Thinking Right

By Cherokee

December 31, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

“he helped assuage their guilt over slavery, while allowing them to rejected more authentic black voices.”

Yah I’m sure that’s why Saltsman passed along the song.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

December 31, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, and Happy New Year. My bold forecast is that 2009 will feature many partisan political games. For the record, I thought the “Magic Negro” song was pretty funny, Paul Shanklin near his best. (It is purportedly Al Sharpton chanting a vile lyric through an amplified megaphone, to the tune of “Puff, the Magic Dragon.” Shanklin does not get any recognition for his humor, but he is in a class with Weird Al Yankovic or PDQ Bach, and he produces much more than those two giants combined (although, in all fairness, Peter Shickele is well into his 70s now.)

Special note to friend @@, your late post yesterday sounded more like me than I do.

Dr. Williams has a great essay this morning on the distinction between disseminating opinion and offering a rigorous and impartial explication of science, “Teaching Economics,” . Apt for me, as for the past couple of days I have been reading Dr. Sowell’s several-years old “Classical Economics,” a marvelously-written, and politically-neutral, history of the development of thought in the field. Slogging though the opening, parsing the controversies over “Say’s Law,” left me drained although admittedly better informed. He hit cruising speed with his essay on John Stuart Mill, highlighting the moral defects in those thoughts. Always impressive to see the brightest minds doing what they do best.

By findog

December 31, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

James,

How nice of you to go all, “Fair and Balanced,” to end the year. Maybe on Friday you can revise and extend your remarks to cover some of the hypocrisy these two items have brought us. An African-American will represent Illinois, kind of like the token seat on the Supreme Court. Even better is Newt, the C-SPAN 800-number hyper-partisan name caller, now fails to see the comedy in a Rush published parody. He sold his soul when he blamed the drowning of those two little boys an democrat decay of society when it turned out to be republican incest…

By Redneck Convert

December 31, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Well, you might of knowed the librul Democrats would do anything they can to make out like us Republicans don’t like Those People. Which we don’t, but that has nothing to do with it. And when we get thru the Pearly Gates and onto the streets of gold, you can bet a bunch of pointy-heads will be marching and holding signs saying God is a racist. It don’t matter where you are, somebody is always going to be yelling about how there ain’t enough of Those People here or there.

Well, it’s the end of 2008. I been doing alot of thinking about 2009 and I decided I’m going to look out for No. 1 more next year. I thing Raghead is right. We got no business worrying about somebody else or weather what we do will be good for the country or society or stuff like that. The big question is, is there any money in it for me? So I’m going to start yelling “Theif!” every time I see that money has been took out of my paycheck for taxes. We live in a big jungle where it’s every man for hisself, and I aim to grab as much for me and mine as I can.

So enjoy your 2009 but don’t get in my way while I’m trying to make more money. And if I can just figure a way to take it with me when I pass on, I’ll be one very happy Republican. I just wish Captain Freedom was still with us to say the same thing so much better.

By Churchill's MOM

December 31, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

The average American walks about 900 miles a year.

Another study found that Americans, on average, drink about 22 gallons of alcohol a year.

That means that, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon.

By Peter

December 31, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Jim……….. I guess lynching is out of the question these days………so why don’t you write something STUPID like you did today !

Why don’t you continue to divide the nation, why don’t you perpetuate Hate like you enjoy doing, and perpetuate negativity toward others.

Hopefully this year you will be accidentally knocked in the head, and beauty will be expressed to you for Just a Change ! You may actually see all the color in the Rainbow.

You still remain the Republican Dinosaur, and for real peace, love on earth, and in our nation, your type must become extinct.

Happy New Year, and may Maxwell find you !

By Bill Shipp

December 31, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

By this time next year, you may think 2008 wasn’t so bad after all.

Sure, the economy went into a nosedive. Unemployment rose, and so did bankruptcies and foreclosures. It could have been worse. At year’s end, there was a break in the clouds.

The price of motor fuel plummeted. SUVs and trucks started selling again. The chatter about more efficient but expensive vehicles and costly alternative fuels went suddenly silent.

Mainly, however, the old saw, “You can’t spend your way out of debt,” was about to be cast aside in favor of a new way to prosperity: “bailout.”

Both Washington and Atlanta appeared ready to spend, spend, spend and borrow, borrow, borrow to get the economy rolling again.

As it prepared to say goodbye, the Bush administration handed out nearly a trillion dollars to banks and automakers. In the case of the banks, the Washington politicians had but one question: “Do you want this in 20s or 50s?” A few additional questions were attached to the car deals, but not many.

A couple of prudent souls sounded warnings to the incoming administration. Their concerns were drowned out, however, by the controversy over inviting the Rev. Rick Warren, an anti-gay preacher, to deliver the opening prayer at Barack Obama’s inauguration. In the ever-expanding world of cable TV, news of gay nuptials ranks ahead of national bankruptcy every time.

Back here in Georgia, Gov. Sonny Perdue prepared to wave his magic wand over a spending package for public works, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the CCC boys closed their camps and marched off to World War II.

Perdue’s secret spending package may contain a couple of Bush-like booby traps, which the governor must disarm before he performs his full magic act.

Georgia already has been spending like a drunken sailor on shore leave in Savannah. In fiscal 2005, the state’s debt service soared past the $1 billion mark for the first time ever, and it has kept going up even as revenue dwindles. Georgia now is spending more than 1 percent of its total budget on debt. That means you and your children and their children are required to shell out $200 million-plus each year just to keep Georgia’s credit cards current.

Then there’s the other issue: Where did all this borrowed money go? It sure wasn’t plowed into the schools. Public education has taken a $1.6 billion cut in state funding since Sonny showed up. Higher education has taken an even colder bath.

Perdue also shelved a massive water-usage plan, just before Georgia was engulfed by a record drought.

Then there’s transportation. Sonny didn’t bother to fix transportation; he just sat on his hands and watched the economy sour. Cash-strapped motorists cut back on driving - and, voila! The traffic seemed to clear, giving us another example of Sonny in action.

Perhaps Sonny hopes to turn to the Obama administration for the same kind of don’t tell-don’t ask help that Washington gave Wall Street. The president-elect has said he hopes to help state and local governments that can’t make ends meet without crippling services. That category certainly would include Georgia.

However, Georgia joined the Old South in opposing Obama for president, and we re-elected a Republican senator known in some circles as “Shrub’s Stamp.”

Said senator also has a hurt knee from the Vietnam era and may not be able to join Obama’s inner circle for a round of hoops every morning.

Aw, but we groan too much. Those problems can be addressed. If Washington can come to the rescue of Morgan Stanley and Chrysler, surely it can help out Sonny and Georgia.

But, if you need any help with the White House, don’t bother Sen. Saxby Chambliss. Just ring up state Sen. David Adelman (D-Decatur), who is said to be the incoming president’s main man in Georgia. Don’t worry, governor, Adelman doesn’t hold grudges. If Adelman had been Georgia’s main WH guy a few years back, the Peach State might have saved several military bases from closing in the middle of a war.

Take this down: 2009 may be another tough year. But at least there is a glimmer of hope things will get better and a promise that a new national administration will feel our pain. You can take that premonition to the bank, if it’s still open.

By Copyleft

December 31, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Now, that’s funny stuff, ChurchMom! Thanks.

By ron

December 31, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Good morning——Interesting opening by Blago.Your move Harry.

We play games with songs now.If you’re offended by the song,feel free to be.The same if you’re not.I’m not,but it’s not something I would have done.It shows a childishness that’s hardly becoming someone vieing for national office.Even the RNC.

Obama appealed to white liberals because he helped assuage their guilt over slavery.That’s a racist’s opinion.A black racist this time.I was accused of being a racist because I didn’t vote for Obama.Apparently my hidden guilt has stayed hidden and doesn’t need assuaging.Anyway,call me ahead of time and remind me when I’m supposed to feel guilty and I’ll see what I can do for you.

By Steven Daedalus

December 31, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Jeez Jim, I’ve always known the Republicans dangle you like a $2 puppet, but today is the most pitiful column you’ve ever posted.

By Wooten is a partisan hack!

December 31, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Do you even know who Roland Burris is Wooten? He was the Attorney General in Illinois for years, and has over 25 of public service. A very honorable man who republicans and democrats alike view as a good choice. He was AG under your republican guy, Gov. George Ryan. Instead of bringing up race as a factor, how about you use your ‘journalistic’ skills and actually do the research before just writing some bs. Neither political party in Illinois has a problem with Burris, its who appointed him thats the issue. Look who’s ending the year with partisan games! YOU!!! Go figure.

By PinkoNeoConLibertarian

December 31, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Too Funny Churchy’s Mom!

I either need to walk more or drink less in order to up my MPG!

By Ga Dude

December 31, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Happy to hear that Bristol and baby are doing fine and are healthy.

But it leads to a theology question for Christians. According to Yahoo having a baby out of wedlock proves that Christians have a human nature. I agree that Palin’s daughter has a human nature. But how does being human square with the fact that she and her boy friend broke a whole bunch of a supernatural being’s codes. She and her boy friend had to know they were braking these codes. Yet they went ahead and broke them any ways.

After all Eve broke the supernatural beings codes and we all know what happened there. Should Bristol and boy friend be held to the same standards and be damn for all eternity?

I want everyone to understand this is NOT an attack on the Palin’s just an attempt to understand Christian logic which I must admit is getting a whole lot tougher to do.

By Davo

December 31, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Jeez, JW, next year don’t wait so long to write a good blog!

I actually have come to like Blago. Look at the guy…pure politician playing the big game and he has nothing to lose. And…he has the law in his favor (that is if anyone in the Senate will bother to obey the law as it stands). It’s like Rocky only with politics and crazy hair. I bet Blago will actually have a very good 2009 for himself…not sure about his administration.

By Davo

December 31, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

President-elect Barack Obama has issued this statement:

Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy.

If the president-elect does it, it’s not against the law? These guys talk about the rule of law yet refuse to follow it; it’s so transparent if anyone would bother to call them on it…which is what Blago did.

By Shorter Wooten

December 31, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Shorter Wooten: It’s just so unfair that a white guy can’t call a spade a spade any more.

Coming soon: Those durned qu e e rs took a perfectly good word like gay and made it into something icky.

By getalife

December 31, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Burris and Franken will be seated.

The most powerful woman in the world

Obama is just a face for a Clinton third term and the Clintons will run our government.

2009 will be a bad year but we come back in 2010, stronger than ever.

Just like after daddy bush left office.

The Clintons rule.

By sudi mariappa

December 31, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

it is sad that you make light of the hatred and bias in the balance of the cd that was sent . is this party of moving forward. clearly using you atlanta is not busy enough but still hates…

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

December 31, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Dear GA Dude @ 10:02, suggest you use a source other than Christopher Hutchins if you wish to know what Christians think. Your question holds a false premise, which I assume merely reflects your lack of acquaintance with the religion. The short answer to your question, however is found in the bumper sticker, “Christians are not perfect, just forgiven.”

Dear Davo @ various times, your analysis of Blagoboy is spot on, in every aspect. Won’t win you any friends, but I agree with all you wrote.

Dear Shorter @ 10:57, the leftists did the same with “progressive” and “liberal.”

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

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

Dear getalife @ 11:14, good morning, and happy new year. At risk of horrifying you, I think you may be right. “Obama is just a face for a Clinton third term and the Clintons will run our government. … 2009 will be a bad year but we come back in 2010, stronger than ever.” I perceive that even Chauncey has begun to understand that the democrat agenda is the wet blanket on the economic fire – the union initiatives, the threat of higher taxes, cap and trade, etc. I believe that Obama – like Bill Clinton in 1993 – will renounce the leftist agenda by the end of 2009, and recovery will follow quickly thereafter, just like the 1990s.

By ron

December 31, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

2008 hasn’t been too bad a year for the Bride and me.No sickness,no major bills.We have more money now than when we started 2008,so that’s not bad.The cats survived.The 1994 Ranger is still running strong.There are no holes in the canoe.The roof doesn’t leak,and most of the neighbors are still speaking.Should 2009 be the same as 2008 for us,I will not complain.

By Honest Bumper Sticker

December 31, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Christians are not perfect, but whatever we do is okay because we are “forgiven”. So suck on it.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

December 31, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

John Stuart Mill, on Barack the Magic Negro: “Our merely social intolerance kills no one, roots out no opinions, but induces men to disguise them, or to abstain from any active effort for their diffusion.” (In context, actually from On Liberty, Mill was objecting to the attitude we call today “political correctness.” In his era, the “intolerance” was primarily from the church. Sowell amusingly notes that Mill’s objection is necessarily an asymmetrical principle, as Mill’s objection to mere social intolerance is itself a denial of another’s right to condemn. Mill’s position, an intolerance of intolerance, is an attempt to quiet objectors because Mill dislikes their objections. Dear PoFo, that is your paradox for the day: square the legitimacy of Mill’s complaint with Sowell’s clever observation.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

December 31, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Dear Sticker @ 12:17, when Jesus saved the prostitute from stoning, He did not tell her to go about her business. He told her to “go and sin no more.” Your error is adding the “okay” phrase.

By ncgreybr

December 31, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

I guess I’m curious how the race factor was “injected”.

By ncgreybr

December 31, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

I guess I’m curious how the race factor was “injected”. If he had selected a white man, would race have been “injected”?

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

December 31, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Dear Ncgreybr @ 1:00, I respectfully think I can answer. Had Blagoboy nominated a white person to serve in Obama’s seat in the Senate, it would have been easy for the Senate to reject the nominee, as a product of corruption. Here, the race-conscious leadership of the Senate is in the curious position of having to reject its only black member, for no fault of the nominee. I think Blagoboy has successfully played the race card against the race-conscious overlords.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

December 31, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Dr. Sowell publishes a short explanation today, why leftism always fails, “The Art of the Impossible.”

By ron

December 31, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Ragnar,I find it a little odd that a man that has received his health care from his employer would be so hard on any form of socialized medicine.The receiver of the Humanities Award doesn’t think much of his fellow humans,I would guess.

By Hillbilly Deluxe

December 31, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

So what happens if Gov. Blago beats the rap and isn’t convicted? Stranger things have happened. A wise old man once told me, “If you’re looking for justice, court is the last place you need to go”.

By Davo

December 31, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Ragnar; I’m glad to see someone else appreciates the irony of Blago; is it crazy to admire a crooked politician? I guess I’m crazy…friendless, red-haired-stepchild libertarian that I am.

Can’t say I follow your logic regarding Chip Saltsman though. While he may have thought he was making a funny pushing the ‘political correctness’ buttons; he hardly qualifies for being politically savvy. For someone seeking to be chairman of the RNC that was really just about the stupidist move I can imagine. I’m amazed he hasn’t been brow beaten by his own peers. Too bad…we will need a strong opposition party to counter Obama and the dems; continuing the culture war is not the way to go about it.

By @@

December 31, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

It is, however, a reminder to Republicans that they can’t do race.

That’s for damn sure, Jim!!!

Let’s overlook the fact that it was David Ehrenstein, liberal columnist for the L.A. Times who published a piece back in March, 2007 referring to Obama as “The Magic Negro”.

Let’s overlook the fact that Rod Blagojevich (D) placed on the auction block two African Americans, Bullis and Rush, to bear his burden, passing it on to the dem donkeys who, when the sun is shining, declare THEMSELVES the haymaker.

BTW, Jim….when it comes to using strategy, Blagojevich would make an excellent Ambassador to the U.N. or maybe Secretary of Defense. He strikes me as the kinda guy that if someone puts “his” to the wall, he’s gonna make dang sure “theirs” get nailed right beside ‘em.

Aside from his alleged corruption and racist maneuvers, I find him to be impressive.

By mister.earl

December 31, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Speaking of partisanship

Lets Go Mets

By catlady

December 31, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

When all is known, I bet we will find out Cynthia and her group did more than fail to listen to the authorities of Israel in trying to take the ship to Gaza. Cynthia is about the learn that she holds no currency in Israel; that no one will be forced to apologize to her for refusing to admit her (like the poor guard at the Congress was) and that she cannot bully her way in, change of hairdo, weight gain, or whatever.

Don’t mess with Texas? H3ll, don’t mess with Israel!

By @@

December 31, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Oh……AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! to you too Jim.

Ragnar:

Special note to friend @@, your late post yesterday sounded more like me than I do.

I’m flattered.

By Dusty

December 31, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Happy New Year and may it be a Good One!!

That’s for all of you…including Jim Wooten…who deserves a good one for putting up with all of US!!

By One Voice

December 31, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Ragnar @ 8:29, you are a racist. Period.

I figured the Republicans would propagate racist whispers leading up to the election in a tasteless effort to persuade Americans and play to ignorant fears.

But I did not expect the kind of racism I’ve witnessed after the election. Every day there is another spoof, another email, another “Puff” song, and who has been spreading all them? Conservatives every time. You think nobody is noticing when you send a “funny” racist attack, then brush it off as simply politically incorrect humor and suggest everyone get over it?

You’ve already been dealt a crushing defeat of epic proportions. You are only further marginalizing yourselves with your arrogance and ignorance. Why would any voters be swayed to vote for your party or ideology? But keep it up, by all means; you’ll ensure Democrats expand their numbers and stay in power indefinitely.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 1, 2009 8:13 AM | Link to this

It’s 2009 and the computers didn’t crash. The sundials are off, interestingly. The New York Times did a piece about how cheaply made (in Korean garages) the sundials used by Nasa and the Greenwich Mean Time people are.

You see, with all those moving parts, all it takes if for one to fail and the sundial is worthless. Supposed a volcano goes off in Sri Lanka. Well, that affect’s earth’s rotation and distance from the sun. Suppose China tests a nuke. That too affects the atmosphere and thus sundial accuracy.

We were worried about Y2K. Well, if you use the Justinian Calender, and add the four years Christ was incommunicato in India, then you get 2009 as the date for the big techno-crash.

Who knew it would be the sundials. That’s the problem with predictin’ things: you’re a sitting duck when the real event happens and you’ve got your pants down and there’s wolves at the door, pal.

I would say Happy New Year, but…..how do I even know it’s Winter? I cant trust time itself, man.

By Churchill's MOM

January 1, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this

Jim I don’t know which is worse watching last night’s Georgia Tech game or Auburn not being in a bowl game. Here’s our first new Palin story of the year.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says her future son-in-law is not a high school dropout as the press is reporting.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate also issued a statement about the birth of her first grandchild.

People magazine reports that Palin gave birth to her son, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, file) Palin told The Associated Press on Wednesday that 18-year-old Levi Johnston is enrolled in high school through a correspondence program.

Palin said some media outlets also are erroneously reporting that her 18-year-old daughter, Bristol, is a high school dropout. The governor said her daughter is enrolled in regular high school and has taken correspondence courses.

The AP reported in an October story that Johnston dropped out of high school to work on the North Slope oil fields. The wire service hasn’t mentioned Bristol Palin’s status in school.

A phone message left at the home of Johnston’s mother wasn’t immediately returned Wednesday.

Bristol Palin and Johnston are the parents of Sarah Palin’s first grandchild, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, who was born Saturday.

Palin’s office initially would not comment on the birth of the couple’s baby, but on Wednesday the governor broke the silence.

“We are over the moon with the arrival of this healthy, beautiful baby,” Palin said in a statement. “The road ahead for this young couple will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Bristol and Levi are committed to accomplish what millions of other young parents have accomplished, to provide a loving and secure environment for their child.”

In the statement, Palin’s spokesman Bill McAllister said, “The high volume of press inquiries, along with some erroneous information that was published, prompted the governor to make a statement.”

In the same statement, Bristol Palin said she “obviously discourages” teen pregnancy and understands previous plans have been forever changed.

“Teenagers need to prevent pregnancy to begin with — this isn’t ideal,” the teenager said. “But I’m fortunate to have a supportive family which is dealing with this together. Tripp is so perfectly precious; we love him with all our hearts. I can’t imagine life without him now.”

Johnston has said he and Bristol plan to marry.

By Dusty

January 1, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this

Dear Churchill’s Mom,

I see you are off on your usual assignment. Democrats still trying to blind the shine from Sarah Palin. She makes Dems look duller than dishwater and they know it.

But, you REALLY do not need to reprint every word the AJC reported about Sarah Palin this morning. It is already here for us to read so no need for your repetitious repeats. Do you also work for the AJC besides the dubious Democrats??

By ron

January 1, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

Good morning.The first of 2009.

Judges can’t seem to get their automatic wage increases to offset the cost of living increases they experience.Too bad.

Bankers haven’t stolen a lot of money this year,yet.

I could buy a new Ranger for less than $13,000,but I’m not going to. $12,910.95 actual price.

All of my yearly bills are ahead of me again instead of behind me.

Not all economists agree that the minimum wage is a bad thing.

80 days ‘til spring.

Todd Palin is now sleeping with a Grandmother.How time flies.

Redneck will have to be on the road tomorrow to restock the coolers.He’ll probably have to do overtime.Good chance for me to slip over to see his Missus.Wish her a happy New Year.

By Glenn

January 1, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

Auburn has such a huge machine that they make their own bowl games, strings vs. strings, strings vs. scrubs, etc. The Auburn bowls, they’re called. They happen like raves — late at night, unannounced, at a nearby high school stadiums. I know it sounds odd, but it’s true. That’s how Auburn stays sharp for the next Autumn. They’re like Greek warriors. They feed on each other, just for practice. Those who remain standing live to play another day.

Against Vanderbilt.

By GA NEO-CONS R DYING OFF

January 1, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this

YOU REPUBLICANS KNOW THAT YOUR EVIL ELK ARE DYING OFF,IM GLAD THAT NORTH CAROLINA AND FLORIDA VOTED FOR DEMOCRATS, IT SHOWS THAT YOUR EVIL KIND IN THE SOUTH ARE BEGINNING TO WHITHER AWAY,YOU LOSE THE CIVIL WAR,YOU LOSE THE CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE,YOU LOSE YOUR EVIL REPUBLICAN HOLD ON THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

By Billy

January 1, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this

My favorite part of this article?

“…guy who’d be the only black in the U.S. Senate…”

By Dusty

January 1, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this

Dear Ron the redneck,10:09

Most surely YOU R REDNECK Convert. Confess your shamelesness in phony Southernerness and expose your yankee roots. Ha! I bet you are the ONE who weighs 300 lbs and has a Bronx accent. Came south to get warm. Now we can’t run you off with a stick!

Bye now, Bubba Bunko. Crank up the ol’ pickup truck and head home!! Happy New Year! Up north, that is….

By Cherokee

January 1, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

“Evil elk”??????

By Dusty

January 1, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this

Dear Cherokee,10:50

“Evil Elk” was the father of “Dreadful Deer” who supported “Mustafa Moose” in the evil overthrow of “Genghis Gazelle”.

I think you may have missed this in history class.

By ron

January 1, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

Dear Dusty,I’m 6 foot,210 pounds.I used to suffer from dickey do disease,but you never wanted to know what that was,remember?I never was in the Bronx,but I went to Manhattan once.I used to carry a rifle in a rack in the rear pick-up window,but I gave that up years ago.That was the end of my redneck days.

The celebrated Redneck Convert and I are definitely two different people.I just simply lust after that 325 pounder that Redneck is harnessed to,especially when he portrays her with Ryan’s rib juice dripping on her ample bosom.

Be especially careful around them,there evil elk Dusty,I wouldn’t want to see a nice girl like you get tangled up with such a wayward crowd.Ask Ragnar what Dr.Sowell would think about them evil elk.He’ll know what to say.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 1, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this

Why do I get the idear that Dusty would have made fun of Sitting Bull by adding an “h” to his first name, if she were his big sis, when Sitting Bull was a child, making him cry and run away.

By Dusty

January 1, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

Dear ron,11:45

Forgive me but I had forgotten you suffer from the dickey doodle disease northern version acquired in Manhattan. Have you tried lemon juice and honey? Said to work wonders for northern diseases and upper sinuses which is a suburb of Queens. Maybe you should ask Dr. Harris, who is a doctor among other alias accomplishments.

As to “Evil Elk”, I think he was also my organic chemisty professor who liked neither my qualitative nor quantitive results which were zero. But I remained qualitative and refused to protest against vegetarians. Thus I remain free from falacies and evil eagles.

Which reminds me of “legal eagles” and our fine Ragnar. He is one of vast knowledge and patience. As to Dr. Sowell, he too is one of sensibilities and sensitivity. I would read him any day before reading the comics.

So, Ron, Happy New Year even if you are not the notorious nob with the bosom baited bounteous beauty of a wife. Grin and bear it. Lemon juice and honey might also help your longing.

By AF

January 1, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

Not surprised the Repugnicans would come out with something bigoted. Come on, Georgians. They are appealing to us, and the ‘Bamans, the ‘Sippians, and the NoSolinians. We are the Solid South.

Doesn’t matter what the Repugs do or say, whether they are good Presidents, Senators, Representatives, Mayors, Commissionersare, we vote for them anyway. It is a matter of principal.

We don’t need to stretch our brains by really thinking about this. Lets just have our typical emotional reaction to the word “Democrat” and we know what to do!

By catlady

January 1, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this

Don’t Ms. Palin (and father of her grandchild) hunt those “evil elk” from the helicopter?

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 1, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this

I’ll tell you about a disturbing trend this new year: strangers on the street who dont panhandle, but try out material instead. I’m getting my wife’s wheel chair out of the 4Runner, when this old balck man walks by and accosts me directly as he passes: “What do you call a deer with no eyes?” I dont know, I said, hoping I wouldn’t be killed or mugged or worse. “A no idear”, he said. Of course I laughed as hard as I could as I wheeled the chair to where my wife was waiting on a bench in front of the restaurant.

Everybody’s a comedian. What’s this world coming to when you cant trust scary strangers to panhandle?

Of course, he stole that joke from my blogs, the dirty rat.

By deegee

January 1, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this

I’ll am so sure that Michael S. Steele has already downloaded the Magic Negro tune to his MP3 player. He probably plays it all the way in to work and hums it to himself while working away at his RNC chairman campaign.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is almost as creepy as Drew Peterson. You can tell by the look in their eyes that they are self-absorbed narcissists. Rod and Drew like to call attention to themselves by pulling stunts. Eventually the law will catch up with them.

Churchill’s MOM, we loved the butter pecan pound cake. Next time I’ll marinate the pecans in rum. I am so happy to have the internets.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 1, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this

You’d make a great prez, dee.

By Glenn

January 1, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

God, that’s funny, Dusty @ 12:12p,

Is that really you? If so, then pardon my blasphemy…

By GaLiberal

January 1, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

Too bad we will have to suffer with your fat mouth for another year, Moron Jim. You and your fascist, racist, homophobic, xenophobic, anti-consumer, anti-union, pro-big business worthless Rethuglicon asslickers. I bet you and Rush Limbaugh give each other blow jobs. As they say, incest is just keeping it in the family. I don’t look forward to having to dispel the pack of lies you and your Rethuglicon ilk will spew in 2009, but true to form there will be many.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And having to suffer another year of Moron Jim and his Rethuglicon buddies is living proof.

By Drew Williams

January 1, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Saltsman and GOPers in general will begin realize that context is everything, and in politics, HUMOR involving race and ethnicity HAS NO GOOD CONTEXT. From a black politician, from a white politician, from a green-spotted politician, don’t do the “racial funnies!” Bad idea. Dumb. Get you losing elections.

Democrats in general learned this long ago; that’s why when they speak of racial issues, it’s with passion, or anger or pride, but it’s always with respect, not for yuks. Even Jeremiah Wright knew that.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 1, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this

There’s nothing left of the GOP. Newtisthe only thing even remotely respectable, but he’s distancing himself from the GOP.

Georgia needs to just go home. A weak Spartan Team is holding them off for an entire half?

Inconceivable.

By ron

January 1, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this

Dear Dusty,She would be the buxom bosomed bounteous beauty of a betrothal,and unfortnately she’s all Redneck’s.Woe is me.Alas and alack.To have a wife like that AND get to drive a beer truck every day is really more than a body can take.I’m sort of pale green with envy.

I agree with you that Ragnar is one of vast knowledge and patience.I just don’t agree with him on some issues and I like to stir a little.

Glenn—-I certainly hope this is Dusty.

GaLiberal——-You might be a lot happier reading about Jane Fonda.Didn’t you ever have a mother?Didn’t she tell you to be nice?

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 1, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

touchdown ga!

By Generals Sherman and Grant

January 1, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

“Oh…

We don’t give a damn about the whole State of Michigan,

The whole State of Michigan,

The whole State of Michigan.

We don’t give a damn about the whole State of Michigan…

We’re from O-hi-o…”

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 1, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

I got accepted to attend Michigan State University in 1969. I didn’t go. Perhaps the biggest mistake of my life.

By Dusty

January 1, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this

Of course it is me! (Sorry, Glenn, It is I.)

At the moment, I am in the midst of a big steak dinner being cooked by my charming children. Smoke is churning from the grill and we all smell like country hams. But fun and fire and I want mine rare. Happy happy New Year and I will save you a drop of my Manischevitz. Beer! Pooh!

Get you a truck, Ron. Haul beer and bring cheer! Happy Happy New year.. yeah I said that already!! This ‘chevitz is good !! See ya’ later…..alligator (Uhh .. that’s bad!!

By Generals Sherman and Grant

January 1, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this

Oh Happy New Year to you and yours, Dusty!

Save me some Ariel, while you’re at it…

By Lance Dickie

January 2, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

In this season of spiritual introspection, there are true believers suffering a real crisis of faith. They have been worshipping at the Church of the Free Market, and their doubts run deeper than stock brokers not answering prayers, or returning calls.

For decades, their prophets have preached economic markets function best when left to themselves, unfettered by government regulation or oversight. Businesses, investors and traditional market forces would self-regulate, self-correct and self-enforce.

Oops.

The collapse of the housing and stock markets trace their way back to decisions and choices made at the highest levels of government and commerce. The remainder of us get swept along for the ride, both up and down, and suffer the consequences of hubris, incompetence and criminality.

To hear the humbled apostles for markets free of disclosure and rules begin to mumble about the need for government regulation is extraordinary. Still-tender bruises from a battered 401(k) make it hurt to laugh out loud.

Chief among the apostates is former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, who humbly confessed his wonderment at mortgage-lending practices to a congressional committee:

“Those of us who have looked to the self-interest of lending institutions to protect shareholders’ equity, myself included, are in a state of shocked disbelief.”

He was reminded he had the authority to prevent the lending practices behind the subprime mortgage crisis - was advised to do so - and refused to act. Greenspan is contrite. Millions more are in foreclosure.

Help was available through a 1994 law called the Homeowner Equity Protection Act. The New York Times reports fewer than 1 percent of mortgages were subjected to the restrictions under the law.

Three years ago, a handful of regulators were waving red flags about hedge funds and credit derivatives. Lightly regulated exemptions from most rules, they placed enormous bets - literally - around the planet. Dense and esoteric, these trillion-dollar segments of the markets seemed pretty remote until ordinary mutual funds - yours and mine - began investing in them.

The effects of deregulation and unenforced regulation were cumulative. In 1994, the Financial Accounting Standards Board changed its rule that stock options must be treated as a company expense. We are living with the hyperventilation of executive compensation and inflation of stock values.

A year later, Congress limited the rights of investors to sue, let accounting firms off the hook in fraud cases and fudged reporting practices. In 1999, the repeal of lessons-learned regulations from the Depression fuzzed the lines between retail banking and investment banks.

Every opportunity to push the limit was taken, as allowed or ignored by law. Industry lobbyists on Washington’s K Street had their back.

My favorite bit of apostasy revealed itself ever so quietly in a New York Times column by Ben Stein, a lawyer, writer, actor and economist. And cheerleader. For Stein, the resilient economy always was peachy keen.

Two weeks ago, reality set in for Stein. At the back of a column about fear and foolishness, he slipped in a hope that President-elect Barack Obama will put meaningful regulation in place - maybe even repeal the private securities law against suing companies. Oh, and maybe inspire a more vigilant Federal Reserve.

Dare I say, there has been an epiphany. People who understand the complexities and see the connections acknowledge how precarious economic conditions truly are.

Resistance to change usually means things are not bad enough yet. We are there.

Otherwise, we are left with the wisdom of a faux person-in-the-street interview from The Onion’s satirical review of the 2008 economy:

“C’mon, I’ve seen this happen a thousand times. The stock market crashes, and then 20 years and a world war later, everything’s fine.”

The exclamation point on the arrogance of the times is the refusal by banks to tell regulators and taxpayers where billions in bailout money went.

Consider it a revelation of change to come.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this

Blago is a very important figure in political history. He’s the tip of the corrupt iceberg we’ve run aground on. Is there any voter who thought it possible that a senate seat could be sold? Do we even think that way?

There is an intrinsic cancer embedded inside the bowels of our political process. It’s inoperable, and doesn’t respond to any known radiant media.

This cancer has made Uncle Sam immune to shame, conscience, or remorse. We are still leaderless, listless, and any flares we send up only expose more of the disease we face.

‘muff said

Bush did this.

One historian’s astonishing revelation about the 2004 campaign: Cheney’s wife. Her protesting too much about Kerry’s lesbian reference to her daughter during a debate. Imagine Cheney’s daughter’s feelings when she witnessed her mother’s hysterical condemnation of Kerry’s blandly-phrased remark. She knew then exactly how her parents felt about her, to the closest measurement possible, without a shadow of doubt, beyond all reasonable doubt and the fertilized seed of self contempt planted on that day must now have come to full bloom by now, and that relationship is the true motivation for Cheney’s exile to Dubais, post innauguration, if’n he hasn’t already fled.

Cheney is our Stalin. Stalin, on his death bed, apparently accused those in the room of poisoning him at the very very end, and if he would have lasted just a few minutes more, they say, he would have ordered their execution.

That’s Cheney.

By Churchill's MOM

January 2, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

deegee 1:30 PM

Glad you liked the cake, I drink the rum but do as you wish. Here is another posting of the Magic Pound cake recipe, it is really great.

Butter Pecan Pound Cake

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 box Betty Crocker Butter Pecan cake mix

¾ cup oil

1 can Coconut Pecan Frosting

¼ cup chopped pecans

4 eggs

1 cup water

Grease pan or spray with Pam and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Sprinkle chopped pecans in the bottom of the pan. Combine cake mix, eggs, oil and water. Mix for two minutes and add coconut pecan frosting to the batter; mix well and pour into pan on top of pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until brown. Tube pan or bundt pan may be used.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

January 2, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this

Dear Lance @ 8:26, you are surely quoting from NYT or similar source of unfounded economics. I cannot think of anything bad that happened in 2008 that was not attributable to affirmative government policies, either long-term demonetarization of the dollar by the Fed, or the corrupt long-term mostly-democrat defiance of free-markets in placing taxpayer obligations behind those FNMA and FHLMC activities that served mostly to fund exhorbitant salaries of mediocre leftist managers.

Markets did what they always do - revealed the overlords’s new clothes. The only rational question is whether to continue to hamstring the free actions of free me, or whether to impose the wisdom of the overlords against the collective individual wills of the people. We know the standard national socialist answer.

By Tax the Poor

January 2, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this

And in the meantime, Goldman Sachs reported 2.3 Billion in earnings last year, while paying only 1% in taxes. In the fine print of their earnings report, it said the reduction in US income taxes was due to “Geographic Shifts.” In layman’s terms, Goldman had their (US investor) money invested in foregin countries that do not have income tax. If that is not strongly anti-patriotic while the U.S. is at wor, i don’t know what is.

By ron

January 2, 2009 8:57 AM | Link to this

Dear Lance Dickie——Ragnar and Dr.Sowell are going to tell you that this is not a free market,but a market corrupted by government intervention.The Democrats did it.Since they came into being in 2004 the free market has gone to hell in a handbasket.Up ‘til then everything was rosy.Increases in minimum wage allowed the Democrats to insist that a man earning $14,000 a year be eligible for a loan on a $600,OOO house with a payment exactly twice the gentleman’s take home pay.If the guy was in a union,his loan eligibility automatically doubled.

I am given to understand that AIG was dealing in pieces of paper whose origins and purpose was so vague that no one in the company understood what they were investing in.To make matters worse,S&P and Moody’s had no idea what the pieces of paper were worth,if anything,so their analysts were ordered to guess at a value high enough to boost their creditworthiness to the highest rating.

This isn’t over yet,by a long shot.The banks have swallowed up billions of taxpayer dollars and never even blinked.They can give no accounting of where the money went,because they don’t really know for sure.A lot of it went home in their pockets and more will disappear over time.Bernie Madoff is green with envy over the sheer audacity of the swindle,wishing he’d thought of it,instead of his puny little $50 billion Ponzi scheme that took years to play out.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

January 2, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

There was a new driver for the bus on Sesame Street. His first day on the job, he awoke bright and early, went to the garage, got the bus, and set off on his route. At the first stop there was a chubby little girl waiting for the bus. She climbed the step and got on, and said, “Hi. My name is Patty.” The driver replied, “Hi, Patty. Please take a seat.” At the second stop there was a second little girl, even chubbier than the first. She got on and said, “Good morning! My name’s Patty.” The driver answered, “Good morning. Please sit down.” At the third stop there was a little boy waiting. He was dressed in a white shirt and tie, and a suit with a vest, and he had a calculator holster on his belt. He said, “Hi. My name is Ross, and I’m special!” The driver wasn’t impressed, but he managed a smile and said, “Please sit down, Ross.” The fourth stop rewarded the driver with a grubby little boy with dirty jeans and torn sneakers. He got on the bus and said, “My name is Lester Cheese.” The driver replied, “Please take a seat, Lester.” Well, he’s driving along and he looks in his rear-view mirror and sees that Lester Cheese has taken off his sneakers and is scratching at his foot. The driver pulls the bus over to the side of the rode, stops it, and says, “I can’t take this any longer! I’ve got

two obese Patties, special Ross, Lester Cheese picking bunions on a Sesame Street bus!

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

January 2, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

Dear PoFo @ 9:04, I am unworthy. Funny post, wish I had written it.

Dear ron @ 8:57, solid argument, you get no disagreement from me.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

CNN reported that Cheney tripped the light fandango to the sounds of Barack the Magic Negro on New Year’s Eve. He’s an excellent dancer, but the way Cheney will disappear after milking Lady Liberty proves that he’s “Poof, the tragic gigolo”.

Cheney’s got all his money in Dubais. He’s going to flee there. Self imposed exile. He’s the Charlie Chaplin of politics and crime.

I wonder where Bush will flee? Probably Wyoming. Bush thinks Wyoming is a foreign country. A Dog Day Afternoon filled with Fleas.

The Bush Administration’s epitaph? China’s Navy called. They want Taiwan back.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this

I wish I had written your retarded retort.

I dont do set piece, wanks with trolls, (your indian name).

moron.

By deegee

January 2, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this

Actually, if you subtract 1776 from 2009 and add 911 you get 1144. It just so happens that the crusaders received a severe setback in 1144 AD, when the Christian principality of Edessa, one of the principal Christian outposts in the East, surrendered to a Muslim army under the command of Imad ad-Din Zangi, the Atabeg of Aleppo and Mosul. Let me think, Mosul, Mosul, where have I seen that before? I’m sure it will come to me but in the meantime, praise God and Allah for the end of 2008.

By Glenn

January 2, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this

ron I’m surprised at you.

Despite your subtleties you drive exaggerations here just to get a rise out of such as Ragnar and myself. You ought to be ashamed.

There is no free market. We all know that. And as the commies found out, there can be no total control, either. We’re just arguing gray.

When I had to study historiography, they showed us how bogus (hey, I rhymed!) is the arch-distinction betwixt the markets free and controlled, betwixt the idea that Americans generally cooperate v. the idea that we generally conflict. It’s all simplistic, and you’re too damn smart to fall for simplicity. The American People, gathered from around the Earth, are a basically decent and wise lot, and as a whole they ought to be consulted. There just might be something to this Democracy gig.

As for the now hoary question of markets and whether and how to control them, you can see as well as I can that the new Administration is shaping up as a conflict between the Rubinites, the reluctant deficit-fighters, and the Keynesians, the Dreamers. It really is a battle royale. God help us.

By Dusty

January 2, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this

Would all you gentlemen stop playing bogus banker and baby stuff and speak in plain English?

Everybody knows that stock markets fell zip and mortgages fell faster from stupid loans to eager po folks who wanted a house. So the government Democrats made a way for them to do it. Spend more money than you make!

Then Dems & Repubs tried to fish them out and the whole country and the world suffered from their eager egregious ignorant affectations.

Lance Dickey, the plagiarist, said we all suffered hubris, incompetence and criminality.

Not so, Lancelot. Some of us are managing to carry on in normal manner while the wailing and groaning continues from the Cinderellas who thought they had found a princely mortgage. But the glass shoe pinched and now they can’t walk. Blame! (How do you punish stupidity?)

Another obvious conclusion: there will always be crooks at every level of civilization and they will take advantage of the poor, the stupid and the ignorant. The trick is NOT to fall into that category. By world standards, most Americans are not “poor”. ‘Tis true.

So count your blessings. Chin up and stop sqawking, Americans. You just HAPPENED to be born in the right place.

PS..I don’t get that bus driver story at all. Would someone explain the great ‘obvious’ message which I did not absorb?

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this

I was using 1970 money, deegee. The crusades are Iraq, just ask our malaprop in chief

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

January 2, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this

Dear Dusty @ 11:06, great post, your youth betrays you. The punch line of the joke I attributed to PoFo, since disclaimed by PoFo, paraphrases the rapidly-spoken song McDonald’s used to advertise its then-new “Big Mac” burger. (Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickle, onion, on a sesame seed bun.)

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this

Bogie Marathon!

By ron

January 2, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

Dear Glenn,—— I have been known to put forth hypotheses just to keep people honest.Intellectually honest mind you,only in that context. Except myself,naturally.Sometimes I don’t agree with my own arguments,but those are rare occasions.

As the layers of the onion are peeled back,I keep catching glimpses of people pulling strings.Shadowy people manipulating the financial system for their sole benefit.We know they’re there,we just don’t know what to do about them.We are going to be mere spectators to what’s coming.

Can someone please take the time to explain the bus driver story to Dusty?

The Arab States have sat down with the West to complain about Iran.I think this is a giant step.I sincerely hope we don’t do something to mess this up.I don’t believe complacency should be on the table now.We’re running out of time there.

Dearest Dusty,——-The bus driver story is really pretty funny.

By Dusty

January 2, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this

Dear Ragnar 12:33

Yes, my youth betrays me. I am getting older every day (birthday this month..Yikes!)

But your explanation clears everything, I am a Burger King customer at hungry intervals. They suit me perfectly with their generous giving of tomato and lettuce in their hot and fresh hamburgers. The cashier smiles. So I sing no songs for Mac but only for the King.

Which reminds me that lunch time is neigh. Sad to say, my leftovers are calling and I must skip the King.

Maybe I will be less dull with sustenance but that is doubtful. Perhaps there is some Manichevitz left that I may be cosmopolitan with wine for lunch.. Let me check. Cheers!!

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

January 2, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

Dear ron @ 12:57, while I am not particularly a conspiratorialist - I think I made up that word, the Bush coming out in me I suppose - I don’t think we have to looks for shadowy figures. The financial bailout is purely a Hank Paulson play, taking care of his overlord friends, much as the other democrats did with FNMA and FHLMC. And did I leave too much to the imagination in my compassionate, if brief, explanation of the silly, if admittedly Ragnaresque, 9:04 humor?

By NEO-NAZI REPUBLICANS END IS HERE

January 2, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

HOW CAN CONDI RICE AND THE JEWS SAY THAT HAMAS IS TERRORIST,AND THE JEWS ARE NOT TERRORIST,HOW IS THIS LOGIC EVEN JUSTIFIED WHEN HAMAS IS FIGHTING WITH STICKS AND ROCKS,AND THE JEWS ARE USING AMERICAN TANKS PLANES BOMBS AND ROCKETS,400 PALESTIANS= 4 JEWS!

P.S.ONLY THE PERSON WITH THE MILITARY POWER CAN TERRORIZE MEANING HE IS THE TERRORIST.

LIST OF SO-CALLED TERRORIST! 1. GEORGE WASHINGTON-BY THE BRITISH 2. THE INDIANS-BY AMERICA 3. THE CONFEDERATES-BY THE YANKEES. 4. THE ARABS-BY THE JEWS

SO WHO STARTS THESE FALSE TERRORIST LIST?

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

January 2, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

Dear Nazi @ 1:38, your defense, for Hamas’s shooting missiles at the Israeli population, is consistent with the normal view of anti-Jews of all stripes. We expect no better from those of your ilk.

By Glenn

January 2, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

Go easy, Ragnar. You know how it hurts Nazi when the baddies get stomped.

By ron

January 2, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this

Dear Ragnar——I don’t usually subscribe to conspiratorialism,[If you can do it,so can I],but the time frame I refer to is pre bailout.It almost seems to me that there was an overall scheme to defraud in place.It may be simpler than that,but I just wonder at times.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

January 2, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this

There were three medieval kingdoms on the shores of a lake. There was an island in the middle of the lake, which the kingdoms had been fighting over for years. Finally, the three kings decided that they would send their knights out to do battle, and the winner would take the island. The night before the battle, the knights and their squires pitched camp and readied themselves for the fight. The first kingdom had 12 knights, and each knight had 5 squires, all of whom were busily polishing armor, brushing horses, and cooking food. The second kingdom had 20 knights, and each knight had 10 squires. Everyone at that camp was also busy preparing for battle. At the camp of the third kingdom, there was only one knight, with his one squire. This squire took a large pot and hung it from a looped rope in a tall tree. He busied himself preparing the meal, while the knight polished his own armor. When the hour of battle came, the three kingdoms sent their squires out to fight (this was too trivial a matter for the knights to join in ). The battle raged, and when the dust cleared, the only person left was the lone squire from the third kingdom, having defeated the squires from the other kingdoms.

I guess this just proves that the squire of the high pot and noose is equal to the sum of the squires of the other two sides.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this

Crest has been shown to be an effective decay preventive dentifrice when used in a conscientiously applied program of oral hygiene and regular professional care.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

It takes two hands to handle my whopper. The weenies are bigger on the blogging king.

By ron

January 2, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

Dear Ragnar——Since you have expended no energy trying to prove the facts about the various squires,their story shall always be a theroem.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

Ragnar is out of control, ron. Perhaps he’ll return to his bland oatmeal style nobody reads a word of it except you horse manure from hell pablum puking sychophant who thinks opinion is to be hacked from tradition and political expedience instead of from your gut, which is the truest ring of all, but how can I expect a sellout like you to understand, because it’s understanding that allows a person such as myself to tolerate a person such as yourself

bwa haw

moron

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this

U know, I have to comment on last year in which I totally took over the AJC blogs. I had an unfair advantage, it being a campaign year and all, so, face it, the new faces and the usual surprises in any campaign are a real writer’s dream.

So, with the first year of the Obama administration, it will be much harder to riff, and that levels the playing field.

So, I’ll expect parody in the level of comments on this blog, and hope to compete for blog-groupies evenly with all of you, because frankly, getting all the blog groupies all the time is a drag, man.

They all have older sisters too. Oh, my schedule is full.

I’m watching a Bogie Marathon and it’s breaking my heart to see his lung cancer on his face in the late forties when he was obviously sick, and boozing it up, glassy eyed, and you can tell he’s had it. I dont think he was diagnosed yet, but he had it. and he’s smoking in every scene.

Still, he’s better than 99 percent of any actor I ever saw, even sick.

Bogie.

By ron

January 3, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

Dear Blogfather,——After reading your terms of endearment for me yesterday I can only conclude that you’re actually my ex-wife.

By Bo Chambliss LOBBYIST

January 3, 2009 8:34 AM | Link to this

Why should members of Congress receive pay increases when America is going broke?

Americans are losing homes and jobs, and more importantly, their dignity. We are a proud nation, and we are - or at least we were - a strong and independent nation. Now, we are plagued by unemployment, even as we have made it easier for illegal aliens to work in this country.

Politicians don’t care. They support higher taxes on poor and middle-class Americans, which is part of the reason for the many bankruptcies we’re seeing today.

America is getting more stupid by the moment. Americans must learn to put Americans first, and everyone else last. If Congress would bring back some of the jobs that have left America, maybe its members would deserve a raise - a quarter, for the effort.

Americans must stop Congress from digging into their pockets, and make members of Congress work for America, and to earn every dollar they make. If you agree, contact your representative and senators now.

By Churchill's MOM

January 3, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this

Jim have you been laid off, well I will do my job here’s today’s Palin…

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her daughter Bristol sought to discourage teen pregnancy Friday in a statement posted on the governor’s website welcoming her first grandchild, Tripp, into the family.

“Teenagers need to prevent pregnancy to begin with,” the governor’s teenage daughter said in the statement dated Wednesday but posted Friday. “This isn’t ideal. But I’m fortunate to have a supportive family which is dealing with this together. Tripp is so perfectly precious; we love him with all our hearts. I can’t imagine life without him now.”

She added that she “obviously discourages” other teenage couples from getting pregnant, noting that her life has been forever altered.

The Alaska governor said that the pregnancy was “shocking news” but said the family is now “over the moon with the arrival of this healthy, beautiful baby.”

“When Bristol and Levi first told us the shocking news that she was pregnant, to be honest, we all at first looked at the situation with some fear and a bit of despair,” Palin said. “Isn’t it just like God to turn those circumstances into such an amazing, joyful blessing when you ask Him to help you through?”

“The road ahead for this young couple will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy,” the governor added. “Bristol and Levi are committed to accomplish what millions of other young parents have accomplished, to provide a loving and secure environment for their child. They are both hard workers, they’re very strong, and have faith they’ve made the right decision in setting aside their own interests to make this child their highest priority.”

By Glenn

January 3, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this

Don’t you pay no mind, Ragnar,

Blogfather’s just gone out of control again — amorta and all dat — and doesn’t appreciate the humor of your story; which humor I construe as contained not so much in the comeuppance of the humblest of the squires, as it is in the insistence of the knights that their battles be fought for them.

(Or something like that. My syntax may be askew. I’m still reading “Einstein for Scientifical Idiots”, when probably I should be re-reading my high school grammar.)

By Carbon Dates

January 3, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

Falcons today. Wildcard w/the Cards. Falcons will play the Card card in the wildcard.

Falcons 45 Cards 31

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

Dear Churchill’s Mom,

How many children do you have? How many husbands? Live ins?

You seem so vitally interested in the little ones in the Palin family, it makes me wonder if you are one of those strange women who even steal babies from birth mothers in the hospital.

Maybe it is just the fact that Democrats still have you on their propaganda payroll.

Is there anything in your own life besides snooping in the private affairs of Republicans and baking cakes?

By Glenn

January 3, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

You sell the Cards a bit short, but you’re right.

Dammit.

By Churchill's MOM

January 3, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this

Dusty 9:33 AM

1 Son, going to college next year

1 Husband only 1 I have ever had

0 Boy/girl friends

I supervise the household and play bridge 2 days a week live in Athens with my husband. Graduated Auburn and UGA.

I weigh 120 and am 5’ 4”.

How about you?

By Carbon Dates

January 3, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

Wooten’s goes to the broken home well again for the fiftieth time in a year about how 70% of black children are from broken homes.

That is misleading. The total number of white children from broken homes is far, far greater and a much more serious burden on the taxpayer and on our socio-theological evolution.

The percentages are an observation that only a cad would make. As if the spin itself has a predictive wisdom about racial destiny.

Next Wooten will point out the percentage of white/black children who prefer watermelon to spinach.

Expect a low, low tone from the Right. Expect anger, bitterness, and revenge. Is there anything more spurious than a sellout who believes his own propaganda?

Isn’t that what brought down Nixon?

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

Jim Wooten is bravely laying down the truth for Sunday’s column. Those that need to hear it won’t bother to read it or will deny it vigorously.

There will be posted comments about the strong mama who raised them alone. There will be racist accusations as if Wooten made the statistics. Some will blame the government! There’s even the old “village to raise’em”philosophy. Few will say that Jim Wooten is correct.

But he is. Even in denial, many people realize that two supportive legally married people of any race have a better chance of providing a lifetime stable and supportive home for children.

Other ways are possible but the BEST for children is what is considered a “normal” family,i.e. stable married parents.

Jim Wooten is an advocate for children.

Why not face up to the problem and work on it? Children need a good home from the time they are born and making excuses does not change that.

By Carbon Dates

January 3, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this

I mined some data from the census bureau about the real numbers of broken homes in the white/minority comparison.

White broken homes w/children: 75 million

Minority borken homes w/children: 3 dozen, with nearly all of those children sold into white slavery on the internet by unscrupulous cyber-brokers. Imagine the arab who buys a white child online and then gets a minority from a broken home.

No wonder there’s a jihad.

morons.

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

Dear Churchill’s Mom,

Glad you fall within the fine family circle. Doesn’t give me a clue as to why you are so interested in Palin’s private family affairs. Are you sure you are not beating the drum for Democrats?

When I start snooping into private affairs of politicians, then I will tell you my family history. Until then, you will have to guess as best you can. But I will confess one thing: I hate playing bridge. Playing the piano is more fun and my baby grand is GRAND. OK???

By Carbon Dates

January 3, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this

Play Salieri.

By Jackie

January 3, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this

It seems that those who have not thought about what is best “for the children” and only about themselves have no argument to present.

Mr. Wooten uses the racial card to bolster his argument that “the problems in this country is due to the fact the blacks have more of their children out of wedlock than does whites.”

Let’s follow the logic of the supposed nuclear family. More than 50% of the divorces in this country is between majority community couples, therefore, there are actually more children from those marriages that are part of a non-nuclear majority family than from children of minority families.

Now, how does that make the black families the bane of problems in this country? What percentage would one apply to children of majority families that are being raised by a single parent?

I would suspect the percentages and actual numbers are greater for the majority than for the minority.

Secondly, what has this twisted and racially tinged logic have to do with moving the country forward, positively?

One has to concluded the right-wing is trying to build a baseline to blame Obama for all the problems that is facing us and to burnish the image of Dubya.

By Churchill's MOM

January 3, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this

Dusty 10:24 AM

Fat, dumb, 5th husband, 1 child by each, do you live in a double wide or single?

By Carbon Dates

January 3, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this

Jackie, do a coroborative data mining of the total number of broken home children.

By Churchill's MOM

January 3, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Dusty 10:09 AM

“Other ways are possible but the BEST for children is what is considered a “normal” family,i.e. stable married parents.”

“Why not face up to the problem and work on it? Children need a good home from the time they are born and making excuses does not change that.”

Are you writting about “little” Bristol Palin?

By Glenn

January 3, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

Dusty, you’ll get this. You’re just the right person. Disagree if you you must, but still it’s something you’ll dig.

When I was a young man I knew an actor named Ross Martin. We played tennis. Ross loved his wife and loved tennis also. He looked for things to occupy his mind, and bore down on them like no one I’ve ever seen since. He told me that once he’d been hired for a part that involved swordplay, so that the studio assigned him to work with a fencing coach. In just two or three weeks of total concentration Ross was able to disarm his teacher within in four-inch radius. In French Foil, that’s really saying something.

My point is that Ross was born “special”. A kind of genius. He never saw that sort of gift as other than a gift, though. Rather, his attitude was enthusiastic. He used to say stuff like, “well then get her and gather the others and let’s do something!”

That’s a made-up quote, but quite typical of him. The last time I saw Ross he was winning brutally against his own tennis coach, Pancho Segura.

May God bless them both, and Mrs. Martin as well.

By Carbon Dates

January 3, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this

One can point to the children, but the real topic is sexual relationships in adults and the long term evolution of a sexually active couple.

Can they stay together more than a few years? No.

Why not? Because all women, no mater how sexy, turn into Aunt Bea after spawning. I mean, look at Angelina Jolie…okay, bad example…..look at Aunt Bea…she’s disgusting and who would stay married to her? Nobody.

Men, on the other hand’ turn into James Bonds after siring children. We’re cool. Were gansta’s.

Now what would a gansta be doing with Aunt Bea? He’d be laughed out of a drug deal even if it went bad, they’d be shooting and grinning, grinnin’ and shootin’.

No, dont blame the children for broken homes, Wooten, when it’s obviously fat chicks who ruin everything including god, the universe, the devil, fashion, dining, automobiles, exercise, love, life, and the pursuit of happiness.

The only thing I agree with the radical Islam thinking is when they insist, “No Fatwa Chicks”.

With that universal bond, we can find peace, and rid the world of Aunt Bea and her fatwa chick hoardes.

Amen.

By Carbon Dates

January 3, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this

Enguard, Gerard.

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

Dear Glenn,@11:34

I hate to say it but I am not sure I understand the Ross Martin story. I’m sorry ‘cause I think you are saying something nice and it makes me feel good and I don’t know exactly why!! Hope I did not get the wrong feeling. If I did, well, you can always lie. OH…did I say that??

By the way, when does California beckon? That is not a happy thought to have you in absentia and too busy to post. Who will tangle and untangle our lapsed literature? We will be babes wandering in the wordy wilderness without a guru.

By jm

January 3, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

I see Mr. Wooten is wearing his “nanny state” hat again. I wonder why Mr. Wooten is not in favor of letting the market decide what type of entertainment should come out of Hollywood?

Maybe someone should tell Mr. Wooten that the studios in Hollywood are in the business of making money and that if the movies etc., that they produced did not sell, they would not make them. The same goes for tabloid magazines and television. If people did not read or watch, they would not be made.

Hollywood is just giving the folks what they want.

It is also interesting the Mr. Wooten is silent on Bristol Palin and the child she had out of wedlock. Ordinarily, that would be nobody’s business but if Sarah Palin is going to be the standard bearer of the “family values” crowd, she needs to look closer to home first.

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this

Carbon Date 11:48

Enguard, PoFo, or I shall pierce your perilous perplexity with my sterling stiletto avec reckless regard and faultless foil.

By Glenn

January 3, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

Dusty,

I told you the story about Mr. Martin just because I wanted to. It seemed to fit, somehow, with your sensibilities. He was a lovely man.

As for Californy beckoning, I have to be there September 3, but in the meantime have a good deal of planning to do I now think is better done in Georgia. My aim, frankly, is to spend the rest of my life serving these two states, best I can; California and Georgia, back and forth.

Does that answer your question?

I don’t intend a rhetorical question, Dusty. It would be just like you to rib me for any association with a state, California, that’s upwards of $50 billion in arears. I wouldn’t blame you for so ribbing me. We deserve it.

But I keep trying to convince you that bad stuff we’ve learned out there can spare the good people back here. Hard learnings, and lots of them. That’s all I’ve ever tried to suggest. But such is the consummate crackerism of Atlanta that it refuses to learn even from MISTAKES imported from anything Yankee. What ignorant pigs we really are.

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

Dear jm,@1:32

Bristol Palin’s life is STILL nobody’s business but hers and her family. Her mother, the governor, ran for the office of vice-president of the United States.

Gov.Sarah Palin presented her values as part of her political campaign. She did not offer her family as toast for riffraff. She mentioned them only as the family she loved. Why don’t you MYOB?

By Mrs. RepubLady

January 3, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

Dusty is right! The private behavior of Republicans is their own business! Stay out of it. Let’s get back to bashing everything those sleazy Democrats do, because even behind closed doors, they ruin the country with every breath those fornicating, non-marrying, gay-loving, socialist, communist, welfare sucking, godless freaks do! DEATH TO FORNICATING DEMOCRATS! It’s the only patriotic thing you can say. When it comes to Republicans though, MYOB!

By Saxby Chambliss LOBBYIST

January 3, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this

Cat Fight—-Churchill’s Mom Vs. Dusty and RepubLady. My money is on Churchill’s Mom, bet she is a Babe.

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

Now now Glenn, 1:41

California is full of sunhine and you will love it again. And whom would not like the charming Arnie of muscle and might? Yep, California is a bit expensive. It jumped into debt like it was honey and cream. (Don’t forget the candles for those electricity cutoffs.)

Believe me, Glenn, nobody had to teach Georgia how to get in debt. Nor any other state. It must be in state constitutions!! More debt every day is the politician’s way.

I am glad to see that you will never ever neglect our great state of Georgia. We shall count on that and hold your passport until you return.

By get out much?

January 3, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

Dusty, I will MYOB when you MYOB (see your post at 10:09). Something about pointing out the speck in your neighbor’s eye but ignoring the plank in your own.

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

Dear Mrs. RepubLady @2:16

For some reason, your post sounds like liberish gibberish to me. Definitely lib loon lingo.

If Democrats are fornicating, etc., etc, as you seem to know first hand, I have no desire to hear about it.

Now keep your blinds closed and MYOB. Someone may be watching YOU!!!

By Mrs. RepubLady

January 3, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

Dusty and I will not be participating in any cat fights, as much as that would please you. First of all, we’d get our behinds kicked, since we have no muscle tone whatsoever. Second, we’re busy. We’re meeting AtAt at the Cheesecake factory for some shovel therapy, followed by some retail therapy. Yes, we did over indulge at the holidays, and there’s absolutely no reason to stop now! We eat because we can. Just knowing there are welfare queens who can’t feed their kids AND buy medicine at the same time makes me want to order three of everything, eat two of everything, and throw the rest away on principle. It’s God’s plan, and the GOP way! See you at our usual table, Dusty!

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this

Saxby Chambliss not a Lobbyist,

You should talk to Ron. He has a great yearning for a 300 lb lady most likely liberal. Sounds like your type.

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

getoutmuch @ 2:32

Ding! My 10:09 has no personal names just general principles that I think are good for the life of children. You probably don’t know the difference between personal and general. Figures.

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this

Dear Repub Lady, 2:55

The only liberals I eat with are usually at church dinners. Wanna come?

Where did you pick up all that propaganda? I thought the elections were over. You can relax now. Your man won.

By ron

January 3, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this

Dear Dusty,——-325 pounds.Not an ounce less.Redneck’s wife,remember?Please don’t reduce her down to a puny 300 pounder.Redneck would have to spend his entire takehome pay from the brewery taking her to Ryan’s .

Dear Glenn,———-I’m presently reading ,”What Einstein told his barber”.Some of it is interesting.

By Dusty

January 3, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this

OK, Ron 325 lbs.!!

Einstein had a barber? Yuo could have fooled me.

Gotta get busy. Bye now….

By GaLiberal

January 3, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

ron@January 1, 2009 2:57 PM GaLiberal——-You might be a lot happier reading about Jane Fonda.Didn’t you ever have a mother?Didn’t she tell you to be nice?

Ron,I’m tired of being nice to a bunch of thugs and liars. The Rethuglicons are directly responsible for the Crash of 2008 yet they will blame everyone else just so they can get re-elected. I made the mistake of voting for Reagan twice. I learned my lesson when he and the homophobic Rethuglicons refused to provide federal funding for AIDS research which resulted in thousands dying that could have been saved. Only when his good friend Rock Hudson died of AIDS did he then consider public funding. The Rethuglicons repeatedly said that AIDS was God’s wrath for an immoral life style. So they let people die. Now they pushed a pro Big Business agenda which resulted in obscene executive pay and removing those pesky Depression-era banking laws. Now the house of cards falls down, the big execs get golden parachutes, the workers get laid off or their pay and benefits cut, and the taxpayers get handed a big fat bill to the tune of over $5 TRILLION to keep the economy from collapsing. F*** them. Wooten and his asslicking Rethuglicon ilk. I didn’t vote for these idiots, but I’m having to pay for their stupidity.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And Moron Jim is living proof.

By ron

January 4, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

Dear GaLiberal,So you do have a basis for your rants.

I own a Colt revolver of large caliber,and I understand there is a game one can play with such a revolver.It consists of putting one cartridge in the cylinder then spinning said cylinder around rapidly,like a roulete wheel.When the cylinder stops spinning,you put the gun to your head and pull the trigger.If you are lucky the hammer falls on an empty chamber,and if you’re not lucky you shoot yourself in the head.

I choose not to engage in that life style.It’s too dangerous for me.Were I to want to play Russisn roulette,I would slant the game to my advantage.I would use an empty gun or I would use some sort of protective device to keep the bullet from reachng my brain.I’m sure some of this applies to the problems you mentioned.

I can’t think of an appropriate response to the money problem,except to say there is very little I can do about it at present,but calling Jim a moron will hardly help.

Take a pill.Be nice.

By JEWS HIDE BEHIND US TANKS

January 4, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this

I FIND IT FUNNY THAT THE JEWS KEEP SAYING THAT HAMAS KEEP LAUNCHING HUNDREDS OF ROCKETS INTO ISREAL BUT ONLY 4 ISREALIS ARE KILLED, THE JEWS SAY COME OUT AND FIGHT AND STOP HIDING AROUND CIVILIANS,BUT WHILE THE COWARD JEWS HIDE BEHIND US TANKS AND USE SMART BOMBS TO BOMB HOSPITALS AND SCHOOLS.

REVELATIONS CHAPTER 2 VERSE 9 SAYS THOSE WHO SAY THEY ARE JEWS ARE NOT BUT OF THE SYNOGOG OF SATAN.

P.S.YOU CAN NO LONGER HIDE YOUR EVIL ACTIONS JEWS,YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED BY THE WORLD AS ANIMALS,YOU CANT SAY THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE FIGHTING YOU WITH SMALL ROCKETS THAT HAVE ONLY KILLED 4 ISREALIS IS A THREAT YOU HAVE KILLED 500 PALISTIANS AND HURT 3000.

YOU OWN THE MEDIA NEWS TV AND RADIO THATS WHY YOU MAKE IT SEEMS LIKE YOU ARE THE ONE THATS ALWAYS DOING GOOD BUT ITS NOT YOU ARE EVIL.

By Ga Values

January 4, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

really good read about our financial system..

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/opinion/04lewiseinhorn.html?ref=opinion

By Carbon Dates

January 4, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this

Ga values, that IS a great article. We did allow the financial institutions to survive to play the same game plan that sank them, thus why will the next few years be any different?

i’ve never supported doomsday scenarios about the end of civilization via economic turmoil, but know, it seems to be written in stone.

We’d have been better off surrendering on 911 and letting al queda try to figure out this mess. Then we’d simply nuke them and the whole thing would go away, and we’d be sitting like fat cats on easy street man.

But nobody listens to me, so you can all go broke and Q in soup lines, and wear raggedy clothes, and I can say I told you so….

I noticed that there has been a positive spin epidemic in the USA for decades. Nobody liked, “negative people”. You had to brag and exagerrate just to get laid. Never mind what you had to do to keep your job.

So, the biggest liars get to survive because of our corrupt legislative and executive branches. So we’re all crooks.

To get through this, I have to keep telling myself, “It’s only a pirate movie..it’s only a pirate movie…it’s only a pirate movie…..”

ISAIDPIRATEMOVIE!!

By Bill Shipp

January 4, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this

If you’re a Georgian, you probably are still in shock at what has happened in Illinois.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been arrested on charges of trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. Federal wiretaps suggest that Gov. Rod thought the seat would bring a pretty penny.

The Chicago media plainly has set out to pillory Gov. and Mrs. Blagojevich. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an uncouth and ill-mannered mob of reporters. They’ll say and ask just about anything, usually at the top of their voices. There’s not a lady or gentleman among them.

A new wrinkle in the Illinois story breaks almost daily. Aren’t you glad you don’t live in that state and would have to put up with such embarrassing stuff? Can you imagine a Georgia governor being collared for trying to sell one of his appointments?

I can’t. I don’t think it has ever happened. Come to think of it, selling a state job may not even be against the law in Georgia. Perhaps that is the reason no Peach State prosecutor would dare pursue such a case.

Back in the old days (meaning before my time), a couple of governors (Talmadge and Rivers) were accused of selling prison pardons, but it was just politics. Besides, there’s a big difference in selling a pardon for a few thousand dollars and offering a Senate seat to the highest bidder. I never have heard of such a thing in Georgia.

Wait. I’m mistaken. I have heard of such a thing.

Back in 1971, when Sen. Richard Russell died, there was talk that then-Gov. Jimmy Carter could sell the appointment of Russell’s successor. There was little doubt Carter needed the money to pay off his gubernatorial campaign debts.

Nothing ever came of the story. Carter handed the Senate appointment to David Gambrell, an Atlanta lawyer who had been the finance chairman of Carter’s successful bid for governor against ex-Gov. Carl Sanders. As it turned out, Gambrell, a plenty smart guy, just wasn’t meant to be a politician. A backbench legislator, Sam Nunn, beat him in the next election.

No one, except perhaps a couple of Carter’s enemies, ever mentioned he could have traded the Russell chair for gold. Such things just weren’t done in Georgia. At least that is what the state’s leading lights (all good Democrats) assured us.

No one ever accused Gov. Roy Barnes of trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by the death of Sen. Paul Coverdell in 1998. If the notion of selling the seat even entered his mind, he never would have sold it to former Gov. Zell Miller, who, according to some, went crazy after Barnes gave him the Washington job. Miller won the Senate election of 2000, and got even crazier. But that is another story.

Of course, the talk of selling public offices is not restricted to the U.S. Senate. During Barnes’ term as governor, some disgruntled job applicants said he favored applicants for judicial posts who had contributed cash to his campaign. However, that is not the same thing as selling an appointment, is it?

In fact, most of Barnes’ predecessors as governor appointed their financial supporters to judgeships. After all, nobody but a nut would put one’s political enemies on the bench.

It even has been said that the exchange of cash figures prominently in the selection of the Georgia House speaker. That must be a joke. Rep. Glenn “Romeo” Richardson would never entertain such a notion.

Yes, it is true that Richardson solicits some of his leading allies for campaign cash to go into a special kitty to help out some Republican legislators who have attracted opposition.

After Richardson parcels out the cash to needy colleagues, he expects their support in his bid to remain speaker.

House committee chairmen always are cheerful about chipping into the speaker’s pot. Romeo is not a maverick in the cash department. He simply is carrying on an established tradition. The money practices of the House leadership also explain why several leading lawmakers roll their eyes when anyone mentions ethics.

In any case, when you observe the shenanigans in Illinois, it makes you proud to be a Georgian, where publicity-hound prosecutors are rare, and rude and ruthless reporters are unheard of.

By Joe

January 4, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

First, Banned for the day over at Bookman? Promise?

Second. Shipp has so many levels of stealth satire in his piece that one cant tell if he’s daft or a comedic genius.

By Love Canal

January 4, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this

Let’s see here: Democrat Bill Richardson withdraws from an Obama cabinet appointment potential because of an investigation that the media did not investigate unlike their investigations of Republicans; Democrat Governor Blagojevich lies to the American people and said he did nothing wrong even though he was caught red handed attempting to sell Obama’s senate seat and the media gives him a pass unlike Republicans; Al Franken stole a senate election and the media does nothing to investigate, unlike they did with alleged stolen Ohio votes in 2004 and Bush; YEP, the New Year is starting off swell indeed. Can’t wait for the rest of the year under Democrat leadership!

Now for the Israel issue, listen up you Hamas lovers:

A quarter of a million Israeli citizens have been living under incessant terror attacks from the Gaza Strip with thousands of missiles fired over the past eight years. Hamas has in its possession longer range Katyushas and Grad-type missiles which has caused devastation. Israel left Gaza in 2005, giving Palestinians the chance to run their own lives. Despite this, more than 6300 rockets and mortars have been fired into Israel since then. During the past year alone, more than 3000 rockets and mortars have been launched into Israel. Since the end of a formal ceasefire (during which terror attacks continued) with Hamas came to an end on Dec. 19, more than 170 rockets and mortars have been fired at Israeli civilians including a barrage of some 80 missiles on Dec. 24 alone. No other country in the world would have exercised the amount of restraint that Israel has shown for the past several years without responding. Israel has a right and obligation to stop these rocket attacks.

This is so typical of Hamas and their apologists. They instigate violence and then when Israel retaliates they cry “oh they’re killing our innocent women and children”. It isn’t Israel that’s killing innocents, its Hamas by hiding themselves amongst civilians. As for the Palestinians, I’m sorry for your trobles, but seriously, what did you think would happen if you voted Hamas in to power. As the saying goes “People get the governments they deserve” its a ugly fact but its true.

The rockets from Hamas have been flying for months with hardly any mention from our media. The point is these weapons are random and only intended to hurt civilians. Hamas, like all terrorists, care little for civilians even from there own country. Mainly there to be used for shielding or for making political capital. They are the ultimate cowards.

By Love Canal

January 4, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this

The Rethuglicons are directly responsible for the Crash of 2008 yet they will blame everyone else just so they can get re-elected.

Gavalues, you worthless liberal piece of trash. What exactly have your Dimwitocrat heroes in CONGRESS been doing for TWO YEARS NOW????? Idiot.

By JEWS HIDE BEHIND US TANKS

January 4, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this

THE JEWS BROKE THE TREATY BY TAKING MORE OF THE PALISTIANS LAND SO IN RETURN HAMAS IS DEFENDING THEIR LAND LIKE GEORGE WASHINGTON DEFENDED THIS GREAT LAND.

P.S. JEWS US GOD FEARING JESUS LOVING CHRISTIANS WILL NOT CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOUR LIE ANY MORE, ITS PLAIN TO SEE THAT YOU ALL ARE WHAT REVELATIONS CHAPTER 2 VERSE 9 SPEAKS OF, NAME ONE GOOD THING THE JEWS HAVE DONE TO TRY FOR PEACE? NOTHING BUT KILL STEAL AND DESTROY LIKE SATAN YOUR FATHER.

500 PALESTIANS DEAD 3000 HURT. 4 LITTLE JEWS DEAD AND THIS IS TERROR DONE TO YOU WHILE YOU SLAUGHTER THE PALESTIANS AND TAKE THEIR LAND, WHAT INHUMANE PEOPLE THESE SO-CALLED JEWS ARE YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW SINCE YOU ALL READ THE TAMUD.

By Dusty's Husbands

January 5, 2009 8:11 AM | Link to this

Advice for Husbands About Aging Wives

It is important for men to remember that as women grow older it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping they did when they were younger. When men notice this, they should try not to yell. Let me relate how I handle the situation.

When I chucked my job and took early retirement a year ago, it became necessary for Nancy to get a full-time job both for extra income and for health insurance benefits that we need. She was a trained lab tech when we met thirty some years ago and was fortunate to land a job at the local medical center.

It was shortly after she started working at this job that I noticed that she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from fishing or hunting about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says that she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts supper. I try not to yell at her when this happens.

Instead, I tell her to take her time. I understand that she is not as young as she used to be. I just tell her to wake me when she finally does get supper on the table.

She used to wash and dry the dishes as soon as we finished eating. It is now not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after supper. I do what I can by reminding her several times each evening that they aren’t cleaning themselves.

I know she appreciates this, as it does seem to help her get them done before she goes to bed.

Our washer and dryer are in the basement. When she was younger, Nancy used to be able to go up and down the stairs all day and not get tired. Now that she is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Sometimes she says she just can’t make another trip down those steps. I don’t make a big issue of this. As long as she finishes up the laundry the next evening I am willing to overlook it. Not only that, but unless I need something ironed to wear to the Monday’s lodge meeting or to Wednesday’s or Saturday’s poker club or to Tuesday’s or Thursday’s bowling or something like that, I will tell her to wait until the next evening to do the ironing. This gives her a little more time to do some of those odds and ends things like shampooing the dog, vacuuming, or dusting.

Also, if I have had a really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and scale the fish as a more leisurely pace. Nancy is starting to complain a little occasionally. Not often, mind you, but just enough for me to notice. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. In spite of her complaining, I continue to try to offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days. That way she won’t have to rush so much.

I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn’t hurt her any, if you know what I mean.

When doing simple jobs she seems to think she needs more rest periods than she used to have to take. A couple of weeks ago she said she had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard.

I overlook comments like these because I realize it’s just age talking. In fact, I try to not embarrass her when she needs these little extra rest breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. I tell her that as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me and take her break by the hammock so she can talk with me until I fall asleep.

I could go on and on, but I think you know where I’m coming from.

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Nancy on a daily basis. I’m not saying that the ability to show this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible. No one knows better than I do how frustrating women can become as they get older. My purpose in writing this is simply to suggest that you make the effort. I realize that achieving the exemplary level of showing consideration I have attained is out of reach for the average

man. However guys, even if you just yell at your wife a little

less often because of this article, I will consider that writing it was worthwhile.