missed the beginning of the show—thanks for the fill-in, Frustrated. For your Xmas present, I’m going to come up with a new blog name for you, since you haven’t been able to come up with one yourself. How about “Faithful” to reflect your Biblical faith??
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
EXPAT..Please Christmas? Please?
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
if you’d like to help a charity but maybe lack the extra funds, here’s one, a worthy cause, that only takes a mouseclick.
I still help out the North Georgia Rabbit Society, of course. Although bunnies don’t get the attention that other animals get, they are (unfortunately) a frequent-suffering pet due to people’s ignorance about how to properly care for them.
If there is a Hell, there has to be a special place reserved there for people who mistreat animals. F-ers.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
OR…you could give to your church! Hey Charities are out of style now that we are the Obamanation! Obama gave no were close to the biblical 10% to charities, and his running mate? Biden? Less than less. Neither give a rat’s bottom about charity! So don’t worry about it, this season of giving remember what you are going to be giving the goverment soon! Charity begins with your taxes in this new age of wisdom. As for me? I will give to the church around 10%, that is so tough to do….
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Rabbits are great! When prepared correctly Bruno! And the fur is so soft!
By Mara
December 19, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Bruno - If there is a Hell, there has to be a special place reserved there for people who mistreat animals. F-ers.
one of the very FEW reasons to hope that the agnostics and atheists are wrong…
gone for the day. <> see y’all on Monday.
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Rabbits are great! When prepared correctly Bruno! And the fur is so soft!
Pity the fool who attempts to harm my Sweetie, Gandalf!!
My (now) ex-GF just found that out the hard way when she made one too many jokes about harming my bunny.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Bruno the House Rabbit Society North Georgia Chapter? Maybe you could get with someone there, make a deal, and help out the homeless? Rabbit stew would be welcome to them folks, and the rabbits wouldn’t die in vain. I am thinking of joining and adopting a few a month myself!
By Gale
December 19, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Gandalf, If your church does good works, then it is a good place to give. If your church buys fancy cars for the minister, maybe not so good a place to give.
I think the thing is to find a charity that feels right to you. There are many worthy causes, local and global. Good works for the purpose of aiding others is good karma. It doesn’t really matter if it is the SA red bucket and small change or a fat check to whatever.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t dream of hurting a pet, but rabbits are livestock to! I am thinking of the ones nobody wants. They can be killed humanely and harvested for the homeless. Homeless with an new skill, teach them to treat the hides and make coats out of the rabbit fur.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
I AGREE GALE, it’s Obama and Biden that disagree! hehe Silly me, I like to give!
By Jack
December 19, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Merry Christmas Dog & everyone else too! I’m still around, just not as much. Love to all.
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Bruno the House Rabbit Society North Georgia Chapter? Maybe you could get with someone there, make a deal, and help out the homeless? Rabbit stew would be welcome to them folks, and the rabbits wouldn’t die in vain. I am thinking of joining and adopting a few a month myself!
I’ll be sure to warn Debbie, Gandalf.
Gandalf, If your church does good works, then it is a good place to give. If your church buys fancy cars for the minister, maybe not so good a place to give.
Well said, Gale. It’s sad that the good work done by small churches is often overshadowed by the shenanigans of the large megachurches.
By Jack
December 19, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
What’s invisible and smells like carrots?
Bunny Farts.
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Merry Christmas Dog & everyone else too! I’m still around, just not as much. Love to all.
Merry, merry to you and yours, Jack. The blog isn’t quite the same as the “good old days”, but I guess nothing lasts forever. One person I really miss is “SusieHomemaker”.
Do you still root for the Eagles?? Their tie with Cincinatti might keep them out of the playoffs, but they are exciting to watch. Go Eagles! Go Falcons!
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Hopefully I’ll get my Christmas present early tomorrow. I have a date with a 23 year old woman who is from Nigeria. I know, I’m such a perv…..
By Jack
December 19, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Better eat your wheaties Dog. You ain’t no spring chicken! LOL
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Bruno? So Rabbits aren’t food? Man you are such a silly bass! PETA is People Eating Tasty Animals, KFC chicken is good, so would KFC Rabbit. SAVE the hungry, not the bunnies! Good luck with the Young Blood tonight, but keep her away from the bunnies! In Nigeria, bunnies are food! And if you have dogs, watch our for the Korea girls, they think dogs are food!
By Gale
December 19, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Aw Jack, I thought you would say Harvey.
Bruno, perv? I couldn’t say. Shallow dog? From the evidence, yep.
By chuck
December 19, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Hey everybody. Just wanted to pop in today and wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS (Happy Hannaka to you Justajew). I’ll check in every once in awhile over the next couple of weeks to see how everybody is doing. Have a great holiday.
Chuck
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Better eat your wheaties Dog. You ain’t no spring chicken! LOL
I’m counting on “Jungle Fever” to give me strength, Jack! She’s so hot, I can barely stand it! Unfortunately, her Daddy doesn’t want her to date any white men, so hopefully you won’t be reading about me in the papers on Monday (Crazed Nigerian Father Decapitates Suitor).
Back to work. Take care, all.
By Faithful....( F.K.A. Frustrated)
December 19, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
How about “Faithful” to reflect your Biblical faith
I like it!!! I haven’t really thought about it much lately, but I thank you for the gift. So from now on my name will be “Faithful”….
By Jack
December 19, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Gale. That was a classic movie. One of my favorites.
By Frustrated
December 19, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Ok, so I am sitting here with teary eyes…. They confirmed that the body found in Florida was that of Caylee Anthony. Ugh….my heart just breaks.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Bruno, in some parts of Nigeria, you are considered food! Hehe
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Faithful, don’t give up your name so quickly! Use your faith to know she is in a better place with her Lord and Savior. Life sucks then you die and go to Heaven.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
BRUNO, make her call you Daddy! hehe
By kimberly
December 19, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I’m going to break tradition and echo what Shaunti says here. While I don’t find Laura Bush to be the most courageous or admirable woman I witnessed this year (nor a saver of lives like Barre-Sinoussi), I certainly applaud her for the class she’s shown in her role as the wife of the WORST PRESIDENT EVER in the history of this nation. His shortcomings, ineptitude, and sheer lack of ethics are not her fault. Her demands throughout their marriage that he give up the bottle (um… booze, not baby, although who knows what kind of sick things people do in private) and the grace with which she stood by her man despite decades of many failures and embarrassments (even though Mrs. Clinton was berated by many for also having the grace to stick by her man) are qualities that this progressive, independent woman admires. It could not have been easy summoning quiet grace and a dignified smile when she very likely wanted to bash is chimp-like skull in with a rolling pin, so to speak, tell him to choke on the bleep bleep pretzel, and take off for island shopping destinations without him. But she took her role as first lady seriously, and though she was never the brightest bulb in the chandelier, she made sure that appearances were kept, shined, and polished for the American people. Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for your strength and grace.
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
WORST PRESIDENT EVER in the history of this nation.
k, I think you, Mara, and USinUK are too harsh in your judgment of Bush. None of us are happy with the current economic woes, but the man faced more challenges than almost any other Prez before him. I don’t think we should take lightly the fact that we have remained safe from further attacks by the fanatical Muslims. Perhaps Bush should have heeded the pre-9/11 warnings more seriously, but there was a deficit in intelligence gathering by the CIA early in his first term due to cuts by Clinton. I will agree with you that he has shortcomings as a leader, especially as an effective communicator, but I personally believe that his heart has been in the right place all along, differently from you.
P.S. For Christmas, I’m going to send you a big, strong, handsome military man to fulfill all of your needs/wants/desires. God Bless!
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Kimberly, welcome! Merry Christmas! Now STFU! YOU are such a [DUM BASS] I can’t believe you are alowed to breath oxygen without going to jail. Bush isn’t the Worst President Ever! That title will go to the man in the office of the president elect, and 2nd place would go to Jimmy “PEANUT FARMER” Carter, who sucked donkey balls, and still does today. PLEASE GO AWAY FOR CHRISTMAS KIMBERLY! and Capitolize the first letter of your name! [YOU DUM BASS!]
By Gandalf, the White!
December 19, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Bruno make kimberly call you daddy and keep her from posting please!
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
P.S. kimberly—His name is Gandalf (your present). ; > }
By Bruno
December 19, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Bruno make kimberly call you daddy
Believe me, I tried, Gandalf, but I think I’m too wimpy for her. She needs someone more like you. ; > }
By kimberly
December 19, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
How interesting that one would think I’d somehow require his charitable intervention to interact with a strong, handsome, military man. Although clearly one is not experienced with such men. Hint: Military men are BUSY at the beck & call of, and lately, frequent and prolonged use by, our government. Hence, the notion that such a man would be ABLE to fulfill all, or even a majority of any woman’s needs/wants/desires is a logistical impossibility, albeit a lovely fantasy.
Regarding the Worst President Ever, you are entitled to your opinion, and (Gandalf’s syphillis-induced ravings notwithstanding), I am entitled to mine. Thanks.
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December 20, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
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December 20, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
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By FIELD_NICKNAME_delbasba
December 20, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
http://www.FIELDMESSAGEbasbositda.com/
By USinUK
December 21, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
GtG -
Thanks again for the Dickens discussion on Friday - I did go home and watch Capt. Picard in Christmas Carol - and it was absolutely fantastic. (although, I’m still not so sure about Joel Gray as the Ghost of Christmas Past). Anyhoo - thanks again. It definitely got me in the holiday mood!!!
Gale -
RUN, do not walk to find Bleak House - especially if that’s your favorite Dickens. I think you’ll be blown away by the production.
Brunoooooooooooooooooooo -
k, I think you, Mara, and USinUK are too harsh in your judgment of Bush
oh, Bruno. did you see the Pew study that was released last week??? Only 11% of respondents thought Bush did a good job - the worst rating of the last 4 presidents:
http:// pewresearch.org/ pubs/1063/ bush-and-public-opinion
I know you want to believe that the “WPE” title is just our “Bush Derangement Syndrome” showing, but he really has been a horrible president and had no business running the country for the last 8 years:
As George W. Bush prepares to leave the White House, the United States is in many ways dramatically different from when he took the oath of office in 2001. His first few months as president were largely unremarkable, despite the contentious 2000 election. But the horrific terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 greatly altered the course forward.
The attacks transformed American public opinion and fundamentally reshaped Bush’s image. His job approval rating reached 86% by late September. The public expressed broad willingness to use military force to combat terrorism. But then controversies over the build-up to war in Iraq and other Bush policies started to take their toll — at home and abroad.
U.S. forces quickly ousted Saddam Hussein in 2003, but could not create a lasting peace. As the fighting dragged on, Bush won re-election by a narrow margin. In his second term, he failed in his bid to build support for a partial privatization of Social Security. American deaths continued in Iraq, the government bungled the response to the devastating Hurricane Katrina in late 2005 and political scandal reached directly into the White House.
In a Pew survey conducted Dec. 3-7 among 1,489 adults, the American public paints a harshly negative picture of Bush’s tenure. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say his administration will be remembered more for its failures than its accomplishments, and a plurality (34%) says Bush will go down in history as a poor president. Fully 68% say they disapprove of Bush’s performance and most of those — 53% of the public — say they disapprove strongly. That is the highest rate of strong disapproval measured by Pew surveys in Bush’s eight years in office.
Not surprisingly, the most critical assessments come from Democrats. More than half (53%) say Bush will go down in history as a poor president, while 25% say he will be remembered as below average. More than four-in-ten Republicans (44%) say he will be remembered as an average president; 21% say below average and 6% say poor. Two-in-ten say he will be remembered as above average, while 7% say outstanding.
Americans by a wide margin (64% to 24%) also say that in the long run the failures of the Bush administration will outweigh its accomplishments. The assessment of Clinton in 2001, despite controversy over how he had conducted himself in office, was virtually a mirror image. Six-in-ten said the accomplishments would outweigh the failures, and 27% said the failures would outweigh the accomplishments.
read the whole thing - if you want to face what the MAJORITY of people think about Bush. It really isn’t just Mara, K and me - it’s a very large majority of the country. What am I saying - it’s a large majority of the WORLD.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 22, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
EXPAT: I prefer the book, it’s much more concise than any screenplay.
Kimberly: Since you know so much about syphillis, perhaps it’s you whom is under it influence. First, it’s easily treatable (any soldier marine or sailor would know that :-)). Second it’s usually passed along by a slutty female. Since you admit not one strong military type could satisfy your carnal desires, must be you passing it along to men of the Army, the Navy and the Marines!
I recently heard that liberal woman are much hotter in bed, that has to make up for the fact that in the morning over coffee you would want to smack them for the ignorant babble streaming from their pie hole. Liberal woman get many a satisfing one night stand!
By Gandalf, the White!
December 22, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Bruno, thanks so very much! How did the evening go? Christmas come early?
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
GtG -
I’m saving “Wonderful Life” for Wednesday (last-minute wrapping and baking) …
… and now, the Cmas song that’s been in my head all morning (oh, to look like a young Eartha Kitt!)
Santa Baby, slip a sable under the tree, / For me. / been an awful good girl, Santa baby, / so hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa baby, a 54 convertible too, / Light blue. / I’ll wait up for you dear, / Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.
Think of all the fun I’ve missed, / Think of all the fellas that I haven’t kissed, / Next year I could be just as good, / If you’ll check off my Christmas list,
Santa baby, I wanna yacht, / And really that’s not a lot, / Been an angel all year, / Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa honey, there’s one thing I really do need, / The deed / To a platinum mine, / Santa honey, so hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex, / And checks. / Sign your ‘X’ on the line, / Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight.
Come and trim my Christmas tree, / With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s, / I really do believe in you, / Let’s see if you believe in me,
Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, / A ring. / I don’t mean on the phone, / Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight, Hurry down the chimney tonight, / Hurry, tonight.
(that one’s going out for Frustrated, who has been way too quiet these last few days)
By lovelyliz
December 22, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Somebody seems to be confusing traditional with admirable. They aren’t necessarily the same.
By lovelyliz
December 22, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
I admire Oprah Winfrey.
There’s also Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, Liz McCartney and Maria Ruiz.
By Gale
December 22, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
I would want to sound like Eartha Kitt at any age. I love her voice.
We found the BBC Bleak House from 2005 and can rent it. Is that the one?
I tend to agree with Gandalf about books vs movies. The books are always better, especially if you really like the book. The movie is a let down sometimes because they just cannot do better than your imagination. I still remember my complete disappointment in the Tarrelton twins in Gone With The Wind.
On topic, although there are many admirable women in the news, I think Hillary is going to come out on top, perhaps because and not dispite those who do not like her. She has all the qualifications for the office she sought and that is admirable. But mostly it was the grace under fire from her detractors. How many men or women would stand up under that level of assault?
But I also offer for consideration Helen Philpot. She is much less public, but as a speaker of truth, she is to be admired.
By Sunshine
December 22, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Good Morning all! And Merry Festivus!
Love LOVE LOVE Ms. Ertha Kitt, you can just hear the purrrr in her voice! Hope everyone one is having a lovely week before the happy holidays, seems everything (mostly) has been civil around here, so yeah! I know I for one still have lots of shopping to do! Why are men so hard to shop for?
By Frustrated
December 22, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Thank you US!!!!!! I have been soooooooo busy!!!! I am trying to finish making some of my Christmas presents and there are just not enough hours in the day!!!!
By Gale
December 22, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
lovelyLiz, Thanks for those suggestions. I had to google them and they are to be admired. I am not an Oprah fan. But as with Hillary Clinton, you have to admire what she accomplishes. I cannot deny she is doing good.
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Gale -
I would want to sound like Eartha Kitt at any age. I love her voice.
check out an old biopic about WC Handy - she plays the female lead and she is smokin!
We found the BBC Bleak House from 2005 and can rent it. Is that the one?
That’s IT!! That’s the one - now, I’m dying for you to see it and tell me what you think. The Beeb is known for really brilliant TV and absolutely godawful TV. This is one of their brighter moments.
I still remember my complete disappointment in the Tarrelton twins in Gone With The Wind.
I wasn’t disappointed but completely shocked that the movie version completely overlooked the fact that she had kids with each of her husbands, but Bonnie Blue Butler was the only child she loved.
But I also offer for consideration Helen Philpot. She is much less public, but as a speaker of truth, she is to be admired.
woowoo!!! raucous applause. I la-la-LOVE reading her posts - she always makes me laugh with her sharp wit.
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Sunshine -
how was the BabyMoon??? did you guys have a good time (despite not being able to ride rollercoasters and needing to make a pit-stop every 10 minutes)???
I am having a lovely pre-Cmas time - nearly done with my cards (I know! I know! they’re a little late … but, hey, better late blahblahblah) … done with all my shopping … finished my food shopping today … Cmas eve I’m baking the last round of cookies (sugar, shortbread, Martha’s Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread, and pistachio cookies)
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Frustrated -
Thank you US!!!!!! I have been soooooooo busy!!!! I am trying to finish making some of my Christmas presents and there are just not enough hours in the day!!!!
easy there, missy - remember, the only reason Martha gets as much accomplished as she does is because SHE HAS A STAFF!!! Don’t kill yourself trying to create the perfect holiday -
By Gale
December 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
And Happy Hannukah to our Jewish friends. I had to check my calendar this morning after hearing klezmer on the radio. On top of that, we can all rejoice that days will now start lengthening with the Solstice past.
By Gale
December 22, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Chocolate Gingerbread? I cannot imagine. I only made gingerbread men once. It was a hugh success for them and a dismal failure for the sugar cookies I put into the same tin. The little men sucked all the moisture out of the sugar cookies so they were as hard as rocks. But the gingerbread cookies got raves.
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Gale -
Chocolate Gingerbread?
CHEWEY chocolate gingerbread - I make them every year and they absolutely ROCK!! (sweet with a little bit of a ginger-y bite)
http://www. marthastewart.com/ recipe/ chewy-chocolate-gingerbread-cookies?autonomykw=chewey%20chocolate%20gingerbread&rsc=rfresult5
By Jack
December 22, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Gandalf. You should STFU.
Merry Christmas All.
By Frustrated
December 22, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Oh, it won’t be perfect by any means…. I am making the wooden letter names for all the ‘babies’ in my family.. They have turned out super cute, but I wouldn’t stretch it to say that they are perfect… I didn’t realize how hard it would be to do boy names and not make them look too girly… But I did one name in an animal theme…and the other is a GA fan, so I did a Bulldog theme….HA!
By Frustrated
December 22, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
So what does everyone think about this “Good Samaritan” issue….that they are able to be sued..
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Frustrated -
I didn’t realize how hard it would be to do boy names and not make them look too girly… But I did one name in an animal theme…and the other is a GA fan, so I did a Bulldog theme….HA!
well done, you!!! :-)
did you wind up buying a new Cmas CD? what did you get??
By Gale
December 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Frustrated, people like you and USinUK make me feel like such a slouch. I haven’t made anything for Christmas for years. Cookies are always voted down because there are already too many sweets in the house.
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Frustrated -
So what does everyone think about this “Good Samaritan” issue….that they are able to be sued..
I was really surprised when I read about that - if I remember correctly, GA law protects good samaritans by making them liable ONLY if they accept $$$ for their good deed.
all I know is that this kind of action is just going to make people reticent to do the right thing and help someone in need. and the woman who sued her friend (who pulled the plaintiff out because she was afraid the car was going to explode) should be ashamed of herself.
By Sunshine
December 22, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
how was the BabyMoon??? did you guys have a good time (despite not being able to ride rollercoasters and needing to make a pit-stop every 10 minutes)???
Hey USin, thanks for asking! We had the BEST time! The place we stayed at was much nicer than expected, had a huge tub for two (or three almost ;-) in the bedroom and a nice screened patio! The weather was PERFECT, 80 degrees Friday, Saturday and Sunday! And being on a very tight budget we went and did a timeshare presentation, promptly told them we have no intention of buying today, and got two free tickets to Epcot (which I must admit was sadly lacking from the memories I had from childhood, the whole place needs a technological update!). But we were together and made the best of it all! We got a wheelchair half way through the day, it was just too much time on my feet, and Hubby happily pushed me around “race car style” for the rest of the day! We had lots of fun laughing at the goofy tourist outfits and had two romantic dinners out! I even beat him at Putt-Putt, belly and all! We had an absolute blast!
By Frustrated
December 22, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
did you wind up buying a new Cmas CD? what did you get??
Ugh, no…..Just replaying the ones I have…
Frustrated, people like you and USinUK make me feel like such a slouch. No need to feel that way, I am thinking next year I will stay more low key, I didn’t expect this year to be so rushed with the baby’s birthday in the mix…
all I know is that this kind of action is just going to make people reticent to do the right thing I see things going in the way of people asking the ones in need to sign a piece of paper promising not to sue…. I know I can’t afford to help someone if all they are going to do is sue and take everything away from my family..
By Gale
December 22, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
I was not aware of the incident, but you are right about the law. Most states do offer immunity to Good Samaritans.
Under the good samaritan laws which grant immunity, if the good samaritan makes an error while rendering emergency medical care, he or she cannot be held legally liable for damages in court. However, two conditions usually must be met; 1) the aid must be given at the scene of the emergency, and. 2) if the “volunteer” has other motives, such as the hope of being paid a fee or reward, then the law will not apply.
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Gale -
Cookies are always voted down because there are already too many sweets in the house.
I make them as a gift for neighbors and my coworkers (rather than spend $$$ on stuff) … as for the “too many sweets in the house” … too many??? what is this “too many” of which you speak? I don’t think I understand the concept as it pertains to Cmas TREATS!!! Be gastronomically chaste in January (if you must) - but, December is for indulging!!! :-)
(Mr. USinUK was appalled that I bought whole milk for something I’m making for Cmas day … I had to explain him that low fat/low cholesterol food just doesn’t happen at all Cmas week - his arteries will understand)
oh, and hey - everyone celebrate!! the days are now officially getting LONGER!!! (special shout-out to you B-dog!!!)
By Gandalf, the White!
December 22, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Jack: Merry Christmas! No and you can’t make me STFU if I have something I want to say! hehe, please don’t defend the idiots.
EXPAT: It’s a wonderful life is the BEST christmas movie of all time, I will watch it WED too. (it’s only slightly better than “you’ll shoot your eye out!”)
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Sunshine -
We had lots of fun laughing at the goofy tourist outfits and had two romantic dinners out! I even beat him at Putt-Putt, belly and all! We had an absolute blast
awwww … hooray YOU!! I’m so glad you had a great time - hope you took loads of pictures so that you can show your child how mom and dad USED to have a good time before you had kids (nothing like a little guilt trip!!)
so, is everything ready for he big day? got your car seat? got all your newbie diapers? got all your cloth diapers to use as spit-up towels? got all your onesies?? frankly, anything after that is gravy - those are the essentials (spoken as an aunt, not a mom - I’m sure Frustrated could add to the list of MUSTS)
By zeke
December 22, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Nobels are irrelevant! Consider some of the winners: Gore, Arafat, Carter are just a few that were nothing but liberal anti American awards!
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
GtG -
It’s a wonderful life is the BEST christmas movie of all time, I will watch it WED too. (it’s only slightly better than “you’ll shoot your eye out!”)
hooray!!! I submit to the W2W irregulars that all of us who can should watch It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve - while we can’t all get together to watch it at Frustrated’s house, we’d be watching it together in W2W irregular spirit!! :-)
(and my favorite line from Christmas Story is still “Fra-geeee-lay … it must be from Italy!” )
By Mara
December 22, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Gale - Most states do offer immunity to Good Samaritans - if the good samaritan makes an error while rendering emergency medical care, he or she cannot be held legally liable for damages in court.
but according to the story, the “Samaritan” wasn’t “rendering emergency medical aid”. The woman, in an impaired state of mind, perceived her friend to be in peril and made an error in judgement that caused harm to another.
In this case, the woman did what one is always advised NOT to do, she moved the victim. Even though the victim said she couldn’t move, which to most people would certainly indicate some sort of spinal injury. According to testimony, she pulled the victim by her arms out of a crashed car and dropped her next to the vehicle. She was performing a “rescue” not “rendering medical aid”.
which is neither here nor there regarding the moral aspect of the law…
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
zeke -
go back to your Legos … the grownups are talking …
By Gandalf, the White!
December 22, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Speaking of Carter, that rat bastage is once again giving people that can’t afford to keep a house up houses. He is such a fool. History will remember him as the mean anti american POS he is. Why did Reagan have to go first? Only the good die young…
By Sunshine
December 22, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
so, is everything ready for he big day? got your car seat? got all your newbie diapers? got all your cloth diapers to use as spit-up towels? got all your onesies?? frankly, anything after that is gravy - those are the essentials (spoken as an aunt, not a mom - I’m sure Frustrated could add to the list of MUSTS)
Well, no, don’t have everything ready…yet. We are getting there, the nursery has been painted and Hubby now has the wood trim ready to go for this weekend. After the molding and new switch plates are back on we should be good to go, I have the curtains, bedding and furniture bought but all is still in the garage waiting for the room to be finished! We do have the car seat and need to try and install it, ect! I am trying hard to avoid the “new Mommy” syndrome (AKA thinking you need new EVERYTHING) we have lots of hand-me-downs but I really like your list and would love to hear from Frustrated/Faithful as a new mommy what are the REAL essentials. Its like everything else, the baby stuff is so commercial. I have a hard time believing I need ALL the gear “recommended”! I mean come on, we have been having babies for thousands of years, do they really need three types of bouncers, two different strollers, three carriers and several assorted swings, I tend to think not!
By the stinky pinkie
December 22, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
there is one american hero who stood up fortrue christian values in the face of the entire american media machine: sarah palin, sarah palin, sarah palin!!!
By Mara
December 22, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
my favorite line from Christmas Story…
Sorry UK, but I really can’t stand that movie. I just don’t see the humor. The boy is whining and annoying, not to mention sort of slow-of-thought. The father is inconsiderate, without taste, and the mother is a doormat pushover. I simply do not “get” the charm…
ah, well. Each to their own. :^)
By Gale
December 22, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
impaired state of mind - That should remve the ability to sue the rescuer right there. I watched a similar situation a few years ago. A bicyclist had been clipped by a car and was down in the street. I was in a restaurant. His recuser, in an effort to move him out of the street, picked him up by the belt and hauled him to the side. I was shocked, but the damage, if any, was done. In both cases, there is reason to believe the rescuer may have caused more harm. In both cases, the rescuer had reason to believe the action was urgent and necessary.
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Mara -
well, gosh, when you put it like that, you’re right - it is a miserable movie.
I dunno … I guess I love it for the parts - maybe not for the sum* of its parts … the “double-dog dare” protocol, the “you’ll shoot your eye out” running gag, the snow suit which makes it impossible for his brother to put his arms down … saying a “dirty word” and having your mouth washed out with soap … so many silly little things that remind you of childhood.
By Gale
December 22, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
I think The Christmas Story is more of a guy’s story. I didn’t like it either. I also don’t like It’s a Wonderful Life although I have only seen parts of it. After reading a recent review that pointed out the dreariness of it, I am not inclined to watch it. I like the fluff of The Santa ClausE and that is what I’ll be watching while you folks are watching It’s a Wonderful Life. And after that, we will watch The Snowman, which, to our surprise, the 3 year old niece really liked.
By Jack
December 22, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Mr.MaGoo’s Christmas Carol is my favorite.
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Gale -
I didn’t like it either. I also don’t like It’s a Wonderful Life although I have only seen parts of it. After reading a recent review that pointed out the dreariness of it, I am not inclined to watch it.
omg. you HAVE to watch it!! seriously. (I wouldn’t steer you wrong on this, I promise) - yes, George Bailey goes through hell as described in the article I linked to on Friday - but the ending makes it all worthwhile. I promise you on this - give it a try. (plus, there really is some great writing in there - a couple of good 1-liners that are just perfect coming out of Jimmy Stewart’s mouth).
By hello!!! ladies
December 22, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Hello Ladies!!!, I don’t believe the point of this blog is to discuss the merits or lack-thereof of The Christmas Story.
Phu-leese, let’s return to topic and lay of this silly discussion. Shaunti Feldhahn
By OhYa
December 22, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Drill Sarah, Drill. Drill Sarah, Drill. Drill Sarah, Drill.
punctuation is key.
By Gale
December 22, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
hello ladies: ::twack!!:: (spitball to the side of the head.)
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Hello Ladies!!!, I don’t believe the point of this blog is to discuss the merits or lack-thereof of The Christmas Story.
summoning my response in keeping with the season …
(ahem)
good king wenceslas looked out on the feast of “BITE ME”
you don’t like it, either make a comment on the issue or troll elsewhere.
By Mara
December 22, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Phu-leese, let’s return to topic and lay of [sic] this silly discussion. Shaunti Feldhahn
HA! Hahahahahaha! This from the columnist whose nominee for “the MOST admirable woman of *2008” didn’t actually DO anything in ‘08 that she didn’t do in ‘07, ‘06,’05 etc etc etc. I mean, really. If Laura Bush is the very best that ‘08 had to offer, what a sad, sad state of affairs we’re in.
Gale - I didn’t like it either. I also don’t like It’s a Wonderful Life…
maybe it’s an Aquarian thing. :^P
USinUK - I guess I love it for the parts - maybe not for the sum of its parts
fair enough. Considering how many award nominations it got, who’m I to really criticize?
By hooray USinUK!!!
December 22, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
you tell’m USinUK. i could not agree anymore. in these troubling times, we need more light-hearted topics other than smarty-pants female noble prize winners and HIV/AID. yuck. it all makes me want to ralph!
By Sunshine
December 22, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Wow, are we now being reprimanded like we are bad school children from Mrs Feldhahn? If it is the real Shaunti Feldhahn I must say that of ALL THE THINGS that have been discussed here this is what bothers her?!?!?! Really? Oh well I for one have been really enjoying a week without the “normal” topics of discussion here!
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Sunshine and Mara -
Wow, are we now being reprimanded like we are bad school children from Mrs Feldhahn?
If that commenter was Shaunti Feldhan, then I’m Imelda Marcos (just with better shoes)
poor “hooray” … so close to being witty and yet so far away.
By Mara
December 22, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
For my second candidate, I would like to nominate every nameless woman who stood up for the rights of girls and women everywhere, disregarding social disapproval, violent attacks, and personal peril. For example…
The [female] students were walking to school in uniforms. Two men wielding water pistols drove by on motorcycles and sprayed battery acid. They took aim at that same symbol of progress, the one that has inspired me and so many others.
At least three of the girls were hospitalized for severe burns on their faces, according to media reports. Afghan authorities later reported that they had arrested 10 Taliban militants in connection with the attack.
One of the girls spoke courageously from her hospital bed, with yellow ointment covering an eye damaged by the acid. “I will go to my school even if they kill me,” she told reporters. “My message for the enemies is that if they do this 100 times, I am still going to continue my studies.”
This girl. This nameless Afghani girl. I nominate her as the MOST admirable woman of 2008. She has my wholehearted admiration.
By Bruno
December 22, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
I know you want to believe that the “WPE” title is just our “Bush Derangement Syndrome” showing, but he really has been a horrible president and had no business running the country for the last 8 years:
USinUK—My only point is that many of the policies/conditions which Bush is criticized for are carryovers from provious administrations. For example, the “hated” prisoner rendition program for which Bush has taken a lot of heat actually began under Clinton. Ditto for the relaxed underwriting standards which helped fuel the current mortgage crisis. In fact, according to the Washington Post link you provided above, Brooksley Born began ringing the warning bells regarding mortgage-based financial derivatives way back in April, 1998, almost three years before Bush even took office. As for the “suspension” of our civil liberties via the Patriot Act, you only have to study the Presidency of none other than Abraham Lincoln to find far worse conditions imposed upon the American people.
If you plain just don’t like the man on a personal basis, I understand. However, to claim that the policies carried out during his Presidency qualify him as the Worst President Ever, I have to disagree.
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Bruno -
Previous policies were “carryovers”??? ah. no. nice try, but no.
warrantless wiretapping was NOT a carryover.
hiring cronies was DEFINITELY not a carryover.
firing government prosecutors based on politics MID TERM was NOT a carryover
having your AG write memos to undermine the Geneva Convention was NOT a carryover
getting us into a war based on cherry-picked intel was NOT a carryover.
completely undermining FEMA was NOT a carryover.
completely overlooking scientific evidence because it doesn’t coincide with Big Business was NOT a carryover.
“abstinence only” was NOT a carryover.
outing CIA agents for political reasons was NOT a carryover.
If you’ve paid any attention to anything I’ve written over the last year, you’ll know I lay most of the blame for the credit meltdown at the feet of Alan Greenspan, not Bush. HE was the one who fought regulation.
However, to claim that the policies carried out during his Presidency qualify him as the Worst President Ever, I have to disagree
don’t be like Bush - don’t cherry pick which things you’ll pay attention to and which you’ll gloss over because they’re inconvenient.
Read the Pew link if you don’t like the truths I tell - you’ll see I’m not alone.
By Bruno
December 22, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Bruno, thanks so very much! How did the evening go? Christmas come early?
The date went very well, Gandalf. Thanks for asking. We went to the Georgia Aquarium and had a great time. We drew a few stares, but I don’t really care what other people think.
By Bruno
December 22, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
This girl. This nameless Afghani girl. I nominate her as the MOST admirable woman of 2008. She has my wholehearted admiration.
Mara, I second your nomination of the young Afghani girl who displayed great courage in trying to obtain an education. As admirable as the work done by Francoise Barre-Sinoussi is, in essence she was just doing her job. Ditto for Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.
Good call, beautiful.
By Frustrated
December 22, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Sorry Bruno, I can’t change names….it gets too confusing…So I am just going to stick with Frustrated…
SORRY FOR THE LONG POST AHEAD
Sunshine- I would love to give you my list, but I spent MONTHS researching…..and even some of the stuff I got was useless..
My baby NEVER spit up…so I didn’t need burp clothes.
Milk Pump :)— Rent it from the hospital first to see if you are even able to feed this way… If you buy one and see you can’t/don’t want to, then you just wasted $400… I think they cost about $20 a week to rent.. And you can renew over the phone if you want to give it some more time..
Pack and plays,IMO, are a waste of money for mothers who have cribs in the nursery. We put baby in her own room at 2 weeks old (I didn’t go for the co-sleeping thing), so when she napped, she was in her bed… They are however great for grandmothers who do not have a crib of their own…
Pacifiers all depend on the baby—-They give you one at the hospital (soothie) and I would test the waters with that before you go spend a lot on “specialty” items…mine preferred her fingers…so we had 10 pacifiers that never got used…
Bottles—-You will have a million to choose from, I went with the Dr. Browns, but my baby still had colic, so nothing is a guarantee:)
Bouncy seat—-never had one…I do however suggest the 3-in-1 swing. It can be used as a baby swing, a baby seat, and a toddler rocker…so it can count as a space saver too!
Play mat—-A must! And I don’t think it matters which one, I had the baby einstein, but she would have played with anything…
Bumbo or Bebe Pod Seat—-She LOVED this thing…as soon as they can hold their head up they can sit in this and watch mommy do anything…
Diaper Genie—No one likes a poo-poo smelling nursery..
Car seat—-If you can, I would get the most transitional thing you can find…. If you have a baby car seat, then you have to buy another one when they reach around 20-something pounds….And they are NOT cheap.. travel systems are great for making an impression, but once you haul that thing in and out a few times, you want something simple…
That is all I can really think of off the top of my head, but I am sure there are other mother “musts”…I just tried to be as reasonable as I could. When they can sit up on their own, I suggest the rain forrest jumparoo…Mine bounced and laughed her head off!!!
Oh, and one neat thing I found at target, it is a little ducky that has disposable diaper trash bags (scented)…for when you are out in public or at a friend/family’s house.. You can change the stinky and put it in the bag and not worry about stinking up your friend’s garbage can/house…Kind of like those bags you carry on the leash for when your pet goes in someone else’s yard.
By Bruno
December 22, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
warrantless wiretapping was NOT a carryover.
Nixon was guilty of the same thing, and possibly Johnson before him.
hiring cronies was DEFINITELY not a carryover.
Jimmy Carter loaded his Cabinet full of HIS cronies.
firing government prosecutors based on politics MID TERM was NOT a carryover
Are you already forgetting “Travelgate” under Clinton??
getting us into a war based on cherry-picked intel was NOT a carryover.
The intel gathered about Iraq under Bush wasn’t very different from the intel under Clinton.
completely undermining FEMA was NOT a carryover.
The problems following Hurricane Katrina were as much to blame on the mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of Louisiana, though you won’t admit it.
don’t be like Bush - don’t cherry pick which things you’ll pay attention to and which you’ll gloss over because they’re inconvenient.
Right back at ya’, USinUK.
By Frustrated
December 22, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
*Hello Ladies!!!, I don’t believe the point of this blog is to discuss the merits or lack-thereof of The Christmas Story.
Phu-leese, let’s return to topic and lay of this silly discussion. Shaunti Feldhahn*
What????? Is this for real???
Are we suppose to be ripping off heads this week in a serious debate about who the most honorable woman of 2008 is? It’s Christmas!!! can’t we all just get along??
By the way, have any of you seen the VH1 series “Celebrity rehab with Dr. Drew” I know, I should be ashamed, but I LOVED that series. I just want to hug Steven Adler and Rodney King… And they are doing a series “spin off” about the sober living life…I can’t wait!!
I know, very sad…
By Bruno
December 22, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
completely overlooking scientific evidence because it doesn’t coincide with Big Business was NOT a carryover.
Are you referring to “Global Warming”?? Less than 1% of the CO2 in the atmosphere is due to man-made sources. The Earth has been far warmer several times in the past than it is now, and we survived.
outing CIA agents for political reasons was NOT a carryover.
From what I recall, Valerie Plame’s own HUSBAND had already identified her on his website as a CIA agent. Not much of an “outing”.
abstinence only” was NOT a carryover.
Promoting abstinence as part of sex ed began under Reagan.
Did I miss anything??
By Sunshine
December 22, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Bruno, I know we have gone round and round about this but here is my two cents on Mr. GW Bush. I do not believe in his strength of Charter to do the right thing or to be smart enough to know who to put in charge to do the right thing. Case in point, sitting and waiting to respond after the first plane on 9/11 and secondly Dick Chaney. I don’t think GW is a horrible person, just not overly bright. He allowed people to be put in charge around him that where there for personal gain in a way that has been unprecedented (I know that there is nepotism in politics but the level of gross nepotism in this administration, some to the point of people being UNQUALIFIED to do the job required is something new). The no bid contracts to Haliburton, the use of the now charged Blackwater guards, Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse, the “mission accomplished” banner, Ect, ect, ect. These in and of themselves are not wholely damning but if you put all the blunders together there is unprecedented failure in this Administration. Couple that with the fact the the man Mr. GW choose as his top adviser on all issues, Mr. Chaney, still believes torture is a valid and helpful method of gathering intelligence, believes we should have invaded Iraq even though Saddam did not have WMDs, believes the illegal domestic wiretapping is legal and a good thing, and believe that the loss of 4,000 us soldiers was HARDEST on President Bush. The sheer fact that Pres. Bush did not do more to stop the erosion of America’s participation in the Geneva Convention, to stop the erosion of constitutional rights of US Citizenry, to stop the erosion of our foreign relations with almost every nation on this planet is why he will be deemed THE WORST PRESIDENT EVER. It is hard to face facts sometimes but all of the presidential scholars and the majority of all US and world citizens are not wrong!!! Sorry!
By Bruno
December 22, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
The no bid contracts to Haliburton
No different than under Clinton before him during the Balkans War.
Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse
Again, the prisoner rendition program began under Clinton.
Mr. Chaney, still believes torture is a valid and helpful method of gathering intelligence
Though I don’t personally agree with “waterboarding”, it isn’t considered to be torture by many other people.
Gotta get back to work, will check in later.
By Sunshine
December 22, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Bruno, warrantless wiretapping was NOT a carryover. Nixon was guilty of the same thing, and possibly Johnson before him.—Maybe so but it was a crime then, and its a crime now, and at least Nixon had the Balls to admit it was wrong after he was caught and apologize, not so with this admin!
hiring cronies was DEFINITELY not a carryover. Jimmy Carter loaded his Cabinet full of HIS cronies.—Name one No bid contract that was awarded to a company that had a sitting member of the board in Carter’s Admin?
firing government prosecutors based on politics MID TERM was NOT a carryover Are you already forgetting “Travelgate” under Clinton?? SEVEN people were fired SEVEN!! AND from Wiki under travelgate In 1998 Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr exonerated President Bill Clinton of any involvement in the matter. Not so much for Mr. Libby, huh?
getting us into a war based on cherry-picked intel was NOT a carryover. The intel gathered about Iraq under Bush wasn’t very different from the intel under Clinton.—BS! We were told of Mushroom clouds and impending danger of a real and preset threat to our country from Iraq WHICH THERE NEVER WAS!!! This is the ignoring and choosing to only see what you want to see, which was different than Clinton AND Bush Sr.
completely undermining FEMA was NOT a carryover. The problems following Hurricane Katrina were as much to blame on the mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of Louisiana, though you won’t admit it.—BS! Just a lie! Do some reseach: Later, it was revealed that Michael Brown had virtually no experience in emergency management when he was appointed to the position by President Bush two years prior to Katrina.[42] (Wiki) On September 9, Chertoff recalled Brown to Washington and removed him from the immediate supervision of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, and replaced him with Vice Admiral Thad W. Allen, chief of staff of the United States Coast Guard.[44] Three days later, on September 12, Brown resigned his position
don’t be like Bush - don’t cherry pick which things you’ll pay attention to and which you’ll gloss over because they’re inconvenient.— I second USin’s statement. Why the ostrich stance. Facts are facts!
By Gale
December 22, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
After reading some of the articles ranking US presidents, I must say some of the other worst president seem reasonably good when compared to Bush. On the other hand, at least he didn’t over the secession of a block of states. Of course, that is only because the Alaska secession group isn’t very strong. What if Alaska decided to secede from the Union and fund themselves with oil money?
By Bruno
December 22, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Facts are facts!
True, but facts only have meaning when placed into a reasonable historical context, something that you, USinUK, and many others seem unwilling to do.
Am I saying that Bush was a GREAT President?? Heck, no, but I don’t see how he deserves the label of WPE.
Again, the Iraq War is wildly unpopular. However, when you compare it to the carnage of the Vietnam War, it’s been a walk in the park.
By Sunshine
December 22, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Dude Bruno, step away from the Kool-aid, you have been brain washed or something.
Are you referring to “Global Warming”?? Less than 1% of the CO2 in the atmosphere is due to man-made sources. The Earth has been far warmer several times in the past than it is now, and we survived.—Even Bush himself now validates Global warming, really that is your argument? You truly believe we are not causing the increase of gases that harm the environment and are poisoning the atmosphere? (You and Sarah Palin should have tea sometime!)
From what I recall, Valerie Plame’s own HUSBAND had already identified her on his website as a CIA agent. Not much of an “outing”.—Again, do your research, and look up Scotter Libby’s CONVICTION!
Promoting abstinence as part of sex ed began under Reagan.—Denying federal funding to programs that taught teenagers about condom WAS NOT PART OF THE REAGAN ADMIN! Your logic is baffling.
Though I don’t personally agree with “waterboarding”, it isn’t considered to be torture by many other people.—Well, what ever your personal opinion of simulated drowning is, our highest ranked generals and other qualified personnel that DIDN’T have FIVE Draft Deferments during war time as Mr. Chaney did, don’t believe it creates accurate intel. I will stick with their assessments.
Now did I miss anything?
The no bid contracts to Haliburton. No different than under Clinton before him during the Balkans War.—No the financial abuse and over spending was much worse after the Balkins, the president should learn from the mistakes of other Administrations not implement them to a greater degree!
Again, the prisoner rendition program began under Clinton.—It actually started under the REGAN administration, but it increased dramatically after 9/11. The program is not right but the abuses at Abu Ghraib have nothing to do with prisoner rendition and state sponsored torture at black opps sites. Abu Ghraib was about untrained soldiers being put in a situation they were unqualified to handle and told by commanders all the way up that they could do what ever they wanted.
By MountainDawg
December 22, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Atop my list are my wonderful wife, Mom & late Grandmothers. All all/were outstanding women, wives & mothers.
No way would I consider Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Oprah, etc. as very admirable! No doubt the all time greats include St.Mary, Sarah, Ruth & Esther of the Bible. Followed by Joan of Arc, Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Florence Nightingale & Mother Teresa. Contemporary women which I greatly admire include Dr.Virginia Abernethy, Beverly LaHaye & Phyllis Schlafly.
By Sunshine
December 22, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
The pregnant lady slowly steps down off the soap box.
By USinUK
December 22, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Bruno -
but facts only have meaning when placed into a reasonable historical context, something that you, USinUK, and many others seem unwilling to do
first of all, Nixon didn’t commit “warrantless wiretapping” in Watergate - when I’m talking about that, I’m referring to using the FBI to spy on its own citizens, not using an ex-con to break into an office and place bugs. talk about getting your “historical context” correct.
Jimmy Carter loaded his Cabinet full of HIS cronies
honey, if you want to talk about “carryover”, then how about you stick with consecutive administrations - there were 2 Reagans, 1 Bush and 2 Clinton administrations between Carter / Bert Lance and Bush and his LONG LIST of cronies (Abu-Al Gonzalez, Harriet Miers, Michael Brown, etc etc etc)
However, when you compare it to the carnage of the Vietnam War, it’s been a walk in the park.
wow. and if you compare it to the Sommes, it’s nothing but a sneeze. we’re not COMPARING it to other wars - it was a war we didn’t have to fight - one that was based on half-truths and for that, we have lost more than 4,000 men and women.
folks on the right love to say how the left uses “moral relativism” - I think comparing the losses in Iraq to the losses in Viet Nam (thus saying, “see??? it’s not so bad”) is one of the worst example of relativism I’ve seen.
From what I recall, Valerie Plame’s own HUSBAND had already identified her on his website as a CIA agent. Not much of an “outing”.
you remember VERY incorrectly. NO ONE - not even their closest neighbors - knew that she was an agent until the Bob Novak column. Bruno, you really need to read more about this before you start with the “if I remember correctly”.
Are you referring to “Global Warming”??
no, I’m talking about scientific evidence from NASA that was censored by political appointees. I’m talking about scientific rulings made by the EPA that were overruled because they conflicted with Big Business. criminey, Bruno - READ! READ!! READ!!!
Promoting abstinence as part of sex ed began under Reagan
wrong again. there was comprehensive sex ed during the 1980s - in fact, it’s when condom use really began to be emphasized due to the emergence of AIDS.
Are you already forgetting “Travelgate” under Clinton??
wow. so, you’re really comparing firing FEDERAL PROSECUTORS because of their political affiliation with firing travel administrative assistants. I mean. just. wow.
getting us into a war based on cherry-picked intel was NOT a carryover. The intel gathered about Iraq under Bush wasn’t very different from the intel under Clinton
I second Sunshine’s BS. the difference is that Clinton never turned around and said “they’re could bomb us in 45 minutes” We didn’t need to go into Iraq - and, in fact, have made the region LESS stable due to our actions than they were before we went in.
Criminey, Bruno. take off your rose-tinted glasses and look at the facts - READ. READ. READ. because, honey, your memory, it’s not so good.
By Gale
December 22, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
MountainDawg, as admirable as your grandmothers and all the other women were, they did nothing in 2008.
By Bruno
December 22, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Dude Bruno, step away from the Kool-aid, you have been brain washed or something.
You and Sarah Palin should have tea sometime!
Sunshine—I don’t recall ever insulting you, so why the insults? As a self-professed liberal, you especially should learn to appreciate that there are always two sides to every story.
You truly believe we are not causing the increase of gases that harm the environment and are poisoning the atmosphere?
Both CO2 and methane are naturally occurring substances, and neither is produced via man-made activities in an appreciable amount. In fact, the atmosphere has been far richer in both of these elements in the past. In fact, plants thrive in a CO2 rich atmosphere. The bottom line is that we only have recorded temperatures for the past 150 years or so, not long enough to draw any hard conclusions regrding whtehr we are in a warming or cooling cycle. Thousands of “reputable” scientists don’t agree with the “party line” regarding Global Warming. Maybe you are the one who needs to do more research.
Have to go back to work, will try to address some of your other points later.
By Jack
December 22, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Benazir Butto has my vote. May she RIP.
By Sunshine
December 22, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Bruno, Sunshine—I don’t recall ever insulting you, so why the insults? I sincerely apologize if you think the Kool-aid comment and Tea with Mrs. Palin was an insult. I didn’t mean to offend you. I know I was a little snarky and sarcastic but I wasn’t trying to insult you personally.
By MountainDawg
December 22, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Gale @ 3:29 PM - While you’re partially correct regarding the great women of history (not counting their various legacies), you’re very wrong if you’re referring to my Wife & Mother! They’ve done more in 2008 then some of these other “celebrated” women will do in a lifetime!
Furthermore Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, “Hildabeast ClinTAX” & “OAFra Winflea” did nothing (of any true good) in 2008! Whereas Beverly LaHaye’s “Concerned Women for America” & Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum fought througout 2008 for (paleo) conservative ideals & against the scourge of phoney cultural/socialist Marxism & the phoney Neocon/RINOs!
By Gale
December 22, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
I agree with you on Buto, Jack. I’ve been trying to come up with that name. She returned to a country in turmoil hoping to make a difference, knowing her life was in danger.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 22, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
I nominate Michelle Obama as the meanest woman in 2008! And the Worst Dressed! GAWD how ugly was that dress! She is a hater and will prove me right in the coming months.
By Gale
December 22, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
MountainDawg: I was only referring to the deceased. However, the idea of true good depends a lot on your perspective. My admiration for someone’s accomplishments do not necessarily come from any true good I perceive from their actions. Picking one woman out of your list, Oprah, and using your measurement, I wonder if you know what she does beyond her TV show. What about the school she funds in South Africa? I would call that doing good even though it was flawed in execution.
By Bruno
December 22, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Nixon didn’t commit “warrantless wiretapping” in Watergate - when I’m talking about that, I’m referring to using the FBI to spy on its own citizens, not using an ex-con to break into an office and place bugs. talk about getting your “historical context” correct.
USinUK—If you reread my original comment, I never mentioned Watergate. Both Nixon and Johnson before him used the FBI to gather information on war protestors and other 60s “radicals” like MLK, often without any warrants. Please read a little more closely before you let the insults fly.
honey, if you want to talk about “carryover”, then how about you stick with consecutive administrations
Again, USinUK, all I’m saying is that 90% of what you disagree with about Bush happened in other administrations before him. I’m not sure why I am only allowed to mention policies from “consecutive administrations” in attempting to put the facts into a resonable historical context.
wow. and if you compare it to the Sommes, it’s nothing but a sneeze. we’re not COMPARING it to other wars - it was a war we didn’t have to fight - one that was based on half-truths and for that, we have lost more than 4,000 men and women.
And Vietnam was a war we DID have to fight???? And again, why am I all of a sudden not allowed to compare the two wars??? My main point, once again, is that the policies under Bush aren’t so different from those of other Presidents before him. Your label “WPE” HAS to be predicated upon comparisons to previous administrations in order to justify your superlative terms, but you cry foul when I attempt to make such comparisons. Care to explain??
I’m talking about scientific rulings made by the EPA that were overruled because they conflicted with Big Business.
You didn’t specify exactly which policies you were unhappy with, so I assumed you were talking about Global Warming.
wrong again. there was comprehensive sex ed during the 1980s - in fact, it’s when condom use really began to be emphasized due to the emergence of AIDS.
Please reread my comment—I said that promoting abstinence BEGAN under Reagan. I made no comments regarding “comprehensive sex-ed”.
wow. so, you’re really comparing firing FEDERAL PROSECUTORS because of their political affiliation with firing travel administrative assistants. I mean. just. wow
I’m not building my whole case on this point, just pointing out that people have been fired in the past due to their political orientation.
I second Sunshine’s BS. the difference is that Clinton never turned around and said “they’re could bomb us in 45 minutes” We didn’t need to go into Iraq - and, in fact, have made the region LESS stable due to our actions than they were before we went in.
Hmmmmm—but Clinton did see enough of a problem to enforce a “no-fly zone” over most of the country. Did you forget?? And although the region may be somewhat less stable at the moment, the long-term hope is that by planting the seeds of democracy in the Middle East, other countries may follow suit. Life is definitely better now for the vast majority of Iraqis than under Hussein (i.e. the other Hussein). Can you at least admit as much??
By Gale
December 22, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Hmmmmm—but Clinton did see enough of a problem to enforce a “no-fly zone” over most of the country. Did you forget?? And although the region may be somewhat less stable at the moment, the long-term hope is that by planting the seeds of democracy in the Middle East, other countries may follow suit. Life is definitely better now for the vast majority of Iraqis than under Hussein (i.e. the other Hussein). Can you at least admit as much??
I agree with Sunshine: Step away from the koolaid. You want to equate enforcing a no-fly zone and five years of war that we don’t see the end of? You really think life in Iraq is better for the vast majority? Now that we have destroyed their infrastructure so water and power systems are ruined, now that jobs are scarce and men must risk their lives to try to get into the Iraqi police because it is one of the few jobs available, now that women are not safe to walk the streets? Hmmm, I guess that is some trade off for Sadam. Sure, better.
By Archie
December 22, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
I side with Sunshine on her comments about Bush but I tell you I wish there was some commentary about governors because I think South Carolina has one of worst ever. My governor, Mark Sanford, is more interested in pushing his ideas,the ideas of the national republican party here and the thing is his own party members can’t stand him!!! People are being laid off and this guy won’t sign up for the loan necessary to keep paying SC citizens unemployment money. The economy really is in bad shape and playing politics when people are out of work is not the right thing to do. I feel like Mark Sanford is an ideological nut and it seems like the South always gets these extremists. Anyway that’s my vent…
The most admirable woman of 2008 would be any woman that’s doing right by her husband,children,co-workers, etc. Now that doesn’t mean she has to be perfect but someone who does most things the right way and intends to do right.
By Bruno
December 22, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
You want to equate enforcing a no-fly zone and five years of war that we don’t see the end of? You really think life in Iraq is better for the vast majority? Now that we have destroyed their infrastructure so water and power systems are ruined, now that jobs are scarce and men must risk their lives to try to get into the Iraqi police because it is one of the few jobs available, now that women are not safe to walk the streets? Hmmm, I guess that is some trade off for Sadam. Sure, better.
Gale—I’m not equating the no-fly zone with an all-out war, just stating that the intelligence reports coming out of Iraq under Clinton were troubling to the point that action was demanded. In case you didn’t notice, the war is winding down with victory in sight.
As for your assessment that life is worse for the average Iraqi now than under Hussein, I think you are dead wrong. From the reports I have heard, the infrastructure is better now than under Hussein, with more schools and hospitals open than before the war. The economy under Hussein was good enough—that is if you were a Sunni Muslim. The Shiites and Kurds didn’t do well under Hussein. As for human rights under Hussein, I don’t think I need to rehash the amount of torture and other heinous crimes perpretrated by the man. While you may think life was great under Hussein, I think you would hear a lot of other opinions from the Iraqis themselves if you would be willing to listen.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 23, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
?
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Bruno -
First of all, carryover, by definition, means that a particular policy is continuing from one administration to the next (as stated in your original post on the matter). If there was a break - in particular a 30+ YEAR break - I think the term “carryover” is a bit of a stretch.
Both Nixon and Johnson before him used the FBI to gather information on war protestors and other 60s “radicals” like MLK, often without any warrants. Please read a little more closely before you let the insults fly.
yes, the FBI had COINTELPRO in action from the 1950s-1970s - until the Church Commission started uncovering their activities to a disgusted and appalled nation. Then, the Atty Gen stepped in and created guidelines under which the FBI was to act - particularly regarding domestic spying. So, for 30+ years, those guidelines worked just fine until the Bush Administration and Atty Gen Ashcroft got their hands on them.
And Vietnam was a war we DID have to fight????
please, see SEATO. We signed a treaty - we were obliged to hold up our end of the agreement as part of the ongoing anti-communist effort. It’s not a war I’m glad we participated in, but we did it for legal reasons, nonetheless. NOT some “they tried to shoot my pa” retribution from a faux cowboy.
I said that promoting abstinence BEGAN under Reagan
not on the federal level, it didn’t. and it DEFINITELY wasn’t funded and promoted on the national level like it has been with this administration. (on, and hey, coincidentally teen pregnancies have actually INCREASED for the first time in 30 years - well done).
just pointing out that people have been fired in the past due to their political orientation
clearing house in the beginning of an administration is one thing - and is perfectly acceptable (and, speaking as a former state gov employee, it’s also totally expected). however, 6+ years into an administration and you’re firing people because they’re not party partisan enough for you??? no. that’s unacceptable and politicizes their job - in particular, who they decide to prosecute (or NOT prosecute, as was the case in one of the firings).
but Clinton did see enough of a problem to enforce a “no-fly zone” over most of the country. Did you forget??
the no-fly zone was to protect the Kurds, not because of weapons development - or did YOU forget?? right after Gulf I, the Kurds in the region were attacked by Iraq (despite the fact that Papa Bush said we’d help them rise up and unseat Saddam … and then we didn’t). THAT’S why there was a no-fly zone - (it’s the FLY part that gives it away - very little munitions are developed in the air on a fighter plane)
And although the region may be somewhat less stable at the moment, the long-term hope is that by planting the seeds of democracy in the Middle East, other countries may follow suit
wow. “somewhat less stable”??? I think you win the Understatement of the Year award. ask the fine folks of Mumbai about if they were “somewhat” attacked a few weeks ago. ask the fine folks in Istanbul and Pakistan if they were “somewhat” attacked a couple of months ago. ask the fine folks who have seen a rapid increase in piracy off the Somalian coast lately if they think things are “somewhat” more unstable.
I know Bush has the 22%-ers snowed with the “fighting them there so we don’t have to fight them here” bunch of mortadella - but all he has done is encourage them to fight us EVERYWHERE ELSE - US and UK tourists were the targets in Mumbai, business interests on the sea …
Your label “WPE” HAS to be predicated upon comparisons to previous administrations in order to justify your superlative terms, but you cry foul when I attempt to make such comparisons. Care to explain??
lastly. would you PLEASE go back and read the emmin’-effin’ Pew article I linked to in the first place (and which started this entire affair)???!!! The point was that WE aren’t the only ones saying this. It’s a large majority of people - who, incidently, also said the first word that comes to mind when it came to this administration was “Incompetant”.
now, there’s a ringing endorsement.
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Bruno -
From the reports I have heard, the infrastructure is better now than under Hussein, with more schools and hospitals open than before the war
I’m really trying not to start banging my head on the desk … but it’s an effort. I really do think the world of you, B-Dog, and I love chatting with you - but I’m starting to wonder about what you read / watch / listen to.
Failure in Iraq??? you’re soaking in it:
http://www. washingtonpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/ article/2008/12/14/AR2008121401899.html
Answering whether the program met its goals to rebuild Iraq and modernize its infrastructure, the report concludes, “Generally no.”
Nonmilitary federal staffing for the program was woefully inadequate in numbers and expertise, the report said. Oversight and central control, in Baghdad and in Washington, were deemed nearly nonexistent. Massive infrastructure projects were undertaken — usually by private contractors with cost-plus contracts — with little coordination or input from Iraqis and were sometimes abandoned because of bad planning or security concerns. The cost of some major projects increased by more than 50 percent as the growing insurgency prompted the hiring of security contractors to protect private reconstruction workers, the report said.
In one example, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad designated the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Fallujah, where U.S. Marines were battling Sunni insurgents, as a “key national reconciliation issue.” The plant, designed to serve 180,000 people, was budgeted at $32.5 million and was to be completed within 18 months. The plant finally opened more than three years later, required 45 additional contracts, cost nearly $100 million and served one-third of the targeted population.
Development in war-torn Afghanistan — where violence has increased sharply this year and where there is little infrastructure, no oil revenue, widespread government corruption, and rampant drug production and trafficking — is seen by many as even more problematic than in Iraq.
The United States has spent $32 billion on Afghan reconstruction since 2001, and the international community has contributed $25.3 billion. Obama has pledged more resources for the effort, along with an expanded military presence.
By Gale
December 23, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Bruno, I know Sadam was a bad leader. That is not reason enough for the US to blow through and destroy the country to remove him. Iraq is and was a sovreign state. Under Bush, “winning” is a very subjective word. I would not call the situation winning. I don’t think I can add anymore to the points USinUK has made.
By Mara
December 23, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
I stand by my verdict of Worst. President. Ever. Sure he may have funded AIDS treatments in Africa. Yay! What else? Anything? Disaster relief for Tsunami victims in Indonesia, earthquake relief in China, etc. Fine.
But what has he done for ME and my fellow AMERICANS? What has he done for those whose well-being is supposed to be his PRIMARY concern? Has he made us ‘safer’? Not really. Fewer imports are being inspected for quality and safety because budgets have been cut and inspectors dismissed. Fewer food inspectors, fewer safety inspectors, fewer compliance inspectors, fewer of everything. Fewer police officers, fewer fireman and fewer registered nurses. Our infrastructure is crumbling, our power grid is antiquated, and our rail system almost obsolete.
His policies have resulted in the deaths of thousands (millions if you count Afghani and Iraqi civilians), the maiming of tens of thousands more, and a leadership-acknowleged overstretch of our armed forces. Under his watch we have become weaker economically, militarily, diplomatically, and morally.
Your protestations that “Well, Clinton (or Carter, or Nixon, or who-the-he11-else) did it too!” is irrelevent. THEY didn’t bring us to this moment in history. Bush and Cheney did. THEY didn’t try to enshrine their darker deeds into law. Bush and Cheney did. THEY did not dismiss the concerns of the American electorate with a sneering “So?”. Bush and Cheney did.
I stand by my verdict. Worst. President. Ever.
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Gale -
Sadam was a bad leader. That is not reason enough for the US to blow through and destroy the country to remove him
Gah. Mugabe is worse. funny how we don’t hear any calls from the GOP to invade Zimbabwe and liberate those people …
(here’s a hint: it comes out of the ground and rhymes with “spoil” - as in spoiled rotten brat who was always bailed out of his messes)
By Gandalf, the White!
December 23, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
abstinence makes the heart grow fonder…
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
go mara! go mara! go mara!!
By Gandalf, the White!
December 23, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Nope, but UN resolutions were, we have been at war with Iraq since the first gulf war. Or do these resolutions mean nothing?
By Gale
December 23, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
USinUK, as many have said from the beginning, oil. No, no! The administration protested. WMDs. BS. And where is that oil now? Where is the oil that would allow this liberation of Iraq to pay for itself?
By Gandalf, the White!
December 23, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
History will prove Mara wrong! Everyone knows that Jimmy “Mean, mean man and BIG FAT peanut head” Carter is the worst president EVER! And Barry will prove to be 2nd in line for this title.
By Gale
December 23, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Gandalf, tell that to the teens with raging hormones and see if they believe it.
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
GtG -
Nope, but UN resolutions were, we have been at war with Iraq since the first gulf war
vanna, can I buy a verb??
sorry, G, but I’m not sure what you’re saying here.
(and, just to jog your memory, Saddam allowed UN inspectors unfettered access to the country the summer before Bush invaded)
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Gale -
Where is the oil that would allow this liberation of Iraq to pay for itself?
testify, my friend!!!
By Gale
December 23, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Saddam allowed UN inspectors I seem to remember commentary at the time that it was a major concession on his part because of how the Arab world viewed the demand. The concession made him appear weak to other Arab men, or something like that. It is another place where a career diplomat might have resolved the issue better, that or a lot better intel on the ground, neither of which were available.
By Mara
December 23, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
USinUK - go mara!
LOL! I’ve given up trying to persuade Bush supporters to acknowlege incriminating evidence on any number of subjects. It’s much easier to make the case to them that REGARDLESS of what they view as policy successes, America is NOT in a better situation than we were eight years ago. In ANY way, shape, or form. It’s something that they can’t really rebut with ideological spin or misinformation.
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Mara -
It’s much easier to make the case to them that REGARDLESS of what they view as policy successes, America is NOT in a better situation than we were eight years ago
mortadella.
all they do is use the patented TOJ method (TM) of turning it on its head and blaming the Democrats (economic meltdown? democrats. gas prices? democrats - although he’s been mighty quiet about that, lately. missing socks from the dryer? democrats.)
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
heading home early (boy, do I love Cmas week!!)
be good! stay out of trouble - I’ll check in later
By Sunshine
December 23, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Mara—I stand by my verdict of Worst. President. Ever. Sure he may have funded AIDS treatments in Africa. Yay! I stand by your statement too. What is funny to me is that Bush “legacy” (AKA the ONLY thing he has received praise for) is still based on Abstinence only Education! The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR, has a clause that 1/3 of all the money (and its a lot! He originally wanted $18 billion, NOW $30 Billion for 5 years!) go to Abstinence ONLY programs. Kinda a sly way to slip in just a little more “we will tell you what/where/ and how you do with your own bodies” legislation!
Bruno, isn’t your stance on universal health care and other programs that have broad tax payer impact “hey if it doesn’t help me why should I have to pay for it”? How would the $50 Billion for this program be something that you would think is a good thing in your “conservative” spending agenda?
By Gale
December 23, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
mortadella, you witty girl, USinUK. I thought you slipped and added something from your holiday shopping list. Buy some for me! and my mouth started watering. Then I realized that you were just commenting. Darn, now I’m hungry.
By Bruno
December 23, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
So, for 30+ years, those guidelines worked just fine until the Bush Administration and Atty Gen Ashcroft got their hands on them.
Again, USinUK, I’m going to have to remind you that the Patriot Act was passed overwhelmingly by Congress, both Republicans and Democrats alike.
NOT some “they tried to shoot my pa” retribution from a faux cowboy.
If you don’t see any legitimate reasons to remove Hussein from power, then I guess that you are entitled to your opinion. The man was literally responsible for the death of more than 1 million people (Iran-Iraq War), had already invaded another neighbor in order to steal its oil (Kuwait), attempted to build/buy nuclear weapons, killed/terrorized his own people (Shiite, Kurd), made ongoing threats against Israel, and had ruined his own economy via the UN sanctions he brought on himself by not allowing inspections of his nuclear facilities. In case you forgot, Congress voted overwhelmingly to invade Iraq, both Democrat and Republican, which made it a “legal war”.
The point was that WE aren’t the only ones saying this. It’s a large majority of people - who, incidently, also said the first word that comes to mind when it came to this administration was “Incompetant”.
Again, USinUK, Mara, and Sunshine, I’m not saying that Bush was a great President by any stretch of the imagination. At the same time, I think that his policies, good or bad, were in response to conditions which required action. I may disagree with those actions, but I give him the respect of doing what he felt was best for our country at the time (as did Congress).
By Bruno
December 23, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Bruno, isn’t your stance on universal health care and other programs that have broad tax payer impact “hey if it doesn’t help me why should I have to pay for it”? How would the $50 Billion for this program be something that you would think is a good thing in your “conservative” spending agenda?
Sunshine—You are mischaracterizing my position on the rightful place of government in our lives. I believe in individualism AMAP rather than collectivism in order to meet our basic needs/wants/desires in life. Government is necessary for common defense and to build infrastructure such as roads and schools. As for the specific initiative you mentioned, I would have reservations, because I generally feel that education should be a local matter, not a federal matter.
As a conservative, I support the causes I believe in through charitable giving, not forced taxation.
By Bruno
December 23, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
LOL! I’ve given up trying to persuade Bush supporters to acknowlege incriminating evidence on any number of subjects. It’s much easier to make the case to them that REGARDLESS of what they view as policy successes, America is NOT in a better situation than we were eight years ago. In ANY way, shape, or form. It’s something that they can’t really rebut with ideological spin or misinformation.
Mara, all I’m asking you, USinUK, Sunshine, and now Gale to consider is that there is room in this world for more than one opinion (yours). As self-professed liberals, I would think that you would welcome dissenting opinions. I’m not asking you to agree with me, just acknowledge that Bush did what he felt was best for the country, regardless of how it all worked out.
As a conservative, I’m terribly disappointed with Bush, primarily for abandoning the conservative values he espoused on the way into office. He cut taxes, which I support, but nothing to curb spending. He attempted to federalize education, which I think is a mistake. In an effort to protect us, he promoted the suspension of civil liberties guaranteed by our Constitution (with Congress’s approval). Fair enough?
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Bruno -
I’m going to have to remind you that the Patriot Act was passed overwhelmingly by Congress, both Republicans and Democrats alike
nope - Ashcroft changed the FBI guidelines all on his own - not as a part of the Patriot Act. In fact, the patriot act has nothing to do with warrantless wiretapping - which is why we had the abortion of a telecom amnesty act earlier this year (and, yes, some dems voted for it - and for that they should be ashamed). if it was “legal” under the patriot act, they would not have needed an amnesty, non?
The man was literally responsible for the death of more than 1 million people (Iran-Iraq War), had already invaded another neighbor in order to steal its oil (Kuwait), attempted to build/buy nuclear weapons, killed/terrorized his own people (Shiite, Kurd), made ongoing threats against Israel, and had ruined his own economy via the UN sanctions he brought on himself by not allowing inspections of his nuclear facilities. In case you forgot, Congress voted overwhelmingly to invade Iraq, both Democrat and Republican, which made it a “legal war”
first of all - Gulf I was in response to Kuwait - we took care of the problem then - and had reduced his capabilities to repeat the invasion.
secondly, we didn’t invade because he was a “bad man” - we invaded (and Congress passed an “any means necessary” resolution - but were encouraging diplomacy) because the President presented intel to congress that was cherry picked and said that Saddam had WMDs - DESPITE the fact that the UN inspectors hadn’t found any or any evidence of any.
thirdly - WE HELPED HIM COVER UP his attacks on his own people!!! jeeeeeeebus, how I hate the “he attacked his own people” BS - yes. he did. and you know what? we helped him fabricate the story that it was the Iranians that did it. why? because he was our back-pocket guy at the time. he was our ally when that happened, so for the administration to get all moral and righteous about it when we provided him a cover story is a load of bollocks.
lastly, so now, we are the arbitor of who is a “good leader” and who is a “bad leader” and we get to unilaterally go in and remove whomever we see fit. if THAT’s your / the GOP’s story, then, gee, I guess we should see troops heading to Zimbabwe aaaaaany day now … after all, Mugabe has attacked and killed his own people, Mugabe has quashed democracy, Mugabe is allowing his people to die from cholera …
(crickets chirping)
I may disagree with those actions, but I give him the respect of doing what he felt was best for our country at the time (as did Congress).
then, I guess it’s true what they say - the road to hell really IS paved with good intentions.
please.
everyone knew he was an idiot when he was first elected - but I remember people reassuring themselves with the popular refrain “yeah, but he’ll surround himself with good people”
so much for that idea.
his policies, good or bad, were in response to conditions which required action
no. Bruno. just. no. hiring Michael Brown was NOT in response to conditions which required action.
nominating Harriet Miers was NOT in response to conditions which required action.
nominating Abu Al for AG was NOT in response to conditions which required action.
putting politics ahead of EVERYthing (including ethics) was NOT in response to conditions which required action.
putting the nation’s safety and security in danger to out a secret agent who happened to be investigating Iran’s nuclear capabilities was NOT in response to conditions which required action.
criminey, Bruno. do something about that knee-jerk “must. defend. Bush. at. all. costs.” reaction.
By Gale
December 23, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
I see fantastic legitimate reasons to remove Hussein from power for the Iraqi people, not for a foreign power to butt in. And yes, Congress voted to invade Iraq, based on flawed and cherry-picked intel. I might add that we acted without the concensus of the world community that was certainly effected by the same criteria as we were.
You might believe that Bush was also walked along the garden path with flawed and cherry-picked intel and believed what he told Congress. I believe he chose to mislead Congress and thought the war would be a slam dunk, making him a campus hero.
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Gale -
re: mortadella
sorry I made you hungry ;-)
I was just trying to find a good alternative to “bollocks” and “baloney” and I though that would be a good one
(Mr. USinUK lalaLOVES mortadella … me, not so much … I’ll have to tell him he has a soul-mate in you!!)
By Bruno
December 23, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
criminey, Bruno. do something about that knee-jerk “must. defend. Bush. at. all. costs.” reaction.
Relax, USinUK—I’m not “defending Bush at all costs”, just trying to provide some counterpoints and alternative points of view. If you and the rest don’t want to hear alternative views, I guess that you can go back to discussing Christmas shows among yourselves. Hens! ; > }
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Bruno -
Mara, all I’m asking you, USinUK, Sunshine, and now Gale to consider is that there is room in this world for more than one opinion (yours). As self-professed liberals, I would think that you would welcome dissenting opinions. I’m not asking you to agree with me, just acknowledge that Bush did what he felt was best for the country, regardless of how it all worked out.
room in the world for more than one opinion?? of course there is. I have no problem with that.
however, room in the world for more than one set of facts??? ah. no. not so much. and that’s what you’ve been trying to present over the last day-ish - that Bush’s policies were already in place (they weren’t), that wireless wiretapping was part of the Patriot Act (it wasn’t) and that Bush was just doing what other presidents had been doing (not since the new guidelines in the 1970s), or that Iraq is soooooooooooo much better off today than it was in 2002 (god help us all)
etc etc etc.
you want to like Bush? or be mildly disappointed in him? or think he’s in the bottom 10? fine. but do it based on the facts, not the facts as you’d LIKE for them to be.
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Bdog -
before I forget - I thought of you this morning … our morning paper had a picture of a bunny born with no ears … poor little thing!! The family who owns him named him Vincent (after Van Gogh) ;-)
http://www. dailymail.co.uk/ sciencetech/article-1100030/Whats-Doc-Meet-Vincent-rabbit-born-ears.html
By Gandalf, the White!
December 23, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
I for one believe the intrests of the US of A come before the intrests of any other nation. Period. Viet Nam was a very winnable battlefield, had Johnson and his cronies demanded a surrender like what we demanded of Japan. Not going across borders to pursue enemy! Poppy c**! Destroy any enemy you can. Whatever, we are winning in Iraq, the only way we lose is if Barry gives away the farm.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 23, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
I for one believe the intrests of the US of A come before the intrests of any other nation. Period. Viet Nam was a very winnable battlefield, had Johnson and his cronies demanded a surrender like what we demanded of Japan. Not going across borders to pursue enemy! Poppy c**! Destroy any enemy you can. Whatever, we are winning in Iraq, the only way we lose is if Barry gives away the farm.
By Mara
December 23, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Bruno - I would think that you would welcome dissenting opinions. I’m not asking you to agree with me, just acknowledge that Bush did what he felt was best for the country, regardless of how it all worked out.
I do welcome your opinion even though I don’t agree with it. I have not belittled or insulted you for saying you don’t agree. I’ve simply told you why I don’t agree. These are the kind of actual, polite, respectful discussions that I look forward to having…even when I disagree with others.
That being said, I cannot “acknowlege that Bush did what he felt was best…” because I don’t believe that he gave the interests or the well-being of the country that much thought. I think the majority of his choices were based on what his “gut” told him, not from sober reflection of what the country needed.
But I still respect your right to hold a different opinion.
By Mara
December 23, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Gale - I believe he chose to mislead Congress and thought the war would be a slam dunk, making him a campus hero
yup. Me, too. IMO, he governed like a frat boy…help your friends, bait your enemies, and bully everyone else.
By USinUK
December 23, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Mara -
yup. Me, too. IMO, he governed like a frat boy…help your friends, bait your enemies, and bully everyone else.
dang, girl … today you are on FIYAH!!
By Bruno
December 23, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
I do welcome your opinion even though I don’t agree with it. I have not belittled or insulted you for saying you don’t agree. I’ve simply told you why I don’t agree. These are the kind of actual, polite, respectful discussions that I look forward to having…even when I disagree with others.
Mara—I greatly appreciate your level-headedness and all-around politeness in our blog discussions whether we agree or disagree.
BTW, I passed along the news of the passing of Majel Barrett-Roddenberry to my friend who is a Star Trek/SciFi lover. He was very curious to know if you are a fan of either H.P. Lovecraft or Philip K. Dick. Many, many movies and TV shows were based on their writings.
You sound like you would fit in well at Dragon*Con……Any chance you dress up like Princess Lea for your hubby?? ; > }
By Mara
December 23, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
USinUK - today you are on FIYAH!!
LOL! Well, I won’t be posting again til Monday so I thought I should use some of my best material :^)
anyhow, all my blog buddies…I’m outtie til Monday. Have and enjoyable (late) Solstice, Happy Christmas, Merry Kwanzaa, Joyous Hanukkah, Cathartic Festivus and all that jazz. Hugs for everyone and warmest wishes for a happy, happy celebration.
Blessed be.
By Gale
December 23, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Gandalf: the intrests of the US of A come before the intrests of any other nation.
I agree. What is our interest in Iraq? Oil? Let’s be up front and say so instead of dancing around claiming to liberate the people so they can be a democratic society.
I think a democratic society is a good thing. It is also a very difficult thing and requires a lot of work and compromise. That is difficult to do when the country is in a religious and political civil war, and economic chaos. Yes, there is some recent progress. But there is still a serious quagmire of politics over there; in Iraq and the entire Middle East. There are serious issues for the peoples of the region to reconcile. The only reason we (the US) care is oil and trade. Oh, and we don’t want a nuclear solution to make it impossible to get at all that oil. If the various governments were all stable and sane monarchies, I doubt we would pay any attention. Most monarchies today have a large portion of democratic rule. We need to stop trying to impose the USA’s version of a democratic society on other cultures.
By Bruno
December 23, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
As bleak as things seem economically, I actually see some reasons for optimism heading into Obama’s administration. The low gas prices should help everyone—A few days ago I filled up for $1.39. Consumer prices in general are falling, automobiles and houses are at bargain prices for those who have good credit. I saw an article a few days ago which stated that Americans have reduced their debt ratio for the first time in more than 30 years. I hope that I’m not whistling past the grave yard, but it seems like the gourndwork is in place for a strong economic recovery. I don’t believe that it will take several years to rebound as has been predicted.
By Gale
December 23, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Bruno, I don’t know about Mara, but I scared myself so much reading H P Lovecraft one night that I vowed never to touch his books after dard again! ::shudder::
By Bruno
December 23, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
What is our interest in Iraq? Oil? Let’s be up front and say so instead of dancing around claiming to liberate the people so they can be a democratic society.
Gale—I don’t know of anyone who discounts the economic importance of Iraq due to its oil reserves. Unfortunately, Saddam Hussein had created a situation in which the oil wasn’t flowing which was hurting everyone, most of all the Iraqi people. From my POV, we killed two birds with one stone by deposing him. Every war is ultimately based on economics, though I see the renewed hope for a better life for the Iraqis as a wonderful bonus.
By Gale
December 23, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
uh, dark that is. Not dard. That is how scared his writting made me.
By Bruno
December 23, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Bruno, I don’t know about Mara, but I scared myself so much reading H P Lovecraft one night that I vowed never to touch his books after dard again! ::shudder::
LOL. As much as I am interested in science itself, I never have been much of a Sci-Fi fan. When you get deep into Einsteinian Relativity, truth becomes stranger than fiction.
I also would like to compliment you on your level-headedness and willingness to hear other POVs while blogging, Gale.
Happy holidays for all. Am I the only one working tomorrow??
By Gale
December 23, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks Bruno. I think most of the posters listen to other POVs. It is just that sometimes we strongly disagree. I’m working tomorrow, but not Friday.
I tried to understand quantum theory once. Very strange. Have you ever read Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently; Holistic Detective? There is a point where he explains quantum reality. I was on a train ride and my friends wouldn’t sit with me because I was laughing so hard. I tried to explain the joke and they found that even stranger.
By Bruno
December 23, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Have you ever read Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently; Holistic Detective?
No, sorry.
I’m working tomorrow, but not Friday.
Merry, merry to you and yours.
Well, back to work. The parperwork seems to never end.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 23, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Think of it as Crusade against Islam then! That is what they think it is. Be careful what you wish for… Nuclear Winter! will that make algore happy or ssd? He’s such an donkey nut licker!
By Frustrated
December 23, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Merry Christmas to All and to allllllllll….a fantastic feast and wonderful family gatherings!
Cheers to dancing around like a goon to Charlie Brown music:)
By Gale
December 24, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Interesting read in today’s nytimes (and I hope the ajc doesn’t decide to shut us down again for plugging a different source.)
http://www. nytimes.com/2008/12/24/opinion/24 friedman.html
By USinUK
December 24, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Before I go into a baking / cooking / wrapping frenzy, I wanted to wish everyone a VERY merry Christmas (or whatever your chosen holiday is). My wish for all of you is that the holidays bring you peace, happiness, laughter and hope.
HUGS all around! See you on Monday :-)
By Gandalf, the White!
December 24, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Peace is highly overrated, just ask Chamberlain. I wish you Justice, and Righteousness on this festive day. EXPAT make sure and watch RAMADMAADINGDONG on Channel 4 tomorrow! HEHE Them Brits! They kill me! Most of Monte Python is based on reality in the UK! hehe
By Mrs. Gandalf
December 25, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Santa is a pervert and a liar.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 26, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
whoever wrote as Mrs. Gandalf is a slime ball and I hope they die a horrible death in front of thier loved ones. Merry Christmas!
By qxdaosvw rgkxof
December 26, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
ftgm qovs fxnhgiabl bnwudsf rmde wmjqtbplz yhqml
By NICK
December 26, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
S A R A H P A L I N !!!!
By JokesOn
December 28, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Seeing as she was mentioned and just passed.
I Eartha Kitt is my choice. She was an inspiration to all and broke all the rules of what a black female should be capable of doing.
She will be dearly missed.
Apres mois, my dears.
And remember, even beans do it!
By Penisa
December 28, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
outgoing influence buddy. trust to get more from your side :)
By Gale
December 29, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Good morning all. I hope Santa was good to everyone. He forgot to whisper my lottery numbers in the machine’s ear. But other than that, I had a great time.
There was mention of a Good Riddence Day in NYC. Great idea. I want to Good Riddence the memory of Bernie Maddoff.
By USinUK
December 29, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
In honor of the late, VERY great Eartha Kitt:
I’ve posed for pictures with Iv’ry Soap / I’ve petted stray dogs, and shied clear of dope / and I never mope / My smile is brilliant, my glance is tender / But I’m noted most for my unspoiled gender
I’ve been named Miss Perseverance year after year, / And I’m the person to whom they say, “Your sweet, My Dear.” / The only etchings I’ve seen have been behind glass, / And the closest I’ve been to a bar, is at ballet class.
Prim and proper, the girl who’s never been cased, / I’m tired of being pure and not chased. / Like something that seeks it’s level I wanna go to the devil.
Refrain I wanna be evil, I wanna spit tacks / I wanna be evil, and cheat at jacks / I wanna be wicked, I wanna tell lies / I wanna be mean, and throw mud pies
I want to wake up in the morning / with that dark brown taste / I want to see some dissipation in my face / I wanna be evil, I wanna be mad / But more that that I wanna be bad
I wanna be evil, and trump an ace, / Just to see my partner’s face. / I wanna be nasty, I wanna be cruel / I wanna be daring, I wanna shoot pool
And in the theatre / I want to change my seat / Just so I can step on Everybody’s feet
I wanna be evil, I wanna hurt flies / I wanna sing songs like the guy who cries / I wanna be horrid, I want to be horrid, I want to make news / And whatever I’ve got I’m eager to lose
I wanna be evil, little evil me / Just as mean and evil as I can be
(there’s a great cover version of the song in the movie Kinky Boots, by the way)
rest well, Eartha, ya done good.
By USinUK
December 29, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Gale -
my good riddance day won’t happen until Jan 20th …
By Mara
December 29, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Hey y’all! Hope your holidays were nice.
USinUK - Eartha Kitt, one of the greatest of Catwomen, just behind Julie Newmar. And that voice?! Oh, my….
Gale, Bruno - Never read Lovecraft. I’ve always associated him more with horror fiction (which I sometimes read, but don’t really enjoy)than sci-fi/fantasy. I started out on Asimov and Heinlein, got sucked into the fantasy side by Gary Gygax, and fell in love with Tolkein in the seventh grade. Which brings me to my current preoccupation with Lackey, LeGuin, McCaffrey, Jordan (will the WoT be completed by his estate or through some sort of fan-based story generation?) and now Paolin (got Brisingr for x-mas!). The last “hard” sci-fi book I read was Hawking’s “A Brief History of Time”. It was interesting, but not riveting…if you know what i mean.
By Mara
December 29, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Did any of you watch the New Orleans Bowl this weekend? Deandre Brown snapped his shin like kindling wood. He was running, running, running, and snap…one of the nastiest things I ever saw, right up there with the Eight Belles tragedy.
By Gale
December 29, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Mara, ever read C J Cherryh ? Try the Foreigner series. It’s a fabulous (IMO) first contact saga. I steer clear of most male sci-fi writers because they always want to tell me how everything works. I don’t really care how FTL works. If it isn’t important to the story, it is just wasting paper for me.
By Mara
December 29, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Gale - ever read C J Cherryh?
The name sounds familiar but I know I don’t have any of her works in my own library but next time I’m at the public library I’ll take a look-see at some of her books. My recommend to you, Margaret Weiss’ ‘Star of the Guardians’ series. A nice mixture of relgious mythology, space travel, and genetically-engineered ‘magical’ abilities.
I steer clear of most male sci-fi writers because they always want to tell me how everything works.
LOL! I hear ya, sister! If the engineering/science is important to the story, (like if the FTL gives out and the hero/heroine needs to jerry-rig it to get out of a tight situation) sure…tell me all about it. But if the whole point of describing the inner workings of the FTL is because the author is fascinated by it, maybe the editor should pick up the red pen…
By Snappy
December 29, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
one of the nastiest things I ever saw
I read that real quick and thought it was One of the snappiest things……
By Gale
December 29, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
I read the “snap” comment and thought ugh!
Weiss is a writer I have often seen but never picked up. If I remember, there are plenty of titles. Same with Cherryh. OF course, if I read the synopsis and there is some mention of ‘finally finding her true love…’ I toss it back on the shelf. I hate romance that is mascarading as sci-fi or mystery.
By Bruno
December 29, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
I started out on Asimov and Heinlein, got sucked into the fantasy side by Gary Gygax, and fell in love with Tolkein in the seventh grade.
It sounds like you would fit in well at Dragon*Con, Mara. I went for the first time last year and enjoyed looking at all the crazy costumes. While riding the elevator, a discussion broke out about Harry Potter. When I announced that I hadn’t read the books or seen the movies, everyone looked at me like I was some kind of freak.
By Gale
December 29, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
DragonCon was a lot more fun when it was a comic con, with the focus on writers and artists. They spend too much money on media personalities now. Consequently, the cost is too high for what it is.
By Bruno
December 29, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Well, it looks like no consensus was reached regarding the “Woman of the Year”. I liked Jack’s nomination of Benazir Bhutto, but since she was assassinated in 2007, perhaps she doesn’t qualify for WOTY for 2008. I guess I’m going to give my vote to the Afghani girl mentioned by Mara. All of the other nominees were being compensated to do what they did.
By Mara
December 29, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
When I announced that I hadn’t read the books or seen the movies, everyone looked at me like I was some kind of freak.
Egad! I didn’t know there were any of you left in the world!! ROTFLMAO!!!
I used to do the ‘Con thing’ for a while but everybody started taking it all so seriously that I had to just let it go. I love the books and the art, but that’s as far as it goes these days.
<< hugs >> I’m outtie.
By Frustrated
December 29, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Hello all!!
Soooooooo… what did Santa bring everyone? Brand new cars, clothes, unwanted nick nacks…..coal?!?!?!?!?!?
By Gale
December 30, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Hey Frustrated. Quiet around here, isn’t it. Well I got some new games. My partner and I spent some good time playing Mario Cart on our Wii. How about you? Fun stuff?
By Frustrated
December 30, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Hi Gale!!!
Yes, it is very quiet… How fun, I was just telling my hubby that we should get the Wii, I have heard rave reviews about it.
As for me, I received a greeeeeaaaaaaatttttt photoshop software. I think it is called Photo Impact. I can’t wait to start playing around with it. I really want a new SLR camera, they take amazing pictures and I would love to start taking decent pictures of the little one….but those are on the pricey side….so I have to wait a while for that.
I have to say, this year was the best Christmas I have had in years. We had to tell some people no this year and for once in my life, I wasn’t rushed around and watching the clock.
By Gale
December 30, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Frustrated, My partner is a camera buff. I know you will have fun with the software, even with just a regular digital camera. The DSLRs are pricey and really beyond normal folks like me, skill-wise. I only want point and click. I will say one thing. You need shutter speed and capture speed to keep up with fast moving children; and anti-shake. Often we leave the SLR home and take the snap cameras for the kids. They won’t stay still while you set your shot. The new software will let you focus on the good parts of a shot. One more thing, for folks like me that take snaps, the high megapixel ratings are not important. I won’t be blowing the shot up to print. What shows on my computer monitor doesn’t need that many pixels anyway. They won’t be used. Probably we could get TOJ to chime in on this subject. But I don’t know if he works with still or only vidio.
By Gale
December 30, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Oh, and best Christmas, Frustrated? A small child is a perfect reason to stay home and let other folks come to you.
By USinUK
December 30, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Hey Gale! Hey Frustrated!!
weighing in on cameras: I have a simple PHD camera (push here, dummy) - while it’s great on vacation (I have some killer pics from Venice), it’s absolutely rubbish trying to catch my little nieces. yes, on occasion, they stand still, but those are rarely the pics you’re trying to get. my BIL has a DSLR and he has caught some great moments with the girls.
wait if you must, but where little kids are concerned, the DSLR seems worth their weight in gold.
as far as megapixels go - I like having the option of tinkering around and/or blowing up my pics, so I go for the higher res - but that’s just me, YMMV.
oh, and Santa was WAY good to me this year - I got a bright red (I’m talking “hey sailor, new in town?” bright red) KitchenAid standing mixer and 4 - count ‘em - FOUR - cookbooks. :-) talk about the gift that will keep on giving!!!
By Gandalf, the White!
December 30, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
We adopted a family, so most of my gift money went to their kids. Got a new DVD player and a Clive Cussler Book!
By USinUK
December 30, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
HEY GTG!!!
well done on the adopted family - seriously.
is everyone having a nice, quite week leading up to the new year??
anyone have good new year resolutions? I haven’t come up with mine, yet.
By Gale
December 30, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t count on every DSLR handling fast moving kids. Pay close attention to the specs when buying. In my partner’s case, she is more interested in still shots, so her spec search focussed on those numbers. If you like to tinker with the photos, then you are right and more is better. My partner only shoots raw format so I cannot even slap a card in my computer to review the shots. She has to reformat them before I can see them. If I don’t stand over her, she deletes a lot of shots I would keep.
From what you’ve said, USinUK, the mixer is definitely worth the price for you. I bet hubby (or whoever) is planning to get lots of benefit from your enjoyment.
By Frustrated
December 30, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Thank guys!!! I was looking into the Nikon D60, but they are out of my budget range right now. I really want to do a lot with the camera….even to the point of taking some classes. Photographers are expensive and I figure if I could atleast get 1 good shot out of 20, then it would be worth my money to take my own pictures of little bit. And other than the baby, I LOVE natural shots…So I could most definitely start a hobby with taking pics of old barns, cool flowers, anything in nature… Ugh, it makes me want one that much more….sheesh.
And I always have a HUGE picture of something in my living room. Of course right now it is a 16x20 of the baby, so I need more pixel…
Thank you so much for all the advice and if anyone else out there knows of a good deal or any tid bits, please help.
And GTG, way to go!!
By Gale
December 30, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Yes, Frustrated, you need more pixels. The D60 is a very popular camera. We have a different one (the DSLR) that was chosen on specs, but also because the body is a bit smaller and my one and only has small hands. I don’t remember what it is. By all means, try before buying. There are some really good, older cameras around, some used. Lots of hobby photographers must have the latest and greatest, so their old cameras can be had for a song (relatively speaking). The other thing to keep in mind is all that stuff you already carry around with your little one. When we are out taking photos, I get to be the sherpa while she takes pictures. I prefer the cameras (two) that fit in our pockets for just in case there is a picture. Can’t do that with the SLR.
But meanwhile, have lots of fun with the photo software. Shoot lots of photos of the same shot. Don’t be afraid to trash the ones that don’t make muster.
By RF
December 30, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Good to hear everyone had a great Christmas. I don’t even want to consider how much I spent, but I did shop well and managed to buy a lot for a buck, so my two ankle-biters are exceedingly happy!
Higher megapixels are better, but I have found that a lot of the supposedly top of the line cameras can be difficult to work with. I like my little pocket job HP. I like being able to quickly grab it and snap the pic fast. The best thing is being able to trash pics and keep for printing only what I know will be good. I even used some of our pics for presents (mugs, t-shirts, etc.). Those make great grandparent presents!
By USinUK
December 31, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Frustrated -
Gale hit on an excellent point … check EBay and CraigsList to see what you can find secondhand (I’m sure there will be post-Yule bargains to be had)
Happy New Year, everyone!!! much love … big hugs … cup of good cheer …
see all ya’ll in 2009!!! :-D
By Gale
December 31, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
My New Year’s resolution is: I will start getting ready for bed at 8:30pm on work nights. I think if I get more sleep, everything else will fall into place.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 31, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Did everyone get a good laugh at the expense of Cynthia Mckinney? TALK ABOUT YOUR Prototypical [Dum bass!!!!] Play with the bull expect to get the horn girly! If I was the commander of that vessel, you would have found the Dignity at the bottom of the Med. Free Gaza? How ridiculous! They took the worlds most advanced farming system which was given to them by them Jews and destroyed everything. Hateful people, they should all move to Iran! Didn’t thier terrorist leader get the same peace prize that ALGORE and Jimmy “the worst president ever” Carter get? HEHE It should be the NOBEL “I HATE AMERICA” Prize!
By Gandalf, the White!
December 31, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
CAMERA FACTS: ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL MORE MEGAPIXELS ARE BETTER…that being said, some megapixels are better than others. Read lots and lots of reviews before you buy. Caveat Emptor!
By Gale
December 31, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Gandalf, McKinney is among many who think they know better than our State Dept how to interact with countries in a state of war. GTG, you have a perfect name for her today. I have to agree that that particular Nobel Peace Prize threw all the Peace prizes in the trash and made them meaningless.
By Gale
December 31, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
some megapixels are better than others
Very true, Gandalf. My partner has told me more than I will ever retain about noise reduction and things like that. Noise reduction in a photo? I will never know why they call it that. I can’t see it in my snaps, but I rarely print larger than 5x7 and I don’t tinker with the file.
By Bruno
December 31, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Howdy, Gale and Gandalf—Looks like we’re down to the “skeleton crew” today.
I may be going out on a limb, but I have a feeling that 2009 will be a better year for most of us than 2008 was.
By Bruno
December 31, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Faithful—If you look in today, I would like to recommend the Nikon camera for you, whichever model you choose. I purchased a D50 in April, and have been extremely pleased with it, both in terms of picture quality and ease of use. You can choose the point-and-shoot option, or can tweak things via an easy-to-use menu. One other selling point is the way it fits in your hand: the casing is solid and well-designed ergonomically. Finally, Nikon has unsurpassed tech support. I had to call in twice, and was connected to a knowledgeable, English-speaking tech person within seconds.
By Gale
December 31, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
So, Bruno, got a resolutionfor the new year?
By Bruno
December 31, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
So, Bruno, got a resolution for the new year?
Honestly, Gale, I’m just trying to survive right now, so don’t have any profound resolutions beyond that. Like most people, past New Year’s resolutions have never lasted very long for me. When I have been able to make profound changes in my life, it was usually done with quiet resolve rather than a lot of fanfare involving public (or even private) resolutions.
How about you?
By Bruno
December 31, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Did everyone get a good laugh at the expense of Cynthia Mckinney?
It does seem that some people can’t live without a spotlight on them at all times. Like Jesse Jackson before her, I thought that Cynthia was out of line by interfering in international matters without State Department approval.
They took the worlds most advanced farming system which was given to them by them Jews and destroyed everything.
Frankly, I have difficulty feeling sorry for the “plight” of the Palestinian peoples. It seems that the rest of the Arab world has been more than happy to use them as political pawns rather than assisting them in setting up a productive society. The fact that they have remained “refugees” for more than 60 years is just plain ridiculous.
By Gandalf, the White!
December 31, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Faithful, hard to go wrong with a NIKON! They are the best of the best. For all you camera buffs out there, I had a Canon AE1 Program with a couple grand worth of lenses back in the 80’s. Always wanted a Nikon back then but couldn’t afford it. I got some great pics of Europe for the Cold War days!
By Gandalf, the White!
December 31, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
I resolve to be more tolerant of all the DUM BASSES I meet each and every day, maybe even attempt to help the useless scum that won’t listen in the first place… :-)…oops, I mean the poor ignorant masses. (I say ignorant instead of stupid here, I know the difference, and a less tolerant version, (Gandalf, the Gray) would have used (D*******!) To be closer to my family and friends, to learn the secrets of the Kamra Sutra (getting old, stamina isn’t what it used to be, to drink more, laugh more….
By Gale
December 31, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
My resolution is not so dramatic as a profound change. I am just planning to get myself to bed earlier and get more sleep.
Regarding Palestine, the whole area appears to be a cluster-f. Personally, and in my not politically correct and certainly not well informed opinion, it was wrong of the international community to carve out a territory and hand it over to Israel, who now seems bent on increasing their territory. So, should Palestine be a separate state? I don’t know. Have they grown to be a rebelious child that a parent state would not allow to return home even if they asked for it? Not that they would because they are bent on independence whether it is in their best interest or not.
By Gale
December 31, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
oddly upbeat, Gandalf. Cheers!
By Bruno
December 31, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
it was wrong of the international community to carve out a territory and hand it over to Israel, who now seems bent on increasing their territory.
I’m not sure that the situation is as simple as your characterization, Gale. The Jews had been purchasing land in what we now call Israel since the late 1800s. “Palestine” was never an official country, but simply an “area”, mostly wasteland before the arrival of the Jews. The Palestinians now in exile all voluntarily left when Israel was attacked by a conglomerate of its Arab neighbors in the 1940s. The ones who stayed behind still enjoy all the rights of citizenship within Israel.
The craziest part is that the Israeli government agreed to 97% of the demands by the Palestinians while Clinton was President, but the Palestinians turned the deal down cold. Personally, I think that Arafat didn’t want peace—he was making too good of a living waging war on the Israelis.
By Bruno
December 31, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Many Arabs still cling to the argument that the formation of Israel via international decree was illegal/immoral and thus not deserving of their respect, but it certainly wasn’t without precedent. After nearly every major war in history, boundary lines are redrawn with new countries coming into existence. The Brits had already carved the Middle East up into “new” countries at the end of WWI, intentionally drawing the lines in a way to guarantee infighting between the various “tribes”.
By Gale
December 31, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
You are likely right, Bruno. My view of that culture is that once you have set your path, nothing will alter it.
However, buying land inside a foreign country does not give you the right to set up your own sovereign state inside that country. As I understand it, foreigners buy American land. I think we would take it very badly if the World court decided they could be a separate country inside American borders.
By Gale
December 31, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
The Brits had already carved the Middle East up into “new” countries at the end of WWI, intentionally drawing the lines in a way to guarantee infighting between the various “tribes”.
conjecture or fact?
By Bruno
December 31, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
conjecture or fact?
I don’t have time to post any links, but Iraq was one of the “new” countries created by the Brits following WWI, who knew that the Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds would never get along.
Gotta return to work, will try to poke my head in later.
By Gale
December 31, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I don’t need facts, Bruno. I was just curious If I get more than mildly curious, I’ll hunt up the history. I’m about to leave for the day. Happy New year to all.
By jovan
December 31, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
The most admirable woman of 2008? Private Practice star Kate Walsh, for her campaigning for our President-elect.
By Gandalf, the White!
January 2, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this
Kate Walsh? ???? ????? WTF?
By Gale
January 2, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this
I realize the column often gets aimed at women, but I tried to consider 2008’s most admirable man. I find I am having the same problem as I did with women. My thoughts jump to Obama as the most visable even though I don’t admire him. And lately, I actually think he may be a common product of Chicago politics.
There are certainly notables in the Finance world where sinners and heros seem to abound in their near-sighted or ultra-farsighted manner, never seeming to see the now. In finance, I would have to pick Buffet again, for his calm assurance that this too will pass and the market is resiliant. Obama should listen to him and not be so eager to have government step in to save us. They usually do a poor job of it.
Military? Gen Petraus was the turnaround guy turning a complete hash into something that might be recoverable.
By Bruno
January 2, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this
I realize the column often gets aimed at women, but I tried to consider 2008’s most admirable man.
Thanks for the consideration, Gale. Some of the women posters have tried to claim that this is a “ladies-only” forum in the past. I don’t make an issue of it since my guess would be that women are under-represented in the media.
I actually think he may be a common product of Chicago politics.
Though I find Obama to be likeable in a personal way, deep down inside I’m not sure that I trust him, given his history as a Chicago politician.
Obama should listen to him and not be so eager to have government step in to save us. They usually do a poor job of it.
Gale, you’re singing my song.
Military? Gen Petraus was the turnaround guy turning a complete hash into something that might be recoverable.
Though the costs have been high (too high in most people’s opinions), I still have hope for the Iraqis that they can build a much better society than the one they lived with under Saddam. For some reason, all the Libs seem to cynically dismiss this possibility as if it were completely unimportant.
By Frustrated
January 2, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
Jovan-
Kate Walsh is your most admirable woman of 2008? And it is based only on her campaigning for Obama??? Are you kidding me? How old are you, 13?
I can’t believe that I read your comment first….now my day of blogging is off to a bad start.
Would that make Matt Damon your most admirable man of 2008?
Cheezum Crow………….
By Bruno
January 2, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that I read your comment first….now my day of blogging is off to a bad start.
Don’t sweat it, Faithful. If I’ve learned one thing from blogging, it’s this: You have to let most of the one-time comments go without responding—it’s not worth getting upset about. A recent example for me were all the ridiculous comments made following the shoe-throwing incident in Iraq. Regardless of a person’s feelings toward Bush, I thought it was inappropriate to cheer on a physical assault directed toward the Prez. As much as I disliked Clinton, I never wished physical harm toward him.
By Gandalf, the White!
January 2, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this
CHA-CHA-CHANGE, CHANGE OF FOOLS… :-) Now that’s my song! This whole topic is stupid, imho.
By Bruno
January 2, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
New topic board is open.