Thinking Right

By Jim's a Distractor

February 19, 2007 08:26 AM | Link to this

Hi Jim,

So do you think that when Newt announces, he’ll be using this platform? It worked pretty well last time. Heck, with the slimy Democrats back in power, he can start hyping the “cycle of scandal and disgrace” again.

REPUBLICAN CONTRACT WITH AMERICA

As Republican Members of the House of Representatives and as citizens seeking to join that body we propose not just to change its policies, but even more important, to restore the bonds of trust between the people and their elected representatives. That is why, in this era of official evasion and posturing, we offer instead a detailed agenda for national renewal, a written commitment with no fine print.

This year’s election offers the chance, after four decades of one-party control, to bring to the House a new majority that will transform the way Congress works. That historic change would be the end of government that is too big, too intrusive, and too easy with the public’s money. It can be the beginning of a Congress that respects the values and shares the faith of the American family.

Like Lincoln, our first Republican president, we intend to act “with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right.” To restore accountability to Congress. To end its cycle of scandal and disgrace. To make us all proud again of the way free people govern themselves.

On the first day of the 104th Congress, the new Republican majority will immediately pass the following major reforms, aimed at restoring the faith and trust of the American people in their government:

FIRST, require all laws that apply to the rest of the country also apply equally to the Congress;

SECOND, select a major, independent auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of Congress for waste, fraud or abuse;

THIRD, cut the number of House committees, and cut committee staff by one-third;

FOURTH, limit the terms of all committee chairs;

FIFTH, ban the casting of proxy votes in committee;

SIXTH, require committee meetings to be open to the public;

SEVENTH, require a three-fifths majority vote to pass a tax increase;

EIGHTH, guarantee an honest accounting of our Federal Budget by implementing zero base-line budgeting.

Thereafter, within the first 100 days of the 104th Congress, we shall bring to the House Floor the following bills, each to be given full and open debate, each to be given a clear and fair vote and each to be immediately available this day for public inspection and scrutiny.

Further, we will instruct the House Budget Committee to report to the floor and we will work to enact additional budget savings, beyond the budget cuts specifically included in the legislation described above, to ensure that the Federal budget deficit will be less than it would have been without the enactment of these bills.

Respecting the judgment of our fellow citizens as we seek their mandate for reform, we hereby pledge our names to this Contract with America.

By Jim's a Distractor

February 19, 2007 08:29 AM | Link to this

Hi again Jim,

Don’t you fear that you’ll incur the wrath of the “dog owners of America” and their powerful lobby by asking for restrictions on the rights of citizens to own and bear dogs?

They’ve been quite over the years, but I’d be careful about stirring them up. You know what they say about letting a sleeping … well you know.

By Jeff

February 19, 2007 08:40 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten,

We’re 3/5 today, with one disagreement and one that I’m waiting for future developments on.

The Three: William Jefferson, Local training on deportation, Advocacy groups on taxpayers’ tab

The Disagreement: Pit bulls. Banning them in any way is another government REDUCTION in individual freedom that ENHANCES the scope of government, not reduces it.

The No Vote: Newt. Wait and see is a GREAT approach with him at this point.

By jbmlaw

February 19, 2007 09:00 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. I must be cranky today, I disagree with most of Jim’s writings. I can understand Ms. Pelosi’s theory in appointing a crook to homeland security, an “it takes a thief” rationale.

I am with the critics on compelling enforcement (of the foolish immigration laws) by our local gendarmes. That is the same foolish calculus that has given us the drug-law mess that causes more death and injury than is caused by the drugs themselves.

One of our four dogs is a pit-mix, and he is our second one. We traveled 800 miles with him this weekend, and had a great time. He whines when he sees someone/thing he wants to play with him. He does not understand why our kitty-cat will not roughhouse with him. While there are evil people who abuse their animals to make them mean, the dogs themselves are loving and loyal creatures, excellent potential republicans like me.

I agree with Jim’s thoughts on Mr. Newt – the best mind on the political scene. I wish we had 30 more like him.

By Steven Daedalus

February 19, 2007 09:05 AM | Link to this

So dogs should be barred, but guns who kill thousands more children than dogs, are every one’s right, and where were the parents of the two year old kid who was wondering around alone? Put the responsiblilty where it belongs, not on two dumb animals.

By abc

February 19, 2007 09:08 AM | Link to this

Item: DUI is not a felony.

Anyone who would vote for Newt is an idiot.

Jefferson should be drummed out, not appointed to any committees. It goes to show that NOLA is screwed, folks voting for crooks like that… poor Nawlins, it’s never to come back.

By Czar

February 19, 2007 09:21 AM | Link to this

Bush’s plan for success in Iraq could cross the finish line upside down and on fire and in 17th place.

17th place is not losing.

The signs of a new era in America are all around us. We respect pitbulls, (forget their meals), and we respect Newt, (forget his deals).

Success In Iraq can mean no iraq, or three iraqs, or a contained, unending civil war, (status quo for 10K years, btw), or a nuclear wasteland, or fill in the blank with jibberish.

By Van

February 19, 2007 09:44 AM | Link to this

With the House vote last Friday for a no-way-we-can-win in Iraq and a vote of confidence for the terrorists in Iraq, we may need someone like Newt as Secretary of State.

Tennessee has had similar problems with Pit Bulls. The city of Memphis has a violent dog ordinance that is not breed specific. It isn’t very tough, but it is initiated at the right level of politics, the city level.

Is there any reason that U.S. Rep. William Jefferson (D-New Orleans) has not been charged and tried yet? If he has committed a crime, let justice be swift.

Local law-enforcement officials and illegals. About time the local law enforcement folks got involved. This will give them another tool to get criminals off the streets. In some cases, back to their home country.

By Dennis

February 19, 2007 09:46 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten said, “Jefferson couldn’t be trusted to serve on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee after the FBI found $90,000 in cash in his home freezer, “so why should he be given access to our nation’s top secrets” or make national defense policy?”

Considering all of the “exposed” corruption within the Bush/Republican party, “Jefferson” isn’t much of an excuse to shoot at Pelosi. Given the alrfeady blunders of Homeland Security, Jefferson can’t do too much more harm there.

And the “no bid contracts” going to all sorts of Republican cronies and the corporations they run are not worth mentioning? But that would take up too much of Mr. Wooten’s column.

“Newt”. Newt is a joke, and anyone who still hangs onto his every word or promotes his brand of “wisdon” isn’t intelligent enough to vote. In fact, those who would vote for him, under the rules set by Mr. Wooten, et. al, would be prime candidates for the supposedly “will inprove education” charter schools Mr. Wooten touts.

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By RJ

February 19, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

U.S. Rep. William Jefferson’s re-election under a cloud is akin to Sonny Perdue’s re-election under a cloud of questionable land deals and apparant customized tax break. I have read the fact based complaint against Perdue and it is quite compelling. The difference between the Republicans and Democrats in this area is that the Republicans are more bodacious in protecting their own.

In an effort to keep my comments relevant to the subject I shall wait for your posting on the Perdue matter before I make any further comments. My obvious obvious aim is to make a comparison.

By Redneck Convert

February 19, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Me and my buddy Jim Earl was talking during a NASCAR break yesterday about how Wooten could get canned at the AJC, and wouldn’t it be a pity, the only conservative there and he gets put out to pastor.

Anyway, I’m with Wooten on old Newt. He would be a good one. If he didn’t get along with Congress, he could just serve them with divorce papers. He’s got lots of x-perience with that. Family values, you know.

I’m against any of this stuff about rapid transit. It just brings Those People up my way. If they don’t own a pickup truck let them walk where they are going. That will keep them in Atlanta along with the other libruls.

I don’t know where that fellow gets off throwing off on people that want to carry guns with them. I will say it again. Anybody should carry a gun in their truck if the GA 400 toll booths sell ammo for reloading. That way I can blast away at a car with a Kerry sticker and a peace sign on it. Its our God-given right to pertect ourself from folk like that. And leave our pit bulls alone. They pertect us from libruls too. Sure, once in a while they get mixed up and gnaw on a kid or two, but they get it right most of the time.

Well, the Baptists about cleaned out the stock at the bars I deliver to, so I got a busy day ahead. Anyway, Wooten, if you wind up getting canned, I think I can get you on loading beer trucks at our warehouse. Just let me know if I need to put in a good word.

By C Mason

February 19, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Pit bulls are the best breed of dog that I myself have ever owned. The same thing is said by many people I know about their pit bulls. People should learn how to train and treat their pets. Equating a pit bull to a AK-47 is pretty much ridiculous. But maybe that was the message you were aiming for?

By Caroline

February 19, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

I agree with banning pitbulls. In October 2005, my church member and a child were attacked on the grounds of our church when a pitbull in a neighboring yard jumped the fence. The owner was never remorseful about the attack, nor did he ever apologize. These dogs are dangerous and when owned by dangersous owners, they’re lethal.

By JP

February 19, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Wooten gets one right—Jefferson. The locals there re-elected two buffoons, Ray Nagin (the “business” candidate) and Dollar Bill. The corruption probe needs to be completed and this guy should be in a cell next to Tom “Smile” DeLay.

Newt’s right about the early campaign start, but I have to say this is partly the enthusiasm of Americans who can’t wait for anyone but Bush. I’m getting excited that we might have a President who has some good ideas. It’ll be a nice change.

Democrats are doing what the last 6 years of Republican Congress should have done—ensuring troops have the proper armor before being sent out. That’s what supporting the troops looks like, folks. Blind allegiance to a flawed war strategy does not do our troops justice.

By JP

February 19, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

I also agree with the pit bulls perspective. Like using cell phones while driving, there are some “freedoms” that need to be restricted because people don’t have the common sense to leave those freedoms as “theoretical.”

I don’t want to control what people do, but if we educate the public and the public continues to risk bystanders’ lives by driving while talkign on the phone, we have no choice. Public safety wins out.

By Political Witness

February 19, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

The War in Iraq, and any support for it, is so vague a concept, that we should let a pitbull decide the next course of action. If the pitbull devours the little baby girl on the right, then we add more troops and surge till we kill every terrorists in the entire country. If the pitbull shreds the little baby boy on the left, then we defund the troops and stop our involment in the war and let Iraqis pay for whatever they end up doing to each other.

You have to imagine how many groups got paid off with all those billions in cash to get the country of Iraq as far along nationhood as it is.

The no-fly-zone-created nation of Kurd is a wild card in Iraq which never gets mentioned. The situation is so complex, that any developement in Irag’s journey to nationhood will be a total surprise to everyone.

When you book a hotel in Southern Iraq, the call is routed to Tehran where it is managed. Iran is economically stapled to southern shia-Iraq.

Does anyone believe that Bush’s plans are relevent to nationbuilding in Iraq anymore? Is there one iota of trust that he’s acting with crediblel intel?

It’s almost stupid to discuss Iraq. Listen to any round table discussion and wait and see, emotional rants, name calling, and it’s now official that 4000 tv debates in a row have used the term cut-and-run and every other cliche repeated for the thousandth time. No debate has had any meaning or relevance to the truth of nationbuilding in IRaq for months now. We’re just talking with nothing, and about nothing, and for nothing. We dont even know what we’re saying. I’ve never seen our country or it’s pundits quite in the quandary of communication sickness like it’s in now. I cant even come up with a good sentence, because there’s nothing to stake a premise on. We’re in trouble, folks. That’s about it.

We’re not at a tipping, or turning point, or at a climax, or at an important stage in the war, we’re just spinning and arguing, and allowing our animosity toward our adversaries in the debate to grow unabated.

We are making enemies of ourselves, and not realizing it. We despise each other’s very personality. The media’s contempt for Bush is palpable. The camera captures it well. Bush’s contempt for the media is obvious. No one knows what to ask, or what to answer, or even if the discussion is on track.

We may be in the very limbo that the church recently decided doesn’t exist.

By Jim's a Distractor

February 19, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

RJ,

That’s a noble attempt at logic there, but you’re forgetting an important point here:

Republicans are ALWAYS right, just and good. Democrats are ALWAYS wrong, self serving and evil.

Attempts to suggest otherwise will be met with stiff resistance and inflammatory personal attacks upon thee.

By time for the truth

February 19, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

The Cobb County Sheriff is a visionary hero. The illegal infestation is completely out of control and getting worse every day. Illegal crime is getting worse everyday. Dumping them back in Mexico - or wherever - after conviction/sentence is the ONLY realistic option. Hopefully this will scare many illegals out of Cobb and they’ll quietly slither away into worthless third world ‘sanctuary’ pits like S. Fulton and Dekalb.

Pit bulls are actually on a banned list of dogs in the UK and have been for a decade or so now. Too many kids killed by too many pit bull types. The Jap fighting dog and the Argie fighting dog are also on the official UK list of no breeding/muzzled in public etc list. Whilst it maybe a bit harsh I tend to agree with Jim about pit bulls. Many of their owners are irresponsible underclass scum, gangsta types or thuggish wannabes. Jbm is obviously a glaring exception to this well deserved stereotype. No one can deny the awesome power of a pit bull bite and their usual dogged power lock on their victims, stemming from the breeds innate aggression. Sick redneck thugs and mexican type thugs who perpetrate organised dog fighting do NOT breed Labs, Alsatians, Poodles or Spaniels etc for fighting. Its pit bulls and pit bull types they use and abuse. Dogs have long been bred for various tasks and characteristics. Pit bulls have a deserved reputation. One white heavily tatooed arsehole who was subcontracted (for Home Depot) to work at my tiny tin roofed hovel a couple of years ago gleefully told me that he had 10 AKC pitbulls that he bred for fighting in GA and FL. He knew many more scumbags around the SE that made money out of this sick trade.

Newt is easily the best president the USA has not (yet) had.

Newt was spot on on Fox News Sunday. Funny how few other prominent GOP types will actually robustly stand up to cut and run scum like the Pelosibitch, the DUI killer Kennedy. HiTllary Rotten Klinton, Turdtha et al. The appeasing leftist cowards want to micro-manage the war, utterly undermine the military and America AND BUSH politically and avoid any responsibility for the defeat this official demoNcrat policy will (very likely) engender.

This corrupt black congressional caucus SOB should NOT be in congress, it just goes to show the sleazy corrupt/venal standards that black demoNcrat voters will happily put up with when one of their own is involved in criminality/sleaze.

By Tony

February 19, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Newt should be banned from urban areas — and kept in a cage in the country

By melo

February 19, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

“They want the ability to undermine the President, the ability to cripple the Defense Department, while disclaiming all responsibility

If you support Newt on this, then you Jim Wooten are in good company with Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. If you believe that debate and just talking about issues that concern oneself undermines a presidency and a country, guess what, critics in Zimbabwe are being told to shut up, be quiet and not even given the chance to have their say, because it undermines ‘our sovereignity and security’ That is typical dictator language in peace and in times of war. Just do as i say and dont ask questions.

I am glad, this aint so in America. But some of you need to emigrate to Russia, or somewhere in Africa. I suggest Zimbabwe,Sudan or Nigeria for that matter. Your opinions will be highly regarded!!

By time for the truth

February 19, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

sad wankers like toni (and inbred rednekkk) should be used as ‘disposable’ decoys for mexican type serial killers!!

By Van

February 19, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Dennis

Re: William Jefferson, that money found in the freezer was marked money from a sting operation.

Are you referring to the no bid contracts under Clinton or Bush, same company was involved in both.

By Van

February 19, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

melo,

I can only guess that you have no idea about the separation of powers as described in the United States constitution. If you had, your ignorant post would never have been made.

By Buy Danish

February 19, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Newt is a brilliant man with an incomparable knowledge and understanding of history, and a visionary approach to the future. He would make a formidable, principled and steadfast President whose policies would also encourage a robust economy.

That being said, I doubt that he could be elected. The the MSM knew he was a threat to the Dems Socialist dreams and smeared him as “The Grinch” with his “Contract ON America” years ago, and that image has stuck with him.

The hatred for Newt is irrational and palpable, like Bush Derangement Syndrome, and he is a perfect scapegoat for the miserable Useful Idiots.

Regarding Pit Bulls (Rottweilers and other similar breeds) it doesn’t matter whose fault it is, the fact remains that too many innocents are being mauled and killed by these dogs.

Jim Wooten is correct to insist that owners have million dollar insurance policies (indexed for inflation), and I would add that serious jail time should be the penalty for not complying with that reasonable requirement.

By JK

February 19, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

The problem with pit bulls is twofold: (a) Inbreeding makes dogs wiggy. (b) People who breed and buy pit bulls WANT dogs that are tough and brutal, and often encourage those traits, instead of loving ones. The dogs that killed that baby may have been neglected, underfed and imprisoned in a little pen without much human interaction — a good recipe for violence. Other breeds, such as Rotties, kill too.

Forget pure breds, and adopt a good ol’ fashioned MUTT from a shelter! My rescued mutt is about half pit bull, half who knows, and all angel! DOG is love.

By jm

February 19, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Until proven guilty, Representative Jefferson has a right to serve in the role he was elected to. If there are concerns about access to the nation’s secrets, pull his security clearance. Being a member of congress does not automatically grant access to classified material, a clearance is still needed.

As long as companies are addicted to cheap undocumented labor, only token deportations will take place.

Pitbulls and other vicious dogs are ticking timebombs, with minds of their own, while rapid fire weapons are inanimate objects. However, I do not want either near me or mine. If you wish do have either, then they should be in controlled environments only. If a pit bull never leaves the kennel or the rapid fire weapon never leaves the shooting range, they are basically no threat to the public at large.

As for Newt Gingrich, first class mind and visionary, lousy administrator. The contract for america made for great soundbites but see how much of it was actually implemented.

By time for the truth

February 19, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

poor old meloNHEAD

its congenital appeasing brainlessness gets the better of it again.

the empty analogy between comrade mugabe’s Rhodesia and the US of A is utterly pathetic. NO ONE, least of all Bush objects to legitimate criticism/debate. But the wanker meloNHEAD disgustingly and smugly ignores the fact that the leftist scum are seeking to totally undermine the war and the military in Iraq with their cut and run tactics and their obsessive Bush hate. Better the US loses and Bush doesn’t get any kind of victory or success so the demoNcrat scum can maybe benefit politically in 08. Party before country is ALWAYS the demoNcrat way!! Traitorous losers virtually all of them!! The demoNcrat scum frequently micromanaged the Vietnam war THEY STARTED and look how that turned out.

By Jeff

February 19, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

I maintain:

Stripping freedom from anyone is an assault on everyone.

What gives you the right to tell me what kind of dog I can own? Answer: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

By sb

February 19, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

I never would have chosen to own a pitbull but one came into my life when she was dumped in the North GA mountains and left to starve to death. She is the absolute sweetest dog you will ever meet and I do not believe she would ever harm anyone. However, I take responsibility for my animals and would never leave her or any of my other dogs alone with a child. ANY dog can be dangerous, it is some owners who should be licensed and muzzled!

Can Jefferson and I’m with Nell…but Newt? Never!

By Buy Danish

February 19, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

JK,

You are free to adopt a mutt, and I am free to have a purebred dog. Isn’t freedom a wonderful thing!

Later….

By abc

February 19, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

I suppose the right to carry a concealed weapon should signify sufficient protection from Pit Bulls. Hm.

By Dennis

February 19, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

By Van February 19, 2007 10:48 AM Dennis, Re: William Jefferson, that money found in the freezer was marked money from a sting operation.

Are you referring to the no bid contracts under Clinton or Bush, same company was involved in both.”

There can occur emergencies where a no bid contract for a period of time may be necessary, like Katrina victims needing drinking water. Iraq was not an emergency.

Party affiliation doesn’t cut any ice with me.

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By JP

February 19, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

TFTT, “NO ONE, least of all Bush objects to legitimate criticism/debate” is the most ignorant statement I’ve ever seen anyone make. It’s only true if any opinion contrary to Bush’s is considered “to undermine the war and the military..” Remember, he’s a “uniter - not a divider,” but meanwhile vote for Democrats is a vote for the terrrrrrrists. That doesn’t divide anyone.

Sure, buddy.

P.S. Jeff, the answer you’re looking for is “public safety.”

By JK

February 19, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Buy Danish, yes freedom is a wonderful thing. Thanks to the dog-as-status-symbol mentality that encourages social climbers to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a dog, millions of great animals suffer and die homeless and in shelters every year. But, as long as YOU’RE happy….

By BurningAtlanta

February 19, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Congratulations, Mr. Wooten. It must be hard to advocate the very reasonable position of Sheriff Warren while you work at one of the most bleeding-heart, pro-amnesty papers in the country. I’ve seen Ms. Tucker and Mike King lie, misstate, weasel and dance all over the issue, and on a regular basis. If I hear them, again, using the mantra of “Mean-spirited, xenophobic, nativists, haters,..lions, tigers, and bears. Oh, my.” I’m going to be sick. Nice to know someone has a little backcone and integrity. All too rare qualities at the AJC, lately.

By time for the truth

February 19, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

JP

cheers for the predicktable witless Bush hate bollocks love.

the far left congressional demoNcrats are seeking to run away and/or tamely surrender in Iraq. nor will they give the revised “surge” policy under a new army general the tiniest chance to work!!

THAT undeniably UNDERMINES the war in Iraq.

By KR

February 19, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Agree, deport illegals convicted of crimes. But, let’s deport them before serving a sentence so we can save that money.

I’m more worried about being done in by a teenager in a high powered car than I am getting mauled by a Pit Bull Terrier. So, are we going to force the parents of driving teenagers to have million dollar coverage as well? Come to think of it, that might have a very beneficial impact on Atlanta’s traffic problems…

Newt. Well, he’s a very smart individual who is his own worst enemy. He talks a good game but fails to deliver on most of his talking points. TV commentator is the job for him.

By melo

February 19, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

* I can only guess that you have no idea about the separation of powers as described in the United States constitution. If you had, your ignorant post would never have been made* Van, the shoe is in your foot! If there is sepeartion of powers, as there suerely is, how can one arm of government’s criticism of the other be considered undermining?

Talk of ignorance, a term often used, barely understood, especially by those who flaunt it the word most.

By Van

February 19, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Dennis ,

I was referring to the no bid contracts during the Bosnia campaign.

I guess it is okay for Clinton to award them, but If Bush does it is bad - typical democratic hypocrisy.

By melo

February 19, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

the empty analogy between comrade mugabe’s Rhodesia

Mugabe’s, is Zimbabwe and not Rhodesia. U are surely an anarchromnism and if you are a Republican, you are the worst of the summest worst. U can’not even hold Jim Wooten’s bag!

By Howard

February 19, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Jim…loved your observations…first, why should you be surprised that William Jefferson was re-elected?? He’s a Democrat from Louisiana and we know the record of crooks in that state! Also he’s got the (D) behind his name…which gives anyone carte blanche to say or do anything and still get away with it. Look at Mass. as a great example of that…Ted Kennedy, Barney Frank, and the late Gerry Studds. And that doesn’t surprise me that Miss America Nancy Pelosi and her henchmen are trying to emasculate our military and George Bush. These people are like the Mafia…no wait…I wouldn’t insult the Mafia. At least the Mafia has stood up for this country in wars and would probably do so again. The Democrat Party is an evil cesspool of traitors and perverts and fellow travelers whose sole goal is to rule over the people of this country!!!

By anita

February 19, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

I am also glad that somewhere in the drivel of AJC, there is a voice with common sense…Wooten. I would say that AJC needs to move to the land of fruits & nuts—-it would be cherished there. I am sick and tired of excuses—why illegals must be excused for their disregard for our laws and thumb their noses at us. They need to be rounded up and shipped back to whence they came, TODAY!. As far as Newt goes, I am not a huge fan but will vote for him if I have to, so Obama [the antiChrist] or Billary dont get in.

By JK

February 19, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Hey Van, do you happen to remember if the US treasury went belly up paying all those no-bid contracts in Bosnia? How many billion$$ went missing? Did Pentagon audits reveal mismanagement and lost paper trails? How many years did that go on, draining our tax dollars, month after month, with no accountability and no end in sight? Just curious.

By Van

February 19, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

melo,

Yes, it is a shame that the democrats in the House did not allow debate on this resolution or allow other resolutions to be brought fourth. I can not understand why Nancy Pelosi broke her promise to allow other resolutions. I was hoping the Senate would allow further debate, but that was not to be either.

Whether it is called Zimbabwe or Rhodesia, we are talking about the same piece of land. Mugabe, is and always has been a radical Marxist and now that South Africa has started taking peoples land for “redistribution”, I am afraid that South Africa will become another Marxist state. It appears that the productive Zimbabwe will never rise again and the same fate awaits South Africa. I guess the Boer’s lands will never be returned.

By Pope rednecks - Amerikkka's Al Qaeda I

February 19, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

The problem with pitbulls is their owner’s’ inbreeding makes them wiggy.

I have never seen a mentally healthy person with a pitbull. Owning a “pet” pitbull is like owning a “pet” anaconda or alligator or tiger. Only a seriously disturbed individual or a rednekkk would think such an animal could be a pet.

By harold

February 19, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

pit bulls should be banned from urban areas right after guns and swimming pools are banned from urban areas since both of those kill a lot more people than pit bulls

By JoeD

February 19, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Obama (the antiChrist)? Now, that’s a useful comment for moving the debate along. What, pray tell, causes you to call the Senator from Illinois the antiChrist? Did Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh or Bill O’Reilly call him that? Ann Coulter, perhaps?

By harold

February 19, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Harold is right. One kid in DeKabb gets eaten by a pit bull and it’s “ban pit bulls” but people get shot dead there EVERY DAY.

Where is your outcry to ban guns in dekalb mr hooten?

By liberalextremist

February 19, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Jim, I rarely agree with you and I mean rarely, however you are in rare form today. I only agreed with you on two of your items. One being William Jefferson’s possible appointment to the Homeland Security Committee. He is awful, has always been awful. He was elected as a means of retaliating against the current administration. Believe me there was a better candidate in that race unfortunately she did not win.

Your item regarding the Pit bulls I totally agree with. Last summer I had a family member in Kansas City, KS who was mauled by such an animal while doing yard work. I agree with your assessment that they are needless in urban areas and owners need to be held accountable for whatever these dogs do in hurting or maiming others.

By harold

February 19, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

te problem with banning pit bulls is the same as the harry pooter.

ban one and like al qeeda the next one steps up to take its place

if pit bulls are banned, the media will have a new MOST DANGEROUS DOG darling and wont STFU about that dog. will it be a german shepherd? a boxer maybe? what about the east cobb s**? eventually there will be no dog breeds allowed anymore once the MOST DANGEROUS DOG media darling gets banned.

ban Harry Pooter and then there will be a next book on the crazy lady’s to-ban list. MOST DANGEROUS BOOK

By harold

February 19, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

if William Jefferson is permitted to the homeland security department it is nothing more than making a statement about the corrupt homeland suckurity department. they get what they deserve.

By Jeff

February 19, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t buy the “public safety” argument for anything other than high explosives.

Pit Bulls, properly cared for, are NOT dangerous. Better policy would be to educate people not to walk up to strange dogs. FAR more people are bitten because of that reason than any other.

By Jeff

February 19, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

harold @ 12:21:

Agreed.

By harold

February 19, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

HA HA

“The White House on Sunday disagreed with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s claim that the Iraq war was “the worst foreign policy mistake” in U.S. history.”

However, the White House declined to offer other candidates to be “worst foreign policy mistake.”

So, Mr Snow, if this war is not the wort foreign policy mistake, it must be at the very most the second worst. What is the first worst? And if you say Iraq is not the 2nd worst, then it must be 3rd worst. So what it 2nd worst?

The WHite House need to provide everybody a top 10 list of foreign policy disasters!

By harold

February 19, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Top 10 Foreign Policy Mistakes by Tony Snow

Thank you.

By harold

February 19, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

45,000 dead americans annually millions sent to the emergency room

where is the talk of banning cars? they harm us more than ANYTHING.

ANYTHING

By Aldo

February 19, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Those same monkeys in New Orleans re-elected Nagan. They are the same folks that stole government money themselves so its no surprise

By melo

February 19, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

I guess the Boer’s lands will never be returned.

Zimbabwe and Rhodesia are the same piece of land,yes although the historical meaning is different. And i agree land will never be returned to the Boer, it was not theirs! But we digress. All this is neither here nor there, the point is about allowing free people to debate and express their opinions, be it in Rhodesia,Zimbabwe or America, with all its rich traditions. Once you start arguing for the stifling of debate or labelling those who disagree with you as ” abating terrorists” or “encouraging the insurgents”, you run the risk of inciting dictatorial type nationalism, synonymous with some of the worst ouposts of tyranny.It is a defence mechanism used by people of lesser inteligence.Ouch! bad word. I mean those who cannot seem to win over their adversaries by use of a better argument. But you get the drift.

By harold

February 19, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

if you are scared of your neighbors dog, rather than having to build a fence around your personal property to alleviate your personal phobias, you can instead have the gubernment ban the dog.

god bless ameriker!!!!!!

land of the free!

stand beside her

and fight her

tryn to find

some liberteeeeeee

By anita

February 19, 2007 01:02 PM | Link to this

To JoeD, no I did not “hear” Obama being called that by anyone but myself. It is MY opinion. He has absolutely no record of accomplishments and is running for Prez—-somethin wrong with that picture. He has a huge following as predicted that the antichrist would have. He is fluff and hopefully will “burn out” by the time elction draws near. If you can list his accomplishments Id be glad to look em over.

By Borgoise

February 19, 2007 01:09 PM | Link to this

Pitbulls with Keyboards. Welcome to the Wooten blog.

The president has been correct since 911. Every decision he’s made was correct. Iraq? Good move. Surge? No other choice.

W will go down as the greatest of all our presidents because he saved the world from al-queda/saddam conspirators who would have nuked Israel and the USA if we hadn’t stopped them.

Now, the American People will realize this and vote for a Republican Majority and a Conservative President.

Notice how there’s been no other 911s anywhere in the world since Iraq War? Notice how there’s been economic expansion since Bush took office?

The democrats want to change course to high taxes, slow economy, and let the terrorists kill us, (and laugh about it all the way home).

Viva La BUSH!

By Get A Load Of This

February 19, 2007 01:09 PM | Link to this

I’m in the middle of reading the book “Friday Night Lights”. I admit it…I was inspired to read it by the television show. Anyway, the book isn’t just about football. It’s also about the culture of central Texas (primarily Odessa and Midland) and the history behind it. An entire chapter is devoted to the oil boom the late 70s and the oil bust of the early 80s –a boom and bust that made so many oil men rich and then poor again. As we all know, George W. Bush was one of those Midland, Texas oilmen who lost his shirt in 1982 when the price of oil plummeted (or he would have lost his shirt if not for his Daddy).

Okay…are you ready for something eerily prophetic? First, you should know that “Friday Night Lights” was first published in 1988, during the time that Bush 41 was running for office and twelve years before Bush 43 would be elected President. With that in mind, consider the following excerpt from this book where the author is interviewing Midland, Texas oilmen who had gone bankrupt with the 1982 bust:

“…they said they had come to grips with the hard reality of the world. They loved their President Reagan and they no doubt would love their President Bush, but they knew these men didn’t make a damn bit of difference anymore. They knew their economic livelihoods were completely at the mercy of OPEC and that is was all but impossible to have much say in the matter when the average American well produced 13 barrels of oil a day while the average one in Saudi Arabia produced 6,881 barrels a day and the average one in Iran 27,233 barrels. The Saudis, the Iranians, the Iraqis, they called the shots, they were the ones with the vast stockpiles of oil, not the Americans, where the holes were running dry. They set the price of oil, and that felt funny as hell.”

Alright fellow Wooten bloggers – stay with me – here is the prophetic part. The author continues:

“But things could always happen over there – it wasn’t the most stable place in the world, after all – and then a devilish little smile came to their lips. You could see the light go on as they visualized the days when all those beautiful rigs crippled on their sides over at MFG [Drilling] would be up and running once again and the whole place would be gloriously, sweetly mad and out of the lips of everyone would come that beautiful rallying cry: The boom is on! It could happen. Anything can happen in America. ‘After all,’ one oilman reasoned, ‘we’re just another Middle East war away from another boom.’”

Do you think the oilman who provided that last quote might be somebody we know?

By jbmlaw

February 19, 2007 01:09 PM | Link to this

Dear TFTT @ 10:18, to take partial exception, I am quite sure that many of our leftist friends regard me as “irresponsible underclass scum, gangsta type or thuggish wannabe.” Our first pit-mix died a couple of years ago age 14, after a long bout with cancer. The only time he ever threatened any creature was late in his disease: walking through the house one day he passed near our vicious 8 lb cat, who swiped and hissed at him. He turned and glared and snapped at her; she took the hint and never opened her claws toward him again.

By Animal Lover

February 19, 2007 01:11 PM | Link to this

Some obervations about pit bulls: 1. Time for the truth, the AKC doesn’t recognize pit bulls as a breed – wonder how much more of your worker’s bragging was lies? 2. Talking on cell phones while driving causes more injury and death proportionately than pit bulls do – why don’t we ban that? Ditto for people who drive too fast or drink alcohol and drive – why not take them off the road for even one offense, instead of fining them? 3. Pope rednecks - Amerikkka’s Al Qaeda I, YOU are not mentally healthy to start, essentially, calling people crazy for owning pit bulls; I am NOT nuts, own a pit bull, and know several people who are NOT nuts who own them. I agree that people who train dogs to be aggressive probably have a screw loose, but it’s unfair and wrong to generalize and say that everyone who owns a certain breed of dog is mentally off. 4. I have cocker spaniels, a Jack Russell Terrier, and a pit bull; the terrier is very aggressive, the cockers high-strung and nervous, and the pit is both sensitive and timid, far and away the sweetest dog I’ve even owned. She’s from a blood line of dogs that have been bred to compete in weight-pulling contests where dogs have to behave to be able to compete. Do I think she’d bite someone? No. Do I take the chance that she, like any other animal, could be confused or provoked and hurt someone? I certainly do! She’s a large and powerful dog. I just should have been as cautious about reassuring my husband that our newly-purchased 3 ounce Senegal Parrot wouldn’t bite/hurt him, about 30 seconds before she chomped a chunk out of his chin! I can just imagine Mark Twain saying, “Critters and kids bear watching.”

By Joe

February 19, 2007 01:14 PM | Link to this

Well I guess I’m an idoit, because if Newt’s name is on the ballot I will vote for him. Has and makes more sense than all the rest put together.

By Peyton Walters

February 19, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this

I see tftt woke up on the wrong side of J. Edgar Hoover’s remains this morning.

By Mid-South Philosopher

February 19, 2007 01:16 PM | Link to this

To Pit Bull owners…

I will defend to the death your right to have your animals and I will defend to “YOUR” death my right and that of my law abiding, on their own property grandchildren NOT to be mauled by them!!!

By JP

February 19, 2007 01:20 PM | Link to this

TFTT -

cheers for the predicktable witless Bush hate bollocks love. Whatever.

the far left congressional demoNcrats are seeking to run away and/or tamely surrender in Iraq. nor will they give the revised “surge” policy under a new army general the tiniest chance to work!! THAT undeniably UNDERMINES the war in Iraq.

Your last sentence points out your flawed assumption: that the effort in Iraq is protecting American security against terrorism. I am not so sure—in fact, I question the entire “war on terror” meme, as does Bush buddy Tony Blair. To many who’ve thought in depth about this, redeployment is a necessary step for us to achieving security, not a step to avoid to maintain it. Ever heard of the Iraq Study Group?

Discussing strategic options MUST include objective analysis of all options, not just the options that agree with the current strategy. That can’t be accomplished unless we all ditch the loaded language.

I refuse to stand in your neocon echo chamber with you, so until you come out this will be the last of this conversation.

By Animal Lover

February 19, 2007 01:25 PM | Link to this

Some obervations about pit bulls: 1. Time for the truth, the AKC doesn’t recognize pit bulls as a breed – wonder how much more of your worker’s bragging was lies? 2. Talking on cell phones while driving causes more injury and death proportionately than pit bulls do – why don’t we ban that? Ditto for people who drive too fast or drink alcohol and drive – why not take them off the road for even one offense, instead of fining them? 3. Pope rednecks - Amerikkka’s Al Qaeda I, YOU are not mentally healthy to start, essentially, calling people crazy for owning pit bulls; I am NOT nuts, own a pit bull, and know several people who are NOT nuts who own them. I agree that people who train dogs to be aggressive probably have a screw loose, but it’s unfair and wrong to generalize and say that everyone who owns a certain breed of dog is mentally off. 4. I have cocker spaniels, a Jack Russell Terrier, and a pit bull; the terrier is very aggressive, the cockers high-strung and nervous, and the pit is both sensitive and timid, far and away the sweetest dog I’ve even owned. She’s from a blood line of dogs that have been bred to compete in weight-pulling contests where dogs have to behave to be able to compete. Do I think she’d bite someone? No. Do I take the chance that she, like any other animal, could be confused or provoked and hurt someone? I certainly do! She’s a large and powerful dog. I just should have been as cautious about reassuring my husband that our newly-purchased 3 ounce Senegal Parrot wouldn’t bite/hurt him, about 30 seconds before she chomped a chunk out of his chin! I can just imagine Mark Twain saying, “Critters and kids bear watching.”

By Dennis

February 19, 2007 01:31 PM | Link to this

By Van February 19, 2007 11:46 AM | “Dennis,I was referring to the no bid contracts during the Bosnia campaign…I guess it is okay for Clinton to award them, but If Bush does it is bad - typical democratic hypocrisy.”

Who’s side did I take, Van? What was my reply?

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By Animal Lover

February 19, 2007 01:33 PM | Link to this

Mid-South Philosopher, move the word “grandchildren” and put it after the word “abiding” in your sentence, and your statement will be clearer. Yes, I call my self Animal Lover, but, like you, I’d “deal” with anything or anyone who threatened me and mine. It’s people who won’t stay in their place (and keep their animals there) who cause problems. I’ll bet you’re like me: also a proponent of the right to bear arms!!!

By melo

February 19, 2007 01:34 PM | Link to this

Dear TFTT @ 10:18, to take partial exception, I am quite sure that many of our leftist friends regard me as “irresponsible underclass scum, gangsta type or thuggish wannabe.

JBMLAW, you are not in the same class as TFTT,no way. Why would u even contempalte that? The word class cannot be associated with this Pit Bull cousin. Check his hallucination induced prose.

By Carrie

February 19, 2007 01:35 PM | Link to this

Anita,

Senator Obama was a state Senator for eight years and has been a U.S. Senator for over two. That adds up to ten years of local and national experience. In addition, Obama has introduced, sponsored and/or or co-sponsored dozens of bills since becoming Senator.

In comparison, when President Bush was elected President, he had been a Texas governor for six years. He held no prior office at the local level and never held office at the national level. Prior to becoming governor, young Bush called extremely rich people on the telephone to raise money to build a baseball stadium (while Daddy was President) and prior to that, he lost money in the oil industry.

Your “opinion” that Obama is the anti-Christ because of his large following only proves that you’re a religious freak on par with Osama bin Laden. In truth, you wouldn’t vote for a Democrat for president if he or she had all the experience in the world, and you’d vote for a Republican if his name was Howdy Doody, or worse, Pat Robertson.

So spare us the anti-Christ, not enough experience BS, Anita. You’re entirely transparent.

By JTurn

February 19, 2007 01:48 PM | Link to this

GALOT @1:09,

Great excerpt from “Friday Night Lights”!!! I always thought that Bush went into Iraq because he wanted cheap oil. In fact, it appears that he might have taken us there because he wanted the price of oil to skyrocket for the benefit of his buddies in the oil industry.

Who really knows? I used to think that Bush was honest. Now? I wouldn’t put anything past him. It’s clear to me that he wants this conflict to go on indefinitely.

By Kemmet Ali

February 19, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this

Correction, the dog that mauled that little girl was a dog that had some pit bull in it. IT WAS NOT A PIT BULL. Im the proud owner of 4 pit bulls, and as a RESPONSIBLE urban dog owner (5 mins. from downtown) I can assure you that they are the most playful, loyal, and strongest breed around. Furthermore, if you think that they are going to ban the breed, KEEP DREAMING. Thats nonesense. PUNISH THE OWNER, NOT THE BREED

By Dr.Doom

February 19, 2007 02:17 PM | Link to this

The problem with pit bulls is when they are being bred by those of a darker persuasion ,they, like every thing else these people touch, lose value and become weapons.

By JoeD

February 19, 2007 02:23 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the backup, Carrie. I think, Anita, I was referring to the over the top classification of Obama as the antiChrist, not whether he was qualified to be President or not. I certainly don’t care if you support one candidate over the other at this point in time, but to compare someone, anyone to the antiChrist is a little bit much, don’t you think? This country would be a lot better off if the debate was civil and sensible, rather than raving and ridiculous.

By Jim's a Distractor

February 19, 2007 02:26 PM | Link to this

Van,

Re your 11:46 comment.

A few things you’re forgetting:

And, most importantly…

By Dennis

February 19, 2007 02:26 PM | Link to this

By Dennis

February 19, 2007 01:31 PM | Link to this

By Van February 19, 2007 11:46 AM | “Dennis,I was referring to the no bid contracts during the Bosnia campaign…I guess it is okay for Clinton to award them, but If Bush does it is bad - typical democratic hypocrisy.”

Just to be fair to you Van, I checked on those no-bid contracts to Bosnia under Clinton’s watch, mostly to KBR/Haliburton.

Interestingly, the CEO during that time was……….you guessed it,

Dick Cheney.

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By melo

February 19, 2007 02:29 PM | Link to this

Dr Doom, if by ‘darker persuasion’ you mean brunettes, i agree!!

By Dr.Doom

February 19, 2007 02:33 PM | Link to this

melotin,

You know what I mean. If you stayed in school instead of dropping out you to sell drugs wouldn’t have to ask.

By Something to Consider

February 19, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this

A quick comment on the pit bull thing. I read an article about this recently, and it indicated that such attacks don’t go down when pit bulls are banned. Those who would own a pit would just purchase a Rottweiler, Boxer or Presna Canario instead. Such owners are determined to own a breed that they can train to be killer dogs. I don’t remember the exact statistics, but this article also indicated that a huge majority of such fatalities or near fatalities were caused by male dogs that haven’t been neutered.

So, two factors — The primary factor is the owner. If they’re determined to have a killer dog, then they’re going to get a breed that appeals to that desire and train/treat them appropriately…with or without a pit bull. The second factor has to do with the gender and whether or not the dog has been neutered. Any legislation to prevent future fatalities, I believe, should consider these factors.

By John

February 19, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this

Iraq—- Is it possible that the administration is setting up Democrats for blame when it becomes obvious to even the most wrong-headed that the war was a bad idea from the start? When President Bush senior didn’t “finish the job” the first time I couldn’t understand how he could be so dumb. Now, it seems, he was a genius.

By Dr.Doom

February 19, 2007 02:42 PM | Link to this

Something to Consider,

Did the article indicate what race did most of the owners belong to? What percentage was black?

By Something to Consider

February 19, 2007 02:49 PM | Link to this

Dr. Doom,

No — it didn’t.

By Dr.Doom

February 19, 2007 03:01 PM | Link to this

We don’t need to outlaw pitbulls, we need to outlaw the black hippety hoppers that are breeding them. I don’t understand why you people just won’t face facts. The same people responsible for 80-90% of violent crime is responsible for this as well. The colored surge must be stopped if we are ever going to live peacfully in this society.

By Kurdish Stanzas

February 19, 2007 03:12 PM | Link to this

A Sunni pitbull tore a shia baby bunny to pieces today…..A shia pitbull shredded a sunni baby seal….and laughed about it all the way home like taliban hyenas.. AL queda claimed responsibility and they laughed about it too like cackling terror birds. The dirty no good…..

No question about it, we must surge and kill, kill and surge until all the terrorists pitbulls and hyenas are destroyed and then we can laugh about it, or we’re finished. Why cant you bloggers see that? WHy isn’t it obvious to one and all? You blog and blog like tin pundits and yet you never understand the truth of the matter in Iraq: Ethnic Pitbulls with suicide on their minds can only be hunted down one by one and destroyed, or they’ll continue to laugh at us, like an audience in a comedy show.

By JP

February 19, 2007 03:17 PM | Link to this

This is a detailed explanation of the folly of the “cutting the funding would hurt the troops” myth. Enjoy!

By Nikita

February 19, 2007 03:32 PM | Link to this

I have handled many pit bulls in a rescue capacity and now own two. They’re great dogs, like other breeds, given proper handling. Which is to say when spayed or neutered, properly socialized, supervised and/or contained properly.

According to the Humane Society of the U.S., most dogs that attack and kill have characteristics in common — they’re unaltered, poorly contained or supervised, and often have been implicated in previous incidents of running at large. How about we crack down more harshly on animals displaying these characteristics instead of simply banning a type of dog? It would be far more effective.

By John E.

February 19, 2007 03:35 PM | Link to this

What is wrong with you Wingnut Neocons? Do you actually believe that there is such a thing as “victory” in Iraq?

The Shiites and the Sunni’s have been fighting for over 1300 yrs. over who succeeded Mohammed. What makes you “Earl’s” think that W. and Cheney can just drop in on them and give them Democracy?

You Southern “Earl’s” need to pull your heads out of your backsides and quit getting all of your information from the Faux News Channel. Where are those WMD’S anyway?and how about Osama Bin Laden,where is he at?…remember him? the guy who is actually responsible for 9/11.

I can’t wait for these pro-war Republicans to go back to there homestates and tell their people that they voted YES for the Iraq war again.

I’m wondering,is the GOP nominee for President in 08 going to let the worldwide unpopular W. and Cheney stump for them?

The Republican Party doesn’t stand a chance at the 08 President’s job thanks to your heroes W. and Cheney and your going to lose more seats in Congress because of them.

See ya in 2012 Republican Party !!!

By Kurdish Stanzas

February 19, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

Nakita, how do you know that those same pitbulls that you describe aren’t laughing like hyenas at you and your family? How would it feel if a pitbull devoured someone you knew? Would you care to check out the pitbulls background? or would you want to take the law into your own hands and tear it to pieces the same way it did your acquaintance?

No, we must hunt these pitbull terrorists dogs down and ban them from all areas of living space in the country, or the world.

By Kurdish Stanzas

February 19, 2007 03:49 PM | Link to this

John E, you cant criticize anyone who talks about victory in Iraq. That position implies that there is a defineable defeat in Iraq. Try to enunciate a defeat in Iraq. What would that entail? Nobody really knows. The Iraq War is not a creature of history, although it is plagued with history.

The Iraq War is a new creation of modern international diplomacy mixed with ancient tribal feuds.

Victory in Iraq. Defeat in Iraq. Are they the same thing? The troops can never come home, defeat or victory. That’s the only truth I’ve determined so far in Iraq.

We are stuck there forever. That’s 4sure, that’s 4dangsure.

By Kemmet Ali

February 19, 2007 03:49 PM | Link to this

Dr. Doom, people like you are the reason why Atlanta will never be a 1st class/world class city. No matter how much prestige or money the city gets, it will always be viewed as a bastion of redneck views and over all southern ignorance. I’ve been down here for 3 years and I swear, it never ceases to amaze me how ignorant and dumb you southerners are!!!!! ( part of the reason for this is beacsue of the school system). I own 4 pit bulls, and I’ve never had a problem with any of them, but I did have a plethora of problems from a Beagle that I used to own. Back where Im from the animal control euthanized him because he felt the need to run after and terrorize my neighbors. Also keep dreaming about GA outlawing pitbulls, its not going to happen. My fiance is a lobbyist at the state capitol, and she’s been told (from people in the Know) that pit bulls stand as much of a chance of bieng outlawed here, as you “ATLiens” have at bieng respected anywhere north of VA. Also the AKC does not even recognize the word pit bull, a “pit bull” is in fact a Staffordshire Terrier, or an American Bull Terrier. So since pit bulls will not be outlawed, I guess your stuck watching me walk my 4 dogs down the street.

By Tomas

February 19, 2007 03:58 PM | Link to this

I think that illegal immigrants and William Jefferson should be sent to an island far, far away. Illegal Aliens are like an ecoli virus that we cannot find a cure for. They really are worthless. With the re-election of Jefferson, it shows that New Orleans should just be shut down and not to be inhabited at all. Oh well.

By Tomas

February 19, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

Hey Kemmit Ali, Delta’s ready when you are! I don’t think Dr. Doom will be stuck watching you walk your terrorizers down the street since he doesn’t live in the slums. FYI - Residence of Atlanta are not known as “ATLiens”, just the name of an Outkast album.

By Tomas

February 19, 2007 04:04 PM | Link to this

Hey Kemmit Ali, Delta’s ready when you are! I don’t think Dr. Doom will be stuck watching you walk your terrorizers down the street since he doesn’t live in the slums. FYI - Residence of Atlanta are not known as “ATLiens”, just the name of an Outkast album.

By Tomas

February 19, 2007 04:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Kemmit Ali, Delta’s ready when you are! I don’t think Dr. Doom will be stuck watching you walk your terrorizers down the street since he doesn’t live in the slums. FYI - Residence of Atlanta are not known as “ATLiens”, just the name of an Outkast album.

By Dick

February 19, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this

Tell you what I will do. I am sick and tired of repubs and demos. If you will write me in as president, I will promise you that I will do my best to get legislature passed that will: 1-make everyone fall under same social security program. Elected officials will no longer retire with their salary in lieu of social security. 2-term limits will be set for senators and representatives to no more than two consecutive terms, would have to sit out two terms and then rerun 3-english would be the only language in America printed, spoken, or broadcast 4-If you were serving political office and decided to run for another office, you would be required to resign from current office held )example, senator to run for President) before running for new office. 5-Campaigning would not start until 45 days before the primary and all states would have same date for primary. campaign ads could not run after 7:00 P.M. until 5:00 A.M Now, those above have not cost the citizens a dime have they? They saved you money. Just write in Dick for Presient.

By Tom

February 19, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

Winning or losing in Iraq isn’t the goal. Keeping the war going is the goal. This explains why Bush doesn’t send more troops when the military tells him they need them, and sends more troops when the military tells him they don’t. He fires the guys who tell him what they need and replaces them with guys who tell him what he wants to hear. It explains why Bush doesn’t care that the Taliban is having a resurgence in Afghanistan and al Qaeda numbers are growing worldwide. It explains his determination to spread the war into Iran and Syria. It explains why Bush has effectively done nothing to resolve the Palestinian issue – the most significant ongoing cause of friction in the Middle East.

Bush wants war in the Middle East. What’s good for Exxon and Halliburton is good for America — and a war in the Middle East is good for Exxon and Halliburton.

Read the post at 1:09 written by “Get A Load Of This”. Prophetic indeed.

By lovelyliz

February 19, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

I have a 4 year old part pit mix. She has never bitten anyone. In my younger days, I was bitten by a Doberman and suffered an ever worse attack by a German Shepard.

Take away the pits and you’ll have a bunch of bad &/or uneducated people with Presa Canarios, German Shepards, Rotties, etc.

By Kemmet Ali

February 19, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

Hey Tomas, you can hold on to that ticket. I enjoy the weather to much to go home. Also I have to teach you “bamas” how to make money. Plus all of your “Georgia Peaches”, black & white love my up north swagger, something that you down south men lack. But thats water under the bridge, as I am a soon to be happily married man. I could be wrong, because Im not from here, but I never knew that Howell Mill/ Moores MIll Rd. area was considered a slum. I am a young black male, and I do make very good money in my profession, which enables to live in areas such as Buckhead, with my 4 Pit Bulls!!!!!!!

By Kemmet Ali

February 19, 2007 04:34 PM | Link to this

One more thing Tomas

I am very familiar with the Outkast album “ATLiens”, I was bieng sarcastic. Who cares what you “ATLiens” are called?? All you born & raised “ATLiens” are one step removed from bieng slack jawed yokels anyway.

By melo

February 19, 2007 04:36 PM | Link to this

The same people responsible for 80-90% of violent crime is responsible for this as well. The colored surge must be stopped if we are ever going to live peacfully in this society. Move to the mounatins animal Doctor. Some of your more monied comrades have left already.

By harold

February 19, 2007 04:40 PM | Link to this

Tom understands! “Victory” in Iraq is a destabilized Iraq that keeps the area in turmoil. Bush want chaos in the Middle East because having most all of the oil if they ever got it together they would have us at our knees. The “Mission Accomplished” banner flew 3 years ago because at that that point the mission really was accomplished! Iraq was smashed to bits. That it’s gone on for 3 more years, continually sold with 9/11 scare tactics is just astonishing to Harold.. F-ck, people here are STUPID. Dubya’s story didn’t stand on its own feet from before the invasion. It was CLEARLY b-s and everybody knew it but Americans refused to admit it. Everybody else on the planet said “pish off” when DUMYA asked for help unless they wanted something. Man on man these are the darkest days Ameriker has seen. Yet.

By abc

February 19, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

I think the yokels, crackers, etc. are mostly living in the ‘burbs and surrounding rural areas, not in the city.

By Buy Danish

February 19, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

JK,

You’re using the same argument that PETA uses, and if we were to take that advice literally, then all the breeds would disappear.

It’s a bit like saying that you shouldn’t have your own children because there are so many children who are waiting to be adopted.

It’s all about choice JK, and you attempt to vilify me because (horrors!!) I have a pure bred dog is pretty pathetic.

Complaining that someone spends hundreds or thousands of dollars for a dog, or making the ridiculous statement that having a pure bred is nothing but a “status symbol” illustrates that here doesn’t seem to be any area that is immune to the class warfare arguments of sanctimonious leftists.

By time for the truth

February 19, 2007 04:53 PM | Link to this

@ melonhead

Rhodesia … huge lets easily goad the lefty scum some more smirk

JP

your witless pompous self serving petulant bollocks about not “talking” to your GOP betters any more is quite typical of outwitted, outdebated leftist scum.

Yes mate, I have heard of the Iraq Surrender Group - snivelling pompous appeasing tossers all of ‘em!!

I see rednekkks NAMBLA up there in child molesting VT has hilariously copied my distinctive use of three k’s in rednekkk. Hopefully some yankkkee pitbull will very soon heroically savage rednekkks to the point where it wont pose a danger in kiddies libraries and toyshops anymore!!

jbm … I aint sayin’ dat all dem pitbull doggies are vycous kritters, but like anything to do with public safety its a numbers game. Clearly killing off ALL Bush hating liberals would dramatically improve public safety for all of us and certainly vastly reduce noise/visual/air pollution and give a tremendous boost to the the collective IQ of of the USA … ebonics spouting twots and non-English speaking illegal plebian mexican types excluded of course.

By time for the truth

February 19, 2007 05:02 PM | Link to this

the argument about pure bred dogs vs mongrels is easily addressed.

the local plod, customs and excise, security guards, prison officers, airport security for drug and bomb sniffing etc do NOT queue up at the pound to spring some poor abandoned mongrel doggie (as nice as they can be) … nor do guide dogs for the blind use the pound … they go after specific breeds like Alsatians, spaniels, labs. its the bloodlines that’s all important … these days American bloodlines are so badly tainted (fooked up) with endemic line breeding that the clever, smart folks only buy/sell Euro bloodlines. 100% German and Czech Alsatians being amongst the very best there is for that breed.

By Nikita

February 19, 2007 05:15 PM | Link to this

Time, I disagree. Such groups want a known quantity, which is why they obtain purebred dogs of known heritage. That said, some trainers of service dogs and police dogs spring pound dogs — like the folks who sprung “Popsicle,” a pit bull found in a freezer who now does drug work.

By JK

February 19, 2007 05:15 PM | Link to this

Buy Danish, Lordhavemercy but your voice grates on my nerves. Why must you address me? I’m not making an argument on behalf of PETA (as much as you’d like to stick that label on me.) I was simply pointing out that the laws of supply and demand (brought on by demand) leave millions of displaced pets to die every year. (You gonna argue economics now? Or that puppy mills don’t exist? Geeeeezusss.) I have many friends who have pure-bred dogs because they love the breed (Goldens for example inspire amazing brand loyalty!) Nonetheless, the math is there, and I’ll continue to urge people to adopt a rescued pet. There are even rescue orgs for purebreds! I have one friend who has saved nearly a dozen traumatized German Sheps herself over the years. (That takes a loving personality, BD. Not suggesting that for you.)

Whatever kind of pets you take home, please be a good “pack leader,” love them, and keep inside where they won’t run off and get into trouble! DOG is love!

By @@

February 19, 2007 05:24 PM | Link to this

Ya know Jim, there’s something humorous in your title.

Weekend news: Illegals, Pit Bulls and Iraq.

The Democratic congress met over the weekend to address the illegal war that they initially voted for. Then John Kerry (D) and others, Murtha (D) disparaged our troops when things went sour. They accused them of being stupid and murderers (Pit bulls).

Anyway, Luckovich’s got boring pretty fast today. All the radical leftists over there were wearing their feelings on their sleeves, and got their panties in a tight wad so I decided to drop in here for a brief post.

Nothing substantive to my ^^^ post, just wanted to come over here and be the mean-spirited poster the leftists say I am at Luckovich’s.

So I was just wondering Jim…was it your intention to link the three to the congressional resolution?

It sure worked for me.

BTW, it’s gonna be 68 degrees tomorrow. I sure do love global warming when I can get it. You?

Bye!

By @@

February 19, 2007 05:31 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Jim. I have a mutt. The champion of all champion breeds.

Best dog in the whole world, but then I’m sure everyone feels that way about their own be they pure or impure.

By Jim Wooten

February 19, 2007 05:41 PM | Link to this

@@, global warming has surely spoiled the chicken broth I put on the back porch this morning, thinking the ice age would remain at least through the daylight hours. Alas, Al Gore was right, here at least.

Wish I had been as clever on the headline as you were.

By Gael

February 19, 2007 05:53 PM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten, You, like other uniformed idiots should know that it is the owner, not the dog that makes ANY breed dangerous. I fully agree with the Dog Whisperer, he also firmly believes that agression is not associated with any one breed. Pitbulls, like any other dog treated with love and kindness make a super pet and likewise return their affection.

By @@

February 19, 2007 05:59 PM | Link to this

Oh!!! Well hi there Jim. I’ll post this one last comment and then I won’t bother you anymore.

I’m sorry to hear about your chicken broth. Just so you’ll know…it comes in square cubes. A shape more suitable for us conservatives, or so the leftists would have everyone believe.

Now Bye Jim, and never doubt for one minute that you are not clever. Your sarcasm often makes me chuckle.

By lovelyliz

February 19, 2007 06:04 PM | Link to this

Of course if you want to get rid of what kills and injures more kids than anything else, propose banning hands guns.

I am not going to hold my breath on tha one.

By Rick in Lawrenceville

February 20, 2007 08:22 AM | Link to this

I wish all the local metro law enforcement agencies would get the training allowing them to start deportation proceedings against illegal immigrants. Many local drivers have accidents with illegals driving without licenses and insurance. After illegals commit crimes here in the US, they can return/escape to their home countries. Their home countries usually will not allow them to be returned to the US to face criminal proceedings.

By Jmarsh

February 20, 2007 08:36 AM | Link to this

Sorry Liz, no way you’re getting away with that. Fatal gun accidents often receive national attention. Subsequently politicians demand mandatory firearms safety classes for all gun owners, yet many more lives could be saved by randomly selecting and educating a group of drivers rather than gun owners, not to mention the populace at large regarding, administering first-aid, how to eat, and basic common sense safety habits. (It is not being suggested that such training be offered or mandated.) Nice statistical chart showing how few gun-child interactions of the fatal variety there are. http://www.guncite.com/guncontrolgcgvacci.html

So, Jim, what breeds won’t you ban? As I understand it, there was a boxer/bull mastiff involved in the killing (or eating) of the child along with the pit bull mutt. So now my hound/English Mastiff is dangerous? Training, not breeding. Since the pit bull seems to scare so many people, I might just have to get one.

By Barbara

February 20, 2007 09:04 AM | Link to this

Greetings to all my friends out there. I haven’t dropped in on this blog in quite a while as it was getting way too hateful a few months back. Jim, I just have to say how much more reasonable the discussion is without that hateful getalife around. Even the one post from Rednekks was decent. I never thought I’d see the day.

I have to go with Jim on the Pitbulls. And with JK on the shelter dogs. I’m very frightened by Pitbulls; just the way they look at me. I drove all the way to Pisgah, AL to adopt my 2 shelter mutts, and they are great. 2 of my 3 cats are also rescue animals. Love ya, JBM, but pitbulls……too risky.

This has been the most pleasant exchange I’ve seen on Jim’s blog in quite a while, which is why I decided to post. Keep up the good work fellow bloggers. I enjoyed reading all your posts!

By Joe

February 20, 2007 09:06 AM | Link to this

The number killed while serving in the military is very small to the 43 million killed by Roe v Wade. Wake up America, it’s later than you think.

By Buy Danish

February 20, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

JK,

I know you just hate it when I “speak” to you, but I cannot let your posts from yesterday drop without a response, particularly this gem:

{{{There are even rescue orgs for purebreds! I have one friend who has saved nearly a dozen traumatized German Sheps herself over the years. (That takes a loving personality, BD. Not suggesting that for you.)

I know that Barbara is singing your praises, but I am not joining the choir.

The FACT is that I took a stray into my home a few years back and that dog was a member of our family. She was stolen from my backyard and I drove through 3 counties for weeks looking for her, putting up flyers, going to every vet looking for her, checking the dog pounds on a daily basis, advertising with the AJC and Petfinders, et cetera.

It was absolutely heartbreaking for my family and we still think about her often. Your vile assumption that I am somehow a hateful, unloving person is completely unwarranted and reflects poorly on you.

My original premise was very simple: It’s all about CHOICE. I’m sorry that you’re not in favor of it and feel the need to bully people into feeling guilty for having purebred dogs, which, your denials notwithstanding, is exactly what PETA does.

Meanwhile, if you want to talk about “status symbols” why not take it up with the guy from Buckhead with the 4 pit bulls?

By Barbara

February 20, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

BD, not singing her praises; just saying I agree with adopting shelter dogs. Other than that, I tend to disagree with JK on many things. My comments were more focused on the fact that the conversations, even between rivals, are much less vicious than usual. (Even the exchanges between you and JK are not as vicious as I’ve seen from some of the posters who are no longer here.)

By Marcia

February 20, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Jim, Don’t parade around as a conservative and then advocate the government telling me what kind of dog I can own. A true conservative would champion individual responsibility. Irresponsible dog owners, just as those that commit any act that endangers others, should be held accountable. Shame on you for blaming the dog instead of the person! Pit bull terriers will be as good a dog or as bad a dog as the person at the other end of the leash. Leave me and my dogs alone! And by the way, for all of you that think pit bull terriers are only the breed of choice for urban punks of a certain racial group, I am a law-abiding, white, middle-aged, suburban Southern Baptist woman. So that blows one prejudice you may have out of the water.

By Marcia

February 20, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Jim, Don’t parade around as a conservative and then advocate the government telling me what kind of dog I can own. A true conservative would champion individual responsibility. Irresponsible dog owners, just as those that commit any act that endangers others, should be held accountable. Shame on you for blaming the dog instead of the person! Pit bull terriers will be as good a dog or as bad a dog as the person at the other end of the leash. Leave me and my dogs alone! And by the way, for all of you that think pit bull terriers are only the breed of choice for urban punks of a certain racial group, I am a law-abiding, white, middle-aged, suburban Southern Baptist woman. So that blows one prejudice you may have out of the water.

By Buy Danish

February 20, 2007 02:41 PM | Link to this

Barbara,

It is quite different to say something like “when you decide you want to get at family dog, think about adopting one from a shelter” to “people who have purebred dogs are heartless, selfish scum” which is basically what JK was saying.

Here’s a recap:

By Buy Danish - February 19, 2007 11:21 AM

JK

You are free to adopt a mutt, and I am free to have a purebred dog. Isn’t freedom a wonderful thing!

By JK February 19, 2007 11:31 AM

Buy Danish, yes freedom is a wonderful thing. Thanks to the dog-as-status-symbol mentality that encourages social climbers to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a dog, millions of great animals suffer and die homeless and in shelters every year. But, as long as YOU’RE happy….

I’ve already quoted the subsequent comments which further attacked me personally.

It’s nothing but liberal fascism.

By Buy Danish

February 20, 2007 02:52 PM | Link to this

Marcia,

Do you object to requiring owners of dangerous breeds to have million dollar life insurance policies?

Do you know any families whose lives have been destroyed by Pit Bulls attacking a family member?

By Marcia

February 20, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

Buy Danish, I’m thankful to say I don’t know anyone personally that has been the victim of a dog attack, of any breed. I do recall some of the most heinous attacks reported were the death of Dianne Whipple (killed by a Presa Canario, although the ignorant media originally said “pit bull”), and the woman that received the first face transplant (attacked by a Labrador retriever gasp). Yes, I object to laws requiring extra insurance for owners of certain breeds, because there are no dangerous breeds! There are dangerous individual dogs of any breed, and most are unsocialized, mistreated creatures. What I would like to see is common sense dangerous dog legislation, not tied to a particular breed, that will hold accountable those morons that let their unneutered, unsocialized dogs roam neighborhoods. If you go after a breed of dog, you’re not addressing the real problem: the people that allowed (in some cases, caused) their dog to be a danger to the community. In your previous posts, you advocated freedom of choice in regards to purebred vs. mutt. Great—just allow me the freedom to have my choice of breed as well, and give my dogs the “freedom” to be the great dogs they are!

By Buy Danish

February 20, 2007 05:23 PM | Link to this

Marcia,

Well the people who are mauled by breeds like pit bulls would tell you differently. It’s like saying there is no difference between an alligator and a chameleon - an absurd statement.

Someone has to be able to cover the insurance costs when people are bitten or mauled or killed by these animals.

Of all the breeds in the world, why do you have to choose a pit bull?

By Mark

February 21, 2007 08:51 AM | Link to this

A pit bull is only dangerous in the wrong hands. My pit is the most loving dog I’ve ever owned. She loves everyone, esp. my grandchild. She even plays with my cat. My point: Any dog can be taught to be mean. Anyone who thinks they should be banned is just displaying their ignorance. The route to take is to ban certain people from owning them, starting with blacks. Nogs use them as status symbols, thinking having a dog with a bad rep. makes themselves look bad. Until you bashers realize that it is the person who owns a vicious pit is the problem, please STFU.

By Marcia

February 21, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Well, I doubt that the lady with the face transplant felt any better about the fact that she was mauled by a lab. Bottom line, people with a dangerous dog need to have the insurance or risk losing everything. I am all for addressing the issue of dangerous dogs, but I shouldn’t be forced to buy unnecessary insurance when others with dogs that pose a real threat aren’t affected. What constitutes a dangerous dog is his behavior, not his looks! Regarding your question, “why do you have to choose a pit bull?” , I think I can safely assume you don’t really know the breed or you wouldn’t have to ask. That’s ok…most people don’t. When people find out what breed my dogs are, the first reaction is, “I thought they were mean!” Please take a few minutes to check out “monster myths” at www.badrap.org . Another great website is www.pbrc.net.

By Barbara

February 21, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Marcia, here’s another website for you. It’s called “dogbitelaw.com” Go down to Dog Bite Statistics. Link to all Dog Bite Related Fatalities shows that Pit Bulls and Rottweilers account for 67% of all human deaths caused by dogbites. That’s 67% of the total, leaving 33% for all other breeds combined. That speaks volumes right there. I don’t doubt that some folks have very nice pit bulls as family pets, but it’s too risky. It’s hard to argue with statistics.

By Mark

February 22, 2007 09:24 AM | Link to this

It’s quite obvious that you people opposed to pit bull ownership have never read up on the breed. You only speak out because of your lack of knowledge, and silly paranoia.

By Marcia

February 22, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Barbara, I’m very familiar with dogbitelaw.com. It’s a great website. The statistic you quote, however, arguable, because it cites Rottweilers and “pit bull type dogs.” In other words, any mongrel with a big head got lumped into that category. That skews the numbers. Thoughts from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Assoc (2000), source-dogbitelaw.com: “Although fatal attacks on humans appear to be a breed-specific problem (pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers), other breeds may bite and cause fatalities at higher rates. Because of difficulties inherent in determining a dog’s breed with certainty, enforcement of breed-specific ordinances raises constitutional and practical issues. Fatal attacks represent a small proportion of dog bite injuries to humans, and therefore, should not be the primary factor driving public policy concerning dangerous dogs. Many practical alternatives to breed-specific ordinances exist and hold promise for prevention of dog bites.” And Mark, you are right: people fear what they do not know.