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DEL.ICIO.USDNA samples, air safety, truck lanes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thinking Right’s weekend free-for-all. Pick a topic:
Among the pork barrel spending inserted in this year’s state budget was $2,500 to help purchase materials and equipment for a commercial aviation museum in Clay County, population 3,180, south of Columbus on the Alabama line. The grant is presumably to foster preservation of Clay’s rich commercial aviation history. But with this kind of pork, who asks? It’s some legislator’s reward for voting as the leadership wanted.
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute opposing tax cuts is the fat man opposing smaller portions of french fries. “These tax cuts will continue the erosion of the tax base, which means fewer people will be footing the bills or less dollars will be going to education, health care and public safety,” said Sarah Beth Gehl, the advocacy group’s deputy director.
Wonder how many of the women’s advocates expressing dismay at the gender imbalance under the Gold Dome would be thrilled to see more who are pro-life and social conservatives? Ah, that’s what I thought. It’s not women. It’s women with particular political leanings.
Two extraordinarily good bits of news concerning commercial airlines. One is Delta. (We love you, buddy.) The other is that not a single person died in an accident involving scheduled airlines in this country in 2007. Sure, our lives and schedules are momentarily ruined when American Airlines cancels nearly 3,100 flights affecting 250,000 passengers to inspect wiring. But nobody died in 2007. Credit the Federal Aviation Administration and the airlines. Wow. They’re achieving a safety record equal to nuclear power.
The feds intend to collect DNA samples from everybody arrested by any federal agency. Some express concerns about privacy and about potential for misuse of the information. Not a concern here. Existing laws prevent it from being used to identify genetic traits, diseases or disorders. A 2005 study in Chicago finds that 53 murders and rapes could have been prevented had samples been collected on arrest. Go for it.
Atlanta and Fulton County water customers may be asked to pay rates that are 15 percent higher to offset customers’ conservation efforts. Use less, pay more. No good deed …
Much as the private sector is a key player in the state’s transportation solutions —- toll roads, for example, and private bus operators —- the Georgia Department of Transportation gets good advice from its financial adviser, Aaron Barman of Royal Bank of Canada: Suspend consideration on projects like truck lanes until the DOT makes decisions on how high tolls should be and whether use by truckers should be mandatory. (To the latter, yes.) The DOT has to make certain that it has the people and procedures to manage private-sector contracts, keeping relationships at arm’s length.
Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine becomes the first Republican to jump into the 2010 governor’s race. It’s not too early. And it’s hard to argue with his logic that the next governor should be from a “neutral” corner —- that is, not part of the current leadership problem. Republicans who can’t deliver tax cuts to those who don’t hire lobbyists are probably not gubernatorial material.
Hamas officials said Jimmy Carter’s meetings with them boost their legitimacy. And they’re right. At least one Democrat, Barack Obama, got it right: “We must not negotiate with a terrorist group intent on Israel’s destruction. We should only sit down with Hamas if they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel’s right to exist and abide by past agreements.” Which means we don’t sit down with them in Carter’s lifetime. Or Obama’s.
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Comments
By jbmlaw
April 18, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Good morning all. I know I am champing at the bit to drive to Clay County to see a commercial aviation museum, thanks for spending my money that way, Georgia legislature. Seriously, if there is anyone who wishes to drive that direction for a bit of aviation history, I recommend the Tuskegee Airmen National Park or Museum or whatever they call it, about 40 more miles west. I’m not a serious civil rights buff by any measure – that concept is one of those divisive reminders of a segregated past – but the story of the airmen is a wonderfully interesting and uplifting story of triumph, a victory for “personal excellence.” A great hour or so if you are enroute to Montgomery or New Orleans or Pensacola for any reason, or not too far out of the way if you have to go to Auburn.
Someone ought to ask Sarah Beth about funding a commercial aviation museum, or any of several “halls of fame.” Dipstick.
Dear Jim Wooten, your argument on “women’s advocates” is equally applicable to our African-American brothers. Of those who celebrate the potentiality of a mixed-race presidential nominee, how many would vote for Condoleezza Rice? I know she was my first choice when we started talking about all of the presidential stuff a year ago.
The maddening thing about the “safety” inspections is that none of it is necessary, there was no problem indicated. As the WSJ first documented, since publicized by Neal Boortz, this was an initiative compelled by a single brainless democrat congressman. Thanks to all who voted to give the lunatics control of the asylum.
DNA collection is no more intrusive than fingerprinting or photographing, so I have no qualms. I think that procedure is not inconsistent with my version of libertarianism, and cannot conceive of any reason it should not be done at the state level also.
My suspicious mind wonders how much of the increase in water bills for the poor saps who live in Fulton will wind up as graft. Amazing that only Fulton suffers that “need.”
On truck lanes, I would favor making all roads toll roads except the truck lanes, with execution the penalty for violations. It would be worth it to not have to follow a truck pulling a lawnmower in the HOV, or as yesterday, following a semi whose driver was unaware that he is supposed to stay out of the two left-most lanes. Not that we would ever see enforcement of traffic laws, but since we are writing fantasy stuff here anyway, let’s talk about people who text while driving. Those SOBs are even worse than cell phone users. You can spot those idiots because they are the ones driving 48 mph in the left lane.
Oxendine for governor? Isn’t he the faux-conservative who just two weeks ago was whining that government (i.e. Oxendine) no longer has the power to set prices for insurance products?
On the Hamas thing, sounds like Obama is getting smarter. Wasn’t he the one who naively said he would meet with Iran and/or various other world goons without pre-conditions? Maybe he has caught on, that diplomacy fails with rogue states like Iran – a truth evident to anyone who has followed the progress of the Europeans in their talks with Iran over the past four years.
By Mid-South Philosopher
April 18, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Good morning, Jim.
I note that you left out comment on the new “Romeo & Juliette” story that has broken on the state political scene involving State Transportation Board Chairman Mike Evans and Transportation Commissioner Gina Abraham. Based upon what has been reported thus far, Evans and Abraham have done nothing wrong. Upon realizing their feelings were reciprocal, Evans has resigned.
Chivalry is not dead.
Come to think of it, I think I am in favor of more government bureaucrats falling in love with one another. While they are occupied with that, they are not mucking in the public’s business! Yep, I am all for it.
By Jim
April 18, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, trucks weigh 80 thousand pounds, and take hundreds of feet longer to stop than cars, and what do we do?
We limit them to the RIGHT lanes were everyone is entering and exiting. Yeah, that’s bright.
For my money, once a truck hit town, they would go to the far left lane within 2 miles of entering, and would stay there, except to pass or avoid an accident, until they were within 2 miles of their intended exit. I know the left lane bandits would hate this, but it would work.
I’ve spent my whole life in a truck, and, believe me, we hate being in the middle of this as much as you do.
By Carbon Footprint
April 18, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
I wonder if Gina Abrahams has an older sister 4 me?
By March1
April 18, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
A DNA database is fine, but only from those CONVICTED of a crime. Otherwise it is a gross violation of civil rights.
By Carbon Footprint
April 18, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
The only question about DNA sampling of everyone arrested is the cost: who pays for the blue dress?
By RCH
April 18, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
What a dog pile. You are asked to conserve,you comply,revenues decrease and they want to charge you more. What’s next? A hefty fine if you use no water at all. A better solution would be a tiered system. The more water you use the more you pay per gallon on average.
By RCH
April 18, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
What a dog pile. You are asked to conserve,you comply,revenues decrease and they want to charge you more. What’s next? A hefty fine if you use no water at all. A better solution would be a tiered system. The more water you use the more you pay per gallon on average.
By GeorgiaLegislatorsAreCriminals
April 18, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Jim, if you think it’s okay to take DNA samples from people who have merely been arrested (and not convicted), then you simply must agree that it is okay to forcibly demand (under threat of arrest and prison) that every single person in this country submit DNA. If you are okay with that, then that makes taking DNA for an arrest a moot point.
I personally am much more in favor of forcing everyone to submit a sample than just people who are arrested. Start taking samples at birth. It will be very easy. Think of all the crimes that will be prevented and solved.
When you allow other’s civil liberties to be eroded, you are giving permission to allow your own to be taken.
By Lake Sinclair
April 18, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
The rate increase is simple economics. It costs a fixed amount to make good water. Use more rate goes down. Use less rate goes up. However, if you use less your total bill (which is what you should be aware of) will probably go down.
By Lake Sinclair
April 18, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
The rate increase is simple economics. It costs a fixed amount to make good water. Use more rate goes down. Use less rate goes up. However, if you use less your total bill (which is what you should be aware of) will probably go down.
By WBUSH News before Noon
April 18, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Late breaking news:
“WASHINGTON — The war in Iraq has become “a major debacle” and the outcome “is in doubt” despite improvements in security from the buildup in U.S. forces, according to a highly critical study published Thursday by the Pentagon’s premier military educational institute.”
Oh well. People had to find out the truth eventually.
By RCH
April 18, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
* Lake Sinclair*
Maybe this good old boy doesn’t understand simple economics. Example: If I am paying $ 10.00 for 100 gallons of water ( or &1.00 for 10 gallons) and now I reduce my consumtion by 15% I use 85 gallons. With the propsed 20% increase, I will be paying $ 12.00 for 85 gallons ( or $ 1.20 for 10 gallons). Before conservation I was paying $ 10.00 now I am payng $ 10.20. More than I was payng before for less product!
By Carbon Footprint
April 18, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Jimmy Carter is our envoy of last resort and he serves as conscience-comforting gesture of good will and a way to trick God into believing that we’re not animals. Like when Pizarro sent his envoy to The Inca King and asked if he would convert to christianity B4 his soldiers slaughtered them all.
Hamas is the flesh of the antimattter created by the birth of the new state of Israel in 1948. It’s proof of the physics of all human events where an action creates an equal and opposite reaction. Hamas is the astonishing embodiment of pure hate in human form; a small population of people who exist in a seething, lurking morass of conspiracy, vengence, and soliloquy; proof that indoctrination of children matter, and why curriculum creates controversy and will probably always be a battleground.
If only grandpa Hamas believed in evolution, eh? heaven knows what he tells his grandchildren. “There was a snake, and he defiled Allah’s daughter, and she wore a red dress that day, RED, the color of blood, the blood, first the blood, then the smell, then the boys come sniffing around….I can see your dirty pillows, they’re going to laugh at you, they’re going to laugh at you. Come pray with me and forget the prom…..”
By Adam
April 18, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
I can only imagine the grandeur of a world-class museum built on a $2500 budget in the middle of Clay County. How are they going to handle the masses?
Maybe they could get some advice from the Stadium Authority based their world-class putt-putt golf facility.
By Just Nasty and Mean
April 18, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Personally, I am glad Oxindine is in the governors race. He has been a staunch advocate for insurance consumers for a long time.
After the debacle and fiasco in the statehouse created by the self-indulgent egomaniacs Cagle and Richardson, who chose their own distorted big-headed personal needs ahead of the people’s business, they need to be tossed overboard and forgotten.
I wouldn’t vote for either of them if they were the defending champ in a dog fight.
By JK
April 18, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
A better solution would be a tiered system. The more water you use the more you pay per gallon on average.
Thanks, RCH! Let’s ALL get on the phone and start writing letters today. I reduced my consumption by 20% — with the help of a $4, 3 gallon bucket and some conscious attention — and just really don’t appreciate getting screwed (again) for trying to do the right thing.
By Dennis
April 18, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten writes, “Among the pork barrel spending inserted in this year’s state budget was $2,500…for Clay County, population 3,180, south of Columbus on the Alabama line. The grant is presumably to foster preservation of Clay’s rich commercial aviation history. But with this kind of pork, who asks? It’s some legislator’s reward for voting as the leadership wanted.”
Mr. Wooten’s statement, “It’s some legislator’s reward for voting as the leadership wanted” is a real hoot; especially coming from him.
I don’t recall Mr. Wooten complaining when the Jekyll Island Authority rewarded Linger Longer Corporation (a BIG Republican contributor) with a contract to gussie up Jekyll Island with a bunch of beachfront condosshopping malls and other unwanted/unneeded stuff.
You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.
By Dennis
April 18, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten writes, “Among the pork barrel spending inserted in this year’s state budget was $2,500…for Clay County, population 3,180, south of Columbus on the Alabama line. The grant is presumably to foster preservation of Clay’s rich commercial aviation history. But with this kind of pork, who asks? It’s some legislator’s reward for voting as the leadership wanted.”
Mr. Wooten’s statement, “It’s some legislator’s reward for voting as the leadership wanted” is a real hoot; especially coming from him.
I don’t recall Mr. Wooten complaining when the Jekyll Island Authority rewarded Linger Longer Corporation (a BIG Republican contributor) with a contract to gussie up Jekyll Island with a bunch of beachfront condos and shopping malls and other unwanted/unneeded stuff.
You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.
By George Washington
April 18, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Not to go off subject, but I am just giddy with joy about the end of the newspaper business—Soon we will be rid of woodenhead and the Atlanta Urinal Constipation: “The New York Times Company, the parent of The New York Times, posted a $335,000 loss in the first quarter — one of the worst periods the company and the newspaper industry have seen — falling far short of both analysts’ expectations and its $23.9 million profit in the quarter a year earlier.
The company did break even on a per-share basis, compared with the average analyst forecast of earnings of 14 cents, down from 17 cents in the first quarter of 2007.
The company’s main source of revenue, newspaper advertising in print and online, fell 10.6 percent, the sharpest drop in memory, as the industry suffers the twin blows of an economic downturn and the continuing long-term shift of readers and advertisers to the Internet.”
By Fairly Odd Tax
April 18, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
RCH,
You need to implement the FairTax at the same time. That way, 30% becomes 23%. You just need to read the book and you will understand.
By Carolyn Wilder
April 18, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
I wrote letters to AJC and then Gov. Roy Barnes way back when they were talking HOV lanes, and opined that it would be much safer and more practical for them to have truck lanes. The problem now is that there is no enforcement of current laws. But I have driven and ridden in states that actually enforce the laws and there is an amazing difference.
By George Washington
April 18, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
We don’t want Blue Lights John Oxendine as our governor…The clown has been caught more than once using his blue lights in his state issued car to aid his commute and to bully his way thru traffic…Talk about ELITISTs, old Blue Lights takes the prize…I think he may have been in an accident a few years ago in which he was using his blue lights, claiming he was responding to a fire, but official records show no fire at that time, imho of course, you stinking lawyers…
By Bear
April 18, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Wow, Carbon Footprints 9:45 was, i dont know, I mean, wtf? This guy or girl or whatever it is, I’m not sure, but wow. just wow.
By Chris
April 18, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Arrest Carter NOW for his treasonous acts against this country. This includes hanging out with Chavez.
Speaking of Chavez, Hooters in Atlanta is having a contest for the Top 25 girls of the last 25 years. Among the 50 finalists in Ambar Martinez in Venezuela. If she gets this, it will be a public relations disaster for the restaurant chain because Chavez will use Martinez as a propaganda tool in a manner similar to what Cuba’s Fidel Castro did with Elian Gonzalez in 2000.
A vote for Miss Martinez is a vote for Chavez. Remember that when you vote.
By George Washington
April 18, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Iran has given up its nuclear program as being obsolete - Persian scientist have made a break thru in perfecting the “Dark Matter Bomb” which is composed of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles. It is very small, but yields an explosive power more than 10 to the 6th power greater than hydrogen fusion….Reportedly, a dozen such devices now exist in Iran, half of which are now mounted on their long range ballastic missles….Attack Iran, and poof, your country or your attack fleet disappers forever….
By Dusty
April 18, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
MidSouth Phil@8:21
You make me laugh this morning as I rush through here. Yes, aint love grand! Sorta like a Jane Austen story in the sweet lane of DOT.
But your suggestion that other officials try “romance”, may be a lost cause. After seeing a picture of a grumpy looking group of males at a DOT board meeting, there will be no future tinder for Cupid’s tender touch. But let us not give up hope..
By PartyLine
April 18, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Who’s your favorite Democrat, I mean Republican, I mean Democrat, I’m so confused. I wonder if everyone has the same problem with voting a party line as I do. In the White County News (whitecountynews.net), Letters to the Editor, the Democratic party Chair reported the loss of the remaining Democratic elected officials to the Republican Party. The local Republican Party is reported to have told them to switch sides or go up against Republican candidates of the Republican Party’s choosing. Of course, they switched sides. Cowards. At least June Krise showed real courage and honesty. Thank you. Hey, you cannot make up stuff like this. Lousy local republican party. You suck.
By Bear
April 18, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Ah, but Dusty, you made us all laugh. Midsouth only made you laugh. You win. Dusty, without your breezey confident airs this blog would be a shallow version of itself indeed. Blog more, Dusty, you simply dont give enough. We want Dusty. We want Dusty! We want DUSTY!
Chris, do you think Ambar Martinez has an older sister for me? have you heard anything?
By WBUSH News before Noon
April 18, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Could the stories be true. A romance between Cagle and Richardson. Who will be the man and give up his career so the relationship can flourish? Stayed tuned for updates.
By BuckheadBill
April 18, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
You don’t have to be a blind liberal to post twice, just an ignorant one to deny it.
By BuckheadBill
April 18, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
You don’t have to be a blind liberal to post twice, just an ignorant one to deny it.
By Bear
April 18, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Why not send Bridgett Bardot to Hamas and let them get an earful of a woman scorned. No man, no matter how tuff he thinks he is, could be the same after being abused by a woman scorned, especially a woman who turned into such a she-demon like Bridgett Bow Wow!!
By getalife
April 18, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Here is Obama flipping off Clinton
Sad and embarrassing.
He should drop out.
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Brigette Bardot will be able to get in close to Hamas leadership with two thirty eights. then she’d pull a gun. It…..could…….WORK!
By ron
April 18, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Good morning all.The sign ,Clay County Aviation Museum,will be longer than the building housing the museum. Collect DNA samples from all convicted criminals.Convicted,I said. The women in politics now are neither better nor worse than men.More wouldn’t make a lot of difference. While it’s true that the total dollars you pay on your water bill is what really matters,it still rankles that the conserver pays more per unit than the waster. Toll roads will cut traffic congestion. I’ve already told you all what Jimmy Carter has to do.Or to be forced to do. Dusty and I miss Redneck Convert.
By Redneck Convert
April 18, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Well, maybe Alabama ought to be roped into helping pay for that aviation museum. Shouldn’t the one down there be an aviary? I hate to admit it, but I once got in trouble with some revenuers as a youngster. I’m willing to give a retroactive DNA sample, as long as Rene Russo collects it. Ron, my vacation is winding down, so I got to get back to the beer truck pretty soon. Hope you and Sister Dusty haven’t run short. Have a good day everybody.
By jm
April 18, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
I wonder what would happen if tomorrow, the palestinian leaders (including Hamas) agreed to the terms that the US and Israel set for negotiations (renounce violence, recognize Israel’s right to exist etc. …) but instead of demanding their own state, they demand to be made a part of Israel. Based upon demographic trends, it is only a matter of time before some palestinian leader realizes they can get with the ballot what they cannot get with the bullet. As Churchill liked to say: “To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war”.
I wonder if Mr. Wooten is willing to live near a nuclear power plant or is he just a red blooded NIMBY like the rest of us.
Since the primary reason give for most abortions is economic, I wonder what “social programs” Mr. Wooten is willing to fund with his tax dollars to help promote “pro-life”. Life begins at conception but it does not end at birth.
Rather than toll roads, I wonder if some of our trucking traffic could be shifted to “off peak” traffic hours.
By George Washington
April 18, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
yo gitadyke: hillary has just guaranteed that neither she nor any member of her ugly family will ever serve in an obama administration, including double ugly chel-sh-it.
By Glenn
April 18, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Gut Morgan @ 12:11, Herr Wooten. (And nice MG @ Two O’Clock, too.)
Your revelation of the two-facedness of the GA Budget and Policy Institute and of women’s advocacy groups—-for a total of four faces!—-strikes me as important. You’ve pinpointed a lie whose father is the God of Politics.
As you point out, the GBPI doesn’t do budgeteering; it does tax-and-spend. The women’s organizations don’t represent women as women; they instrumentalize women to create their idea of the New Woman—-one who has their politics. (A highly particular politics, too, derived mostly from the sensibilities of haute-bourgeois Jewish urbanites who in the 1970s attended elite private colleges and universities in the Northeast.)
So as you point out these are not so much “special interest” organizations as special-euphemistic organizations. They’re sham-PACs whose existence depends upon the gullibility of those who fall for nominal definitions: everything is what it says it is; if it says it’s a duck, therefore it’s a duck. (After all, ducks surely wouldn’t have sent hunters to advocate for them in the Statehouse.)
So if it’s called the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, it must be concerned with sound budgeting—-and who could be against that? An organization for women? Must be for women! The Georgia Council of the Blind? Must lobby for Braille literacy!
A presidential candidate who bears the title of an ordained minister? Must really know the Gospel! Or one who’s a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Must be a Christian! Another who’s a longtime member of the United Church of Christ? Must really love the Church!
A man who says he’s a Republican? Must be a Republican! A conservative?
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
notice how Redneck Convert quit his charming hill-billy act? I knew that if I left it alone, he’d abandon it. What a fall guy. What a dope.
I love it. oh man, this blog rocks.
By Glenn
April 18, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Gut Morgan @ 12:11, Herr Wooten. (And nice MG @ Two O’Clock, too.)
Your revelation of the two-facedness of the GA Budget and Policy Institute and of women’s advocacy groups—-for a total of four faces!—-strikes me as important. You’ve pinpointed a lie whose father is the God of Politics.
As you point out, the GBPI doesn’t do budgeteering; it does tax-and-spend. The women’s organizations don’t represent women as women; they instrumentalize women to create their idea of the New Woman—-one who has their politics. (A highly particular politics, too, derived mostly from the sensibilities of haute-bourgeois Jewish urbanites who in the 1970s attended elite private colleges and universities in the Northeast.)
So as you point out these are not so much “special interest” organizations as special-euphemistic organizations. They’re sham-PACs whose existence depends upon the gullibility of those who fall for nominal definitions: everything is what it says it is; if it says it’s a duck, therefore it’s a duck. (After all, ducks surely wouldn’t have sent hunters to advocate for them in the Statehouse.)
So if it’s called the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, it must be concerned with sound budgeting—-and who could be against that? An organization for women? Must be for women! The Georgia Council of the Blind? Must lobby for Braille literacy!
A presidential candidate who bears the title of an ordained minister? Must really know the Gospel! Or one who’s a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Must be a Christian! Another who’s a longtime member of the United Church of Christ? Must really love the Church!
A man who says he’s a Republican? Must be a Republican! A conservative?
By getalife
April 18, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Obama’s negatives are piling up and he went down in flames in the last debate
A sure loser.
By Devastator
April 18, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Ongoing nomination fight hurting Clinton more than Obama
By CHARLES BABINGTON and TREVOR TOMPSON, Associated Press Writers WASHINGTON (AP) — In a dramatic reversal, an Associated Press-Yahoo! News poll found that a clear majority of Democratic voters now say Sen. Barack Obama has a better chance of defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in November than Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
While Obama and Clinton are both sustaining dents and dings from their lengthy presidential fight, the former first lady is clearly suffering more. Democratic voters no longer see her as the party’s strongest contender for the White House.
Voters of all types have gotten a better sense of Obama, who was an obscure Illinois legislator just four years ago. As more people moved from the “I don’t know him” category in the AP-Yahoo! News poll, more rated Obama as inexperienced, unethical and dishonest. And 15 percent erroneously think he’s a Muslim, thanks in part to disinformation widely spread on the Internet.
But Obama’s positive ratings have climbed as well, while Clinton — widely known since the early 1990s — has been less able to change people’s views of her. And when those views have shifted, it has hurt her more than helped.
The New York senator’s ratings for being honest, likable, ethical and refreshing have fallen since January, and Obama scores higher than she does in all those categories.
By Devastator
April 18, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Please wake up getalife….
Ongoing nomination fight hurting Clinton more than Obama
By CHARLES BABINGTON and TREVOR TOMPSON, Associated Press Writers WASHINGTON (AP) — In a dramatic reversal, an Associated Press-Yahoo! News poll found that a clear majority of Democratic voters now say Sen. Barack Obama has a better chance of defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in November than Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
While Obama and Clinton are both sustaining dents and dings from their lengthy presidential fight, the former first lady is clearly suffering more. Democratic voters no longer see her as the party’s strongest contender for the White House.
Voters of all types have gotten a better sense of Obama, who was an obscure Illinois legislator just four years ago. As more people moved from the “I don’t know him” category in the AP-Yahoo! News poll, more rated Obama as inexperienced, unethical and dishonest. And 15 percent erroneously think he’s a Muslim, thanks in part to disinformation widely spread on the Internet.
But Obama’s positive ratings have climbed as well, while Clinton — widely known since the early 1990s — has been less able to change people’s views of her. And when those views have shifted, it has hurt her more than helped.
The New York senator’s ratings for being honest, likable, ethical and refreshing have fallen since January, and Obama scores higher than she does in all those categories.
By deegee
April 18, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
“Sure, our lives and schedules are momentarily ruined when American Airlines cancels nearly 3,100 flights affecting 250,000 passengers to inspect wiring.”
Well there’s the understatement of the year. As long as I get to attend my mother’s funeral then to hell with everyone else’s momentary disappointment. And how many millions did that muscle flex cost the airlines and their passengers?
By PartyLine
April 18, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Glenn,
A person who says he is a Democrat must be a Democrat. Nope. A person who says he’s a Democrat is a Republican once that person is threatened with the prospect of having Republican competition. Of course, the threatening Republican party members are just fine with taking in more converts. After all, it’s about the power. There are no principles or honor or beliefs beyond holding on to that power. The White County Republican Party is a sham, a disgrace, a bunch that seems to be willing to do just about anything to hold onto the power. How far are they willing to go. I don’t want to find out.
By ghost rider
April 18, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN!!!!
Sam Nunn is in Barack Obama’s corner.
How sweet it is!
By Devastator
April 18, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
getalife,
I can’t believe you actually posted that garbage, hahahaha!
You actually believe that story? If thats the best you can do, then its Obama in ‘08 baby!
By Devastator
April 18, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Sam Nunn lines up behind Barack Obama Friday, April 18, 2008, 12:25 PM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former Georgia senator Sam Nunn, who toyed with the concept of a non-partisan run for president last year, has come down on the side of Barack Obama in the Democratic race for president.
The former senator, considered one of the nation’s preeminent experts on U.S. defense, met with Obama’s foreign policy team this morning, we’re told. Statements from both camps are forthcoming.
Though not a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, Nunn carries a deal of gravitas in foreign policy from which Obama could benefit. As one himself, Nunn could also help reassure conservative Democrats still suspicious of Obama’s position on the left-right political spectrum.
That could matter in Pennsylvania on Tuesday.
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Devastator, havent you figured out that wipemysnatch is a Repudlickan? I mean, he’s pretending to be left, but his comments are such a loaf-pinch for the liberal cause, that the only explanation is that he’s a dirty, double-crossing poseur, (and idiot).
By ghost rider
April 18, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
In the words of Dick Vitale
REPUBLICANS..This year you’re going down…BABY!
By Devastator
April 18, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
True but nevertheless…
By ghost rider
April 18, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
And, yet another endorsement for Obama..Robert Reich.
By Redneck Convert
April 18, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Well, I usually don’t interrupt my vacation but oncet a day, but this forehead fellow has got my back up. My pieces I write on Wooten’s blog ain’t no “hillbilly act.” Everything I put out there is right from the gut. I’m here, I’m beer. Deal with it.
By deegee
April 18, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Obama & Nunn ‘08
By Devastator
April 18, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
By Patrick Healy
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. - Throughout their contentious debate on Wednesday, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton tried again and again to put Senator Barack Obama on the defensive in a pointed attempt, her advisers say, to raise doubts about his electability among a small but powerful audience: the uncommitted superdelegates who will most likely determine the nomination.
Yet despite giving it her best shot in what might have been their final debate, interviews on Thursday with a cross-section of these superdelegates — members of Congress, elected officials and party leaders — showed that none had been persuaded much by her attacks on Mr. Obama’s strength as a potential Democratic nominee, his recent gaffes and his relationships with his former pastor and with a onetime member of the Weather Underground.
In fact, the Obama campaign announced endorsements from two more superdelegates on Thursday, after rolling out three on Wednesday and two others since late last week in what appeared to be a carefully orchestrated show of strength before Tuesday’s Pennsylvania primary. Obama advisers said that one of the pickups on Thursday, Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. of the District of Columbia, had initially favored Mrs. Clinton, but Clinton advisers denied that, and a Thomas aide said he had been neutral before Thursday.
By Regurgitator
April 18, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Devastator, Apocalypse called. He wants his schtick back.
By Devastator
April 18, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Obama/Sebelius in ‘08!!
Clinton/McCain in ‘08!
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Well, I’ll tell you what. Thar ya go. I heard that. Lord dont you know…I’m talkin redneck…..Yeah talkin redneck…..I’m talkin redneck…..now it dont have to make a whole lots a sense, ya just gots to make it plain and simple for your friends.
Now you just cant get…over there from here. I’m fixin to say… What you cant hear. I’m talkin redneck. I’m talkin redneck. Yeah talkin redneck… Now it donts gotsa make a whole lotsa sense, ya just gots to makes it plain and simple for your friends……
Now I race the trains. to the railroad trax. I always win. and that’s the facts. I’m talking redneck. i’m talkin redneck. I’m talking redneck… it dont has to make a whole lotsa sense you just hasta make it plain and simple for your friends.
By Where's my smelling salts?
April 18, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
GASP! How DARE that woman actually give it her best shot to win an election after all those people have been funding and working for her campaign with the hopes that she’d become President? OH, how dreadful! A decent Democrat would just roll over and play dead at the first sign of disagreement, don’t you think? Never mind that the Republicans will pull no punches and omit no sleazy, slimy trick this year. (It’s called “politics” youngsters.) A good Democrat rolls over and concedes before the votes are all counted, disappointing the millions of people who dared to pin hopes on them. What a WITCH she is by sticking it out when she’s down 48 - 42 in the fourth quarter! The nerve.
By Devastator
April 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Smellin salts,
How about 48-42 with no possibilty of passing 48?
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Conservatism is dead. Sen Craig sounded taps with his flag at halfmast.
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Conservatism is dead. Sen Craig sounded taps with his flag at halfmast.
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Conservatism is dead. Sen Craig sounded taps with his flag at halfmast.
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Conservatism is dead. Sen Craig sounded taps with his flag at halfmast.
By Smellin Salts
April 18, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Devastator, So you’d be okay with your favorite team quitting during a division playoff game?
I’m curious: How would you feel if it were 48-42 for the OTHER team? Would you be just as eager to call it early (for “lightning” perhaps), or would you say, “Hey, what the heck, stick it out, see who wins, shake hands after?”
By Dusty
April 18, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Oh noooooo. Sam Nunn loses it!! Has he been associating with Jimmy Carter? Obviously he thinks Obama is going to beat Hillary. What treachery!! Is he turning himself wrong side outwards just to be V-President or White House groundskeeper or something?
Yep, Sam Nunn has lost it big time. He wants an antiwar smoothtalker to run the USA. I thought he was a truth & honor man. Now I find him to be just another Demo-lib-loser, “party” before country. C’est la vie le Democrat!!
Bear(spelled P-O-F-O)@10:35 Oh thank you thank you, kind sir. U R on a roll this sunny day, right up to “snuff”. Would you serve on the DOT Board? I think I’m in luv!!
By Glenn
April 18, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
PartyLine @ 12:57, I’m certain that you’re right.
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Conservatism is dead. Sen. Craig sounded taps with his flag at halfmast.
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Conservatism is dead. Sen. Craig sounded taps with his flag at halfmast.
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Conservatism is dead. Sen. Craig sounded taps with his flag at halfmast.
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Conservatism is dead. Sen. Craig sounded taps with his flag at halfmast.
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Conservatism is dead. Sen. Craig sounded taps with his flag at halfmast.
By PartyLine
April 18, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Glenn @ 2:33. It’a all in black and white in the letters to the editor section at whitecountynews.net. You just can’t make up stuff like this.
What’s the difference between a prostitute and the Republican party? You know exactly what you are getting and how much it will cost with a prostitute. With the Republican party, you may be getting a Democrat, a Republican, a socialist, etc., and you certainly have no idea up front what it will cost you in the end.
By Apparently ...
April 18, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Political nutsac has spring fever today. That or he’s lost what’s left of his syphillis-addled mind.
By Copyleft
April 18, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Heavens, no! Not an ‘anti-war smooth talker’ for President! (Or worse yet, an ELITIST—you know, someone who’s actually SMARTER than the average shmoe.)
Surely the nation is doomed if we get a president who won’t rush blindly into war at the first opportunity! Head for the hills, folks! Dusty has sounded the alert!
Snicker, snicker… oh, this is fun to watch. The Bush-drones are Going Down In Flames and they’re panicking about it. ‘Bout time, too.
By Glenn
April 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Painfully true, PartyLine.
Ahsay-ahsay, how ‘bout them Braves?
By Smellin Salts
April 18, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
I was hoping Devastator would answer my questions at 2:20. They weren’t rhetorical. I am curious. But of course I respect one’s right to not respond.
By getalife
April 18, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Obama sends a message
By Dusty
April 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Copyleft@3:04
Dear heart, What flaming??Republicans are not on the airways humming & hawing about how great they WOULD be, if only and maybe and I did not say that and this is what I meant and I hardly know that fascist and he was my minister for only 20 years and those white people and how was I to know..on and on..
If these two are the “elite ” of American, there should be panic. These Dem nominees have about as much experience in actual governing as do the pageboys of Congress. At least, that is what their records ACTUALLY show.
I prefer “sound” citizens who do not have to coverup, explain and defend their actions. Their records shine and you do not have to guess whether they would run for cover from some murdering maniacs or stand and fight.
I am all for “elites” who really are elite and don’t have to tell you how smart they are so you’ll know. Congress is being run by all kinds of Dem “elites” but their performance is such substandard behavior against America, it makes you wonder what happened.
Just be thankful you had a strong president for eight years who knew how to defend this country and protect even thankless people like you. You pout and spout safely but you don’t appreciate the freedom that so many have died that you might have it. Our military are doing it now and all you can say is “Go home now. You lost.”
By CJ
April 18, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Dusty wrote, “[Sam Nunn] wants an antiwar smoothtalker to run the USA.”
I hear ya, Dusty. There’s nothing more anti-American than being anti-war (unless of course, Bill Clinton is the C-in-C and he wants to send troops to Korea, Haiti or the Balkans), and there’s nothing more patriotic than war-mongering.
Peace. (Not Really. Just a figure of speech).
By ghost rider
April 18, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Jeez…My coke (as in cola) just went through my nose after I read this nonsense conscripted by DUSTY: “Just be thankful you had a strong president for eight years who knew how to defend this country and protect even thankless people like you.”
Dusty, you are what is known as a lemming…
This hero of yours has a 28% approval rating…
BLIND FAITH IN BAD LEADERS IS NOT PATRIOTISM!
By PartyLine
April 18, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
If it were not for blind faith, she’d have no faith at all. How else do you explain anyone still believing in Bush or the Republican Party.
By ghost rider
April 18, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
By PartyLine
April 18, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
If it were not for blind faith, she’d have no faith at all. How else do you explain anyone still believing in Bush or the Republican Party. Partyline….
Well put!
As Little Richard used to sing “Good Golly Miss Molly…Please get clue..
By Dusty
April 18, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
ghost rider@4:27
I wasn’t blind when planes struck the twin towers and the Pentagon. Were you?
I wasn’t blind when Muslim fundamentalist struck our embassies in Africa, trains in Spain, military barracks in Saudi Arabia, buses in the UK. Were you?
I’m not blind when suicide bombers are sent to spread death in markets and funerals in Israel and Iraq. Are you?
I am not blind to the fact that America has had no further attacks on our mainland since Bush and our military have fought back. Are you blind?
I am not blind to the fact that two countries are free from dictatorship and now struggle to maintain the freedom for which they yearned. Are you blind?
I’m wasn’t blind when Saddam defied the UN, used aid money for children to build his mansions, gassed whole villages of his own citizens and buried his citizen victims in mass graves. Were you blind to all this?
Speaking of the “blind”, the Bible gives practical advice. “Do not let a blind man lead you as you will end up in a ditch.”.
Democrats like you are blind to reality. Americans do not want leaders who can only see what is promising to their political desires even when it is detrimental to the country..DEMOCRATS!! Open your eyes, buddy!!
By Political Foreskin
April 18, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Okay, back to the garden of eden story, you know where adam and eve only pretended to eat the apple so they’d trick god into banishing them, and to make it look good, eve planted all these seedlings all over the garden to convince god that indeed they had totally digested the apples.
Anyway, the question is why? Well, you remember that Eve was a woman, and like every meal was some sort of picnic thing, outdoors, with no furniture, and like that means ants, and of course dont forget spiders. Big spiders. Well, what woman would put up with that? Honestly. But she still had to make it look good, so when God told them they were banished and would have to work for a living and till the soil and fight disease, and face eventual death, Eve was like, “OMG! I cant believe we did this. Oh, please dont banish us God, we were tricked by that snake, it was his fault. We’re the victims here” But she was really feeling, “Oh, I’m so scared. Why dont you go plant pole beans in your stupid garden of eden, farmer boy.”
So Eve and adam skipped and lived happily ever after.
What if Able killed Cain?
By Dusty
April 18, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
PoFo@5:01
Bare your fangs, snake who tells stories. Your diamond back is great. But you are still poisonous, U cold blooded creature of cute…
By Musty
April 18, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Brace yourself, because the last time I checked President George W. Bush was the ONLY Commander-in-Chief, and the ONLY head of the Grand Old Party (you know, as in REPUBLICAN) and the ONLY Republican who still calls himself a CONSERVATIVE. So if you foul-mouthed class cut-ups wouldn’t mind, I think I’ll stick by my conservative Republican Chief. Thank you.
By ghost rider
April 18, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Dusty… Please tell me how many of those airplanes that took out the world towers were hijacked by Iraqis?
Tell me why we attacked Iraq…You give some bogus nonsense about Saddam…But, in reality it was WMD! Then after it was discovered there were no WMD…The song changed..
Have you ever seen the picture of one of your heroes Donald Rumsfeld shaking hands with Saddam…
You are truly blind….but, again there are 28% just like you!
By TW
April 18, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
ghost rider - Dusty is a liberal mole. The left has coyly created several faux rightwing personalities in an attempt to make republicans appear more idiotic than they already are. Dusty is merely one of these, no doubt, as what she types clearly fuels the argument that the current admin hasn’t got the brains God gave a turnip.
Dusty - while you are very entertaining, you might consider purchasing your weed from somebody else…
By Glenn
April 18, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Holy Father of the Perpetual Briss,
In your query you raise Cain. I checked with Seth and he didn’t know the answer, but I think we can most safely assume that it was Cain who went after Able—-an assumption based on the evident fact that Cain still is doing so.
As for your suspicion that our ancestor Eve feigned transgression because she was a natural born malingerer, you are trading the sin of Pride for that of Sloth, so it’s the death penalty either way. Still, I would asser that she must actually have tasted of the Organic Santa Rosa Plum, as we can readily see that the human race continues to be vexed by the burden of decision between good and evil.
Should it prove that yours is indeed the more accurate speculation, however, then I shall immediately launch a personal quest for the beautiful Eve, ageless and wise. And I can assure you that Adam will be a marked man.
By Dusty
April 18, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
ghostrider@5:17
I will be glad to REPEAT what you already know but do not want to believe.
TERRORISTs hijacked planes and hit the Twin towers. They were Middle East al Queda terrorists. Their leader was Osama bin Laden who hid in Afghanistan among Taliban Islamic fundamentalists. We attacked and freed the country, but Osama fled to some of the highest mountains in the world, partly in Pakistan. He is still being quietly followed for capture in the most remote mountain areas.
During this time our CIA, British Intelligence produced what they were certain indicated WMD in Iraq. The President and the US CONGRESS agreed that this was too dangerous a threat that should be removed. The UN was not sure but was ineffectual in any review of atomic facilities in Iraq as they are in Iran.
It was difficult. America went to war against Iraq, defeating the dictator of a suppressed country.
At present, we still fight to maintain the fragile freedom of postwar conditions. Our troops train Iraqis to defend themselves. The President is withdrawing some troops as he wants them home like all Americans. He will not desert a struggling Iraq which terrorists would love to control and still try.
That is the unadorned truth of how President Bush has made every effort to protect American citizens. Bitter Democrats have used antiwar efforts to undermine the President and the military, unable to see what they do to America. Now they want to present us an ANTI-WAR nominee to run America, a man who would not fight for his country.
That is how far blind bitterness will carry even a free person.
By Dusty
April 18, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
TW@5:34
I am a Republican and not a Democrat. Therefore I do not smoke weed or do undercover work. Speak for yourself, lib.
By Jackie
April 18, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
When November comes and the political tsunami hits the Repubs, wonder what their excuse will be then?
They have been saying that the media is the one that chose McCain, now, they recognize he is their only choice.
What a conundrum.
By ghost rider
April 18, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Nice try DUSTY,
Your idiotic comment
“Now they want to present us an ANTI-WAR nominee to run America, a man who would not fight for his country.”
Now, Dusty would you like to remind of us George Bush’s heroic service or Dick Cheneys, or Ricard Pearles, or Paul Wolfwitzes, or Condi Rice’s or Stephen Hadley’s…Get the picture.
Me thinks some WEED would really do you well!
By Miller
April 19, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Dusty’s delineation of post 911, (profusely illustrated) is quite comprehensive and reveals a command of historical truth as free from spin as a retrospective weather report.
Bravo, dusty.
By ray
April 20, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
instead of truck lanes extend 185 thru rome to and connect to 75 between dalton and chattanoga, then follow 520 thru albany, tifton, waycross to brunswick. this would remove many trucks as well as cars from atlanta. with these vechicles removed it would help congestion as well as air quality in atl. it may also increase visitors to places such as the little white house, the little grand canyon, westville, etc. it may also help the southwest part of georgia that may nbe the poorest area of the nation (even pooer than missippi) have a chance to make some enconomic gains.