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Letters to the Editor: July 29, 2008
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Letter of the Day: ’And for the life of me ...’
Editor, Daily News:
Pardon my addressing this issue, but here goes!
The current proliferation of TV advertisements for medication addressing erectile dysfunction has me bored stiff. It seems you cannot watch TV, particularly sporting events (British Open, etc.) without being deluged by these ads.
Perhaps I just don’t understand the subtle marketing approach.
I’m sure the leaky faucet who disrupts one couple’s day has some deep allegorical significance.
And for the life of me, I don’t know what message is being presented by the couple who wind up in side-by-side bathtubs on their back porch.
And last but not least, each of the ads provide the same admonition for a particular effect that might last more than four hours. In these cases, they suggest the user seek immediate medical attention.
What are the mechanics of doing this? Does the user hop in his car and drive to his family physician? Or does he pop up at the local emergency center? Or have I missed something and doctors are now back to making house calls?
Jack Dwight, Estero
Letter: More of the same?
Editor, Daily News:
Michael J. Church was Collier County School Board member Steve Donovan’s campaign manager. He is an associate of two other members, Linda Abbott and Richard Calabrese. Those three, against the advice of the board’s attorney, fired Superintendent Ray Baker without proper notice and hired Dennis Thompson absent other applicants. That was costly to us and Thompson’s first year has been tumultuous at best.
Now Church is associated with Rick MacClugage, candidate for School Board, District 2.
Church’s letter to the editor supporting his candidate is a gross misrepresentation of MacClugage’s qualifications. Owning a gas station and being a junior-varsity coach simply is not “the necessary experience ... as the only real choice for School Board.”
But then Church goes from silly to falsity, stating that MacClugage “possesses the knowledge and commitment of a veteran School Board member.” That’s impossible, as MacClugage has never been a School Board member and thereby could not have such knowledge. MacClugage has struggled to answer basic questions at two forums thus far; he’s hardly knowledgeable of the issues.
Church appears willing to say anything to elect MacClugage to retain control of the School Board with the current malfeasant majority. MacClugage may be aligned with the treacherous trio, but Church should not con the public to polish his candidate.
Church has been at MacClugage’s side at the Golden Gate and League of Women Voters forums.
Remember the adage, “A man is known by the company he keeps.”
The voters will know MacClugage’s alignment with Abbott, Donovan and Calabrese and will vote accordingly.
Trout Scanlan, Naples
Letter: That’s all there is?
Editor, Daily News:
I am a bit disappointed to learn that your article (“Surfing around a city,” July 21) seems a bit premature in its release.
I logged on to Aroundacity.com and found the site to be useless. Not only was it not helpful to find local information or links to maps, police, transportation alternatives, hospitals, museums, pro sports, convention centers, hotels, colleges, tourist sites or weather, but I was unable to surf for this type of information for any city.
I did, however, notice that there was the opportunity to advertise on future banners or that I would be able to pay for a future subscription of some sort.
This Daily News article seems more like an advertisement for Web-site developer Ron Oister than a genuine news article.
So the real disappointment is that on the front page of the Business & Commentary Section I find poor, unprepared advertising rather than a news story.
You can do better, I am certain of it.
Wayne Humphrey, Estero
Letter: Good neighbor policy
Editor, Daily News:
Homeowner associations can be an asset to a community or akin to a three-ring circus; the latter describes meetings in our neighborhood.
When the board raised the issue of a pending request to install a whole-home power generator, I was horrified to learn that the original request, submitted over a year ago and approved by the appropriate committee, was denied by the board.
The board decided that the noise from running the generator 15 to 20 minutes a week could create a nuisance and expressed concern about the potential decrease in the value of the homes that did not have such a generator. Subsequently, a homeowner provided written evidence of medical need for the generator; the evidence was “misplaced” by the board until recently.
Board members did not seem inclined to grant the request and wanted to table the discussion until an outcry from those in attendance forced their hand to act immediately, but not after leaving the impression that the board thinks the value of a resident’s life is far less than these potential consequences to the community.
When questioned on who is allowed to attend board meetings, we were advised that meetings are open to the public, including potential buyers. I doubt any prospective buyer who might have been there that night would still be considering our neighborhood.
I hope our board and others remember that you earn the respect of the community. Residents may not agree with everything you do, but demonstrate you care, act fairly and ethically, and your efforts will be appreciated.
Hilary L. King, Naples
Letter: Facts lead to one conclusion
Editor, Daily News:
President Bush used the Knesset to smear Barack Obama’s willingness to talk to Iran by likening Obama’s position to Neville Chamberlain’s “appeasement” of Adolf Hitler. Now Bush has embraced “appeasement” and is sending Ambassador William Burns to talk to Iran.
John McCain piled on Obama, but is copacetic with Bush’s sudden affinity for Neville Chamberlain. And the local Busheviks who smeared Barack Obama? They are silent. Their fake outrage at Obama had nothing to do with patriotism. It was all about venal partisan politics.
Obama says that Pakistan, not Iraq, is the center of the war on terror. McCain says Iraq is the center of the war on terror. This is a basic test of the capability of the two to be commander in chief.
There are an estimated 600 al-Qaida fighters in Iraq. There are over 400,000 armed Shiites and Kurds who hate al-Qaida. Al-Qaida will never “take over Iraq” as the fear mongers claim.
The Taliban controls several cities in Pakistan, has established Islamic religious law in many areas and has given a safe haven to al-Qaida. All thanks to the Iraq war. And Osama bin Laden is very grateful to the neo-cons.
Osama bin Laden, his command staff and 85 percent of al-Qaida members are in Pakistan. The frightening reality that John McCain doesn’t comprehend this elemental fact demonstrates that McCain is thoroughly incompetent to be president.
Bill Linehan, Naples
Letter: Just said ’no’
Editor, Daily News:
Where do the Democrats come up with these ideas?
The housing crisis has affected many in Southwest Florida, but we cannot afford the $300 billion taxpayer bailout.
I am proud of our congressman, Connie Mack IV, who stood firm and said “no” to this bill. I have heard our congressman talk and speak out against lenders who take advantage of others. The bailout was a catastrophic idea and, fortunately, Mack recognized that.
We elected Mack to fight for the people of Florida, and I think that he is doing an outstanding job!
Thank you, Congressman Mack, for a job well done.
Patrick Hamlin, Naples
Letter: The work of an oil man
Editor, Daily News:
Now it is obvious what the oil man in the White House is trying to do: let gas prices get so high everyone will favor offshore drilling.
Never mind the hardships for those who must get to work or that it will take 10 years to see any relief at the pump no matter how much we drill our beaches and lands in trust. Never mind an oil disaster could ruin our Florida beaches for 10 or 20 years, if not forever. What will happen to our property values then? Make the oil companies pay? Tell that to the courts trying to make Exxon pay for the Valdez, Alask, disaster, some 19 years later. How easy to say such disasters could not happen until one does, and then watch the finger pointing, while those of us who live here see our birds black and dead on the beach, and our paradise looking like the grime and glut of an oil field.
Call, write or e-mail our senators and representatives immediately. Stop this madness before it begins.
Frederick F. Johnson, Naples
Letter: Outlook: Not good
Editor, Daily News:
Genevieve DeLisle advises us in Thursday’s letters that “Democrats are not to blame for Bush’s stupidity and the condition of our country — so stop blaming them!”
OK.
Now, who is to blame for the stupidity of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid? Who is to blame for a Democrat-owned Congress that has sat on its duffs for two years and done absolutely nothing, nil, nada, about the things that concern our nation today — energy, border security, the economy — preferring to spend days on end and untold amounts of money worrying about whether a baseball player used steroids?
With Barack Obama in the Oval Office and Democrats in the seats of Congress, our country will die of stagnation and/or inertia while they play silly partisan politics.
It’s time for a third-party candidate to bump all of the scoundrels out of Washington.
Arthur M. Hale, Naples
Letter: The knock: Anybody home?
Editor, Daily News:
I am not surprised at the lack of attention that Collier County commissioners give to those of us who vote for them. I am having that experience once again myself.
Two weeks ago I wrote to Frank Halas in reference to a county ordinance that I had some questions and suggestions about. I am still waiting for a response from his office.
I live in Naples Park and Halas is mad at us for not accepting the plan to add sidewalks and trees to lots that are too small already.
It is obvious to everyone I know that the county management is at the beck and call of developers in this area. Developers are excused from impact fees that never get paid while ordinary people now have to pay $30,000 in impact fees before they can even break ground to build their dream home. This is how commissioners control who gets to build in “their” county.
Remember the lack of respect your county government has shown you at the next election. We need people who understand that they are public servants, not wardens.
Tom Hoffman, Naples
Letter: Oil and trust
Editor, Daily News:
Regarding the oil crisis, some facts.
In May 2008 we imported about 11 million barrels of oil per day; 50 percent from Canada, Mexico, Iraq, Virgin Islands, Brazil, Colombia, United Kingdom and Norway. In 2000 we exported 1.048 million barrels per day of Alaskan oil to Asia.
Despite urgent requests for access to U.S. coastal waters and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, oil companies are not investing very much in new explorations. A study reported in Financial Times stated that the oil companies are “investing” 56 percent of their operating cash flow in buying back stock and paying dividends with a much lower amount being invested in exploration. The article noted that these companies are “slowly liquidating themselves.” Oil company executives explain low investment in new exploration by stating there is not enough access to easy oil and easy gas.
While we will have to use the oil off our shores and in Alaska, don’t trust the oil companies to wisely invest in the exploration that is needed to bring this oil on line. Access must be with a requirement that they invest heavily in development as soon as possible.
An appropriate energy plan must include major increases in renewable energy sources.
Finally, the Bush administration’s can’t be trusted to open these new areas to exploration. We’d be letting the fox determine the rules for coming into the hen house.
Charles J. Theisen Jr., Bonita Springs
Letter: Do no more harm
Editor, Daily News:
Pleeeease. Get President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney out of office before they pull some other disabling stunt like imposing martial law and foiling the election for Barack Obama.
We have a good chance now for some sane leadership — and we want it.
Please impeach Bush and Cheney now!
Gloria DeTomaso, Naples
Letter: But for the grace of ...
Editor, Daily News:
My sympathies go to the man who spent four days in jail for taking 42 cents from a fountain at Coastland Center.
An immigrant from Hungary, he probably never saw a charity pool in his native land. Here, he saw the fountain with the coins, free for the taking.
As a foreigner on my first trip to Italy, shortly after World War II, I was shocked to discover I had to pay a fee to enter a public toilet and another fee for toilet paper. But once inside the facility, I was delighted to find a handful of coins, which I took, only to learn I had taken the attendant’s tips!
I’m grateful the Italian police did not arrest me for my innocent mistake.
Ann S. Danly, Naples
Letter: Too much ink
Editor, Daily News:
Re: Liz Freeman’s article on tattoos.
I looked at Saturday’s front page of the Daily News and wondered if magically overnight I had been transported to some sleazy beach town in Alabama or Mississippi!
Why is an article about tattoos newsworthy enough to go on to the front page of our paper? Is the paper’s staff so incredibly unconnected with reality that they think the residents of Naples want to see this counterculture junk upon opening their paper?
Circulation is a widespread problem, as is advertising, and it will continue to decline as long as papers continue pursuing the lowest common denominator instead of a higher purpose.
Less than two years ago, I was proud of this paper, but now I am ashamed and would be reluctant to present it to a house guest with their coffee in the morning.
Barry L. Showalter, Naples
Letter: Do and do-do
Editor, Daily News:
Hurray for Naples City Councilman Bill Willkomm!
If an executive wants to come to Naples and build a multimillion-dollar home to shield his embezzled money, that’s cool.
If a hungry man takes 42 cents from a public fountain, he’s in deep do-do.
Gene Vaughter, Naples
Letter: Three in one
Editor, Daily News:
Questions and observations:
If three days in jail is appropriate for 42 cents, what would he get if he swiped a candy bar — 30 days?
Many American auto workers are losing their jobs. How many of them drive foreign cars?
Alligator Alley sale: The old farmer says, “If you sell the tree, you can’t pick the apples anymore.”
Bill Hall, Naples
Letter: Up with people
Editor, Daily News:
I didn’t read the original article that spurred all the controversy involving Down syndrome, but I did have the opportunity to read the letters to the editor in response to that letter.
Let me first start by saying, bravo to the Daily News for devoting an entire column on a Sunday (the most-read paper) about Down syndrome.
The newspaper has many articles in many sections throughout the paper, and to suggest that you shouldn’t waste your time on Down syndrome is way off base. There are some articles and sections in a paper that I don’t have an interest in, and I don’t read them.
There are people with Down syndrome living in the community, perhaps reading the paper, and I’m sure the article was of interest to them. Articles such as the one you ran need to be repeated in newspapers across the country to educate people on what it is like to love someone with Down syndrome or to live with Down syndrome.
There are doctors across this nation suggesting to parents that they should abort their child because a screening says that they may have Down syndrome. When that happens, more “typical” children are aborted than children with Down syndrome.
If people were educated as to what Down syndrome is and what it means to have Down syndrome, people wouldn’t be afraid of taking that risk and more children would not be aborted unnecessarily.
The world would be a better place for all people — not just those with Down syndrome.
Jacqui Hawkins, Cape Coral
Letter: Ah, the details
Editor, Daily News:
Consider the case of poor Laslo Mujzer, a desperate man who risked his freedom for 42 cents.
Before you judge poor Laslo, give him credit for discovering the fountain at Coastland Center. I have never noticed.
Clearly Laslo is a detail man — a redeeming quality.
What is the impact of Laslo’s action: a response from officers, processing through the system, court appearances and an extended jail stay.
What is the Great Fountain Caper of ’08 really worth?
My estimated value of the investigation, arrest, transportation and booking: $434.40
Value of five days in the Collier County Jail: $959.
Value of watching Laslo achieving room and board for a week for taking 42 cents: Priceless
The average cost of daily living in Florida is $118.90. At 42 cents a caper, poor Laslo would have to rob 283.1 fountains a day (or 1,987.1 per week) to survive. Assuming it takes at least five minutes of planning and execution, that would be 165.6 hours per week!
Laslo discovered a way to convert a 42-cent investment into almost $1,400! Good return on investment, Laslo! Why work a full-time job when we will provide three hots and a cot?
Maybe we should have said, “Laslo, clean the fountain as your penance, and keep the change.”
Chris Lombardo, Naples
Letter: The best ’we’ could do?
Editor, Daily News:
Where was the local support for the fallen Fort Myers police officer? I saw on the news and in the paper police officers collecting money in boots, people having fundraisers and rallies, all to support the officer’s wife and three children. All of the media reports were on the efforts Lee County was making and nothing on Collier County.
Again, where was Collier County?
If any effort was made, please respond as how, and if there wasn’t, then jeers to the local sheriff and chief of police.
I think we should have extended some neighborly love to our neighbor, which is only a few miles away. Being a good neighbor in times like this can have a great bearing on what occurs when the tables are turned. Let’s try to do better next time.
In closing, I urge you all to pray for the family of a man who can never answer a call again.
A prayer for the family of the fallen.
Roy Runkle, Naples
Letter: More of the same?
Editor, Daily News:
Michael J. Church was Collier County School Board member Steve Donovan’s campaign manager. He is an associate of two other members, Linda Abbott and Richard Calabrese. Those three, against the advice of the board’s attorney, fired Superintendent Ray Baker without proper notice and hired Dennis Thompson absent other applicants. That was costly to us and Thompson’s first year has been tumultuous at best.
Now Church is associated with Rick MacClugage, candidate for School Board, District 2.
Church’s letter to the editor supporting his candidate is a gross misrepresentation of MacClugage’s qualifications. Owning a gas station and being a junior-varsity coach simply is not “the necessary experience ... as the only real choice for School Board.”
But then Church goes from silly to falsity, stating that MacClugage “possesses the knowledge and commitment of a veteran School Board member.” That’s impossible, as MacClugage has never been a School Board member and thereby could not have such knowledge. MacClugage has struggled to answer basic questions at two forums thus far; he’s hardly knowledgeable of the issues.
Church appears willing to say anything to elect MacClugage to retain control of the School Board with the current malfeasant majority. MacClugage may be aligned with the treacherous trio, but Church should not con the public to polish his candidate.
Church has been at MacClugage’s side at the Golden Gate and League of Women Voters forums.
Remember the adage, “A man is known by the company he keeps.”
The voters will know MacClugage’s alignment with Abbott, Donovan and Calabrese and will vote accordingly.
Trout Scanlan, Naples
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Greetings from the greatest country in the world. I see by what is on the radio, television and in the papers this morning that it is another same old same old day. Gas prices, economy, Iraq, illegal aliens, crime, violence and on and on and on.
Something new!!! We now have a candidate who is campaigning in Germany. I didn't know that Germans were registered to vote in the US election. The same candidate goes to the gym to work out instead of visiting our wounded troops overseas because the army hospital didn't want him to make a political appearance out of it. Why wouldn't he go with a few people instead?????
Does this guy have "the wisdom to know the difference?" It doesn't appear that he does!
#1 Posted by knital on July 28, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Knital,
Tonight on The News Hour/PBS Conservative Patrick Buchanan denounced your POV as being common and petty.
#2 Posted by dooley on July 28, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When I read the LTE's and the blog comments from the Naple's conservatives, it reminds me of a frame of thinking and a mindset of a long, long time ago. The conservatives in Naples are so far out of touch with what is happening to this country that it is mind boggeling. The White House (reluctantly) reported today that the next president will inherit the largest deficit (economic problem) in history, a report today said that it would take at least $140 Billion to fix the failing bridges around the country (that's only the bridges, the rest of the infrastructure is, well you guess), the banking system is failing and, well, the news isn't good and this time it's not going to go away. We need to model our country on the Western European countries that have a good mix of capitalism and socialism. It works for them very well. The Western European countries have better worker productivity, health care for all, 30 days vacation for all and, well they all have longer life spans than we do. It's time for the U.S. to wake up and realize that our system is broken and the only way to fix it is to change it. The proof is out there, believe it or keep your head in the sand.
#3 Posted by Colorado on July 28, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Knitle,
Brilliant of you to focus on the important issues, like Obama playing a basketball game in Germany and "dissing" the troops, ( Please note, the Anneneberg Fact check group has debunked that entire spin you put on it..go to their website.)
Yes, focus on the petty, and ignore the two hundred thousand Germans waving American flags, and hoping that America will finally move to a positive future after the long desperate dark ages we have sunk into.
Banks are closing! Troops are committing suicide. People are losing their homes, and CEO's are still walking off with billions despite their criminal negligence.
We must get serious! Focus.
What will help our country get out of this economic and moral decay we are in?
Gossipy trivia will not help.
#4 Posted by opnmind on July 28, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What is so news worthy about a "miniority" of people speaking ill and throwing stones at the greatest country in the world day after day after day?
Why isn't all the good the occurs daily because of the actions and words of the "majority" not news worthy???
Remember, not all people are smart, not all people are rich, not all people are talented, not all people have the same opportunities. It has always been that way and will never change.
The "Army" has a slogan..."BE ALL YOU CAN BE" regardless of your status. Simply stated, if your looking for change, get off your back side and do something about it because if you don't no one else will.
So all you whiners, crybabies and complainers wake up, get cracking and "CARPE DIEM".
#5 Posted by knital on July 28, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If I were John McCain and had absolutely nothing positive to base my campaign upon, my strategy would be to slam the airwaves with negative ads about my opponent. Sure it would be gutter politics and a last resort but hail Mary's occasionally work. If my competitor refused to stoop to my level and respond accordingly, I would know the game is over. But with $400 mill and a wife that owns a brewery, life is still good.
What I find it interesting that a man in the autumn of his life would rather be hangin' with the fella's in DC than spending his last days with his wife and the Grandchildren. Home life must be a lil' rocky.
Don't be surprised to see aother divorce on his horizon after the landslide in 90 days.
#6 Posted by boulderbilly on July 28, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, Trout, a "man is known by the company he keeps" like you say. And who sat next to Curatolo at the two forums - you did! Nuff said...
People will remember that SHE was the one who negotiated that huge contract for Baker, who wanted to keep him around longer, and yet cut salaries and benefits for the teachers. And cut salaries for all the unions...
Well, I guess every campaign needs a "hit man" and you're it!
#7 Posted by fedupinnaples on July 28, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Trout~
You have always been a Curatolo lacky and outright rude at the board meetings you speak at!! You appear to be attached at her hip, or is that her checkbook??
Yes, lets talk about the company a person keeps...
Does anyone else see a huge conflict in Curatolo taking money from Jeffrey Fridkin, the attorney that just made a boatload of money off the Baker case??? Not to mention he was the attorney that represented Baker during the writing of his contract, that Curatolo helped pen! AND during the issue of Baker getting an 11% raise that Curatolo voted for!!??? Wonder what that contribution paid for???
Not to mention the contributions by OTHER teacher unions from other counties contributing to Julie Sprague, the campaign of a person who 1)can not directly benefit the teachers of those other counties 2) Would make me question how is she going to be able to be unbiased as a board member in dealing with possible mediation hearings, and other dealings with the union. 3)In looking at some of the other Union PAC's that gave to her, they gave to other candidates in other counties as well, and OUR union gave to other candidates outside Collier... Do the teachers who pay their dues realize their contributions are doing this? What is the reason to support certain candidates across the state?? Sounds like a way for the union to try to use funds to get people elected that will ensure that whatever agenda the NEA or State and local union is pushing, will be supported!
OH and back to Curatolo, seems her support is coming from her Chamber buddies, she has an endorsement on her website from Bill Poteet, also known to be her campaign manager for this and her past campaigns, AND how about taking a contribution from the law firm that is representing Nelson Faerber's estate in the molestation case against him?!?!?!?!
#8 Posted by Hanginchad on July 28, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Trout Scanlon has the base-balls to point the finger at another human being making the statement: A man is known by the company he keeps." That says a great deal for your candidate Curatolo. If I were Ms. Curatolo, I wouldn't touch Scanlon with a ten foot pole. Then again, it takes one to know one. Come to think of it, McClugage must be okay. If Scanlon knocks him, he must be a good guy. Remember the adage, "Judge me by my enemies."
(Really, Ms. Curatolo, tell Trout Scanlon to go to a ball game during the next forum. The guy does you no favors. His presence hurts you more than it helps you. Ask around. And tell him to get a haircut and a shave.)
#9 Posted by aman4allseasons on July 28, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Another monumental accolade for George W Bush:
The White House's budget office on Monday estimated that next year's budget deficit will hit a record $482 billion - and that doesn't even account for some $80 billion in war costs.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/0...
If you did, look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if what you did, your vote, was it in the best interest of your party or our entire nation?
#10 Posted by bicoastal on July 29, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jack Dwight....it's YOUR words, (so everyone excuse me) but evidently you don't have ED because the commercials have you "bored stiff". Or maybe the products work via commercials.....
#11 Posted by eaglebeak on July 29, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It looks like an Obama supporter wants war with Pakistan. Interesting.
#12 Posted by DinNaples on July 29, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you're a voter who is still trying to make up your mind in this election, and have children or grandchildren --- let's share a few quotes on the subject of education through the eyes of the candidates.
John McCain: "Some parents may opt for a better public school or a charter school: others for a private school. No entrenched bureaucracy or union should deny parents that choice and children that opportunity."
Barack Obama: ".. tired rhetoric about vouchers and school choice."
Obama has chosen teachers union votes and money over your child's or grandchild's future.
Can you choose Obama over your children or grandchildren??? Because that is what he is asking you to do.
#13 Posted by ChiDem on July 29, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jack Dwight, I believe the commercials for ED drugs say "if it lasts more than four hours, seek professional help", which I believe means "call an escort service."
Seriously, it means go to the ER.
Now, when you have an election lasting more than two years, what do you do?
#14 Posted by GoneFishin on July 29, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bill Linehan, not quite sure if you have your facts straight. Glad you know where bin Laden is, though. Maybe you can tell us: How come we haven't heard from him for so long?
#15 Posted by GoneFishin on July 29, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gloria DeTomaso, please calm down. No way they'd impeach with the insane Pelosi 3rd in line for the presidency. Besides, it's just more wasted time.
#16 Posted by GoneFishin on July 29, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gene Vaughter, that's a man from Hungary.
#17 Posted by GoneFishin on July 29, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jack Dwight,
Just to correct something you said on that four hour erection. You don't pop up at the emergency room. You pop up first, THEN you go to the emergency room.
A small, and unintentional boner on your part, I'm sure.
#18 Posted by mthalo on July 29, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
pork barrel spending???????
94% of the bills passed by the Senate of the 110th Congress, the one led by Democrats & Harry Reid, have been passed without debate or even a roll call vote. Of the 911 bills passed by the Senate, 855 of them have been "streamlined by Democratic Party leadership with a procedural tactic known as Unanimous Consent (UC), which requires no debate or even a vote.
#19 Posted by ChiDem on July 29, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gonfishin: You shouldn't ask anybody but George W. Bush and his Republican lackeys where Osama Bin Ladin is hiding. Bush is bosom buddies with the family. After all, he saw personally to their "escape" out of the country after 9/11. He didn't want anything "evil" to happen to that clan.
About impeaching Bush and Cheney: Heck no! Charge them with treason on a whole slew of charges against the Constitution and the Iraq debacle. That way they could be executed! That's much more appropriate.
#20 Posted by Elephanttamer on July 29, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Elephant: I was responding to a letter writer who seems to know even more than you think you know.
ChiDem: What else would you expect from this Congress? Now put a rubber-stamp liberal on top and we're doomed.
#21 Posted by GoneFishin on July 29, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Obamanomics Is a Recipe for Recession"
"Sen. Obama reveals [his] startling economic illiteracy in his policy proposals and economic pronouncements.
"Mr. Obama has been clouding these positions as he heads into the general election and, once elected," will become a tax-and-spend president.
WSJ:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB12172...
#22 Posted by GoneFishin on July 29, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Elephanttamer,
Bush saw to the "escape" of the Saudi first family after 9/11! If you're going to quote conspiracy theorists, at least get your facts straight!
Bless all the victims of 9/11 and their families.
#23 Posted by rocknfla on July 29, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
72% of germans want obama as us prez....and 100%of al qaeda wants him too
#24 Posted by thugjager on July 29, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hanginchad::::which one of the board members are you????? Since you started posting here all but one posting has been school board related. You seam to know so much of the bussiness of the school board not to be a board member's. Anyone can go back and look at your history to see which direction you are leaning.
#25 Posted by chincieone on July 29, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Will Gloria DeTomaso jump off a bridge if McCain is elected? Film at 11!
#26 Posted by 1quik91 on July 29, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Knital, FYI, Obama did visit wounded troops in several countries and "he was not playing basketball in Germany." Where do you get that stuff? If Obama visited the troops in Germany you'd be saying he was using them for his political gain. Be honest. No way, no how is Obama going to do anything you like because you are trying to smear him and defeat him no matter what he does. And that is what Obama didn't want to do, use the wounded soldiers for his political gains.
Bill Linehan wrote a great letter as usual. Al Qaida is in Afghanistan and Pakistan. There are only a few in Iraq, and those can be defeated by the Iraqis.
I know that it's not going to be easy to track down and get bin Laden - maybe impossible, but at least that's why we're supposed to be over there, isn't it? Get the people who did 9/11? People say they want to root out and stop al Qaida, so how far do they want us to go in doing so?
Obama never said he would invade Pakistan. He merely said if we had reliable, actionable knowledge of the site where bin Laden is, and if the Pakistanis can't or won't go after them, then we will. That would not be an invasion of the country but a pin pointing snatch and grab action.
Now, you Right Wingers better make up your minds. Do you want bin Laden captured/killed or not? If you want him captured/killed, then why are you ragging on Obama who's trying to do so? That's a whole lot better than invading a country that had nothing to do with 9/11 or was any threat to us. I never thought you Right Wingers were lovers of nation building and so called freeing people, especially in the middle of our prime directive get the Jihadists who attacked us, but I guess if your guy does it,it's hunky dorry.
#27 Posted by truthmatters on July 29, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What's going on here! Where's bossman with his myopic tirades and bits of wisdom? Must have found that rubber room at last.
#28 Posted by 1quik91 on July 29, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MikeM, that's the problem, our foreign policy is too fluid. We keep changing what we're doing. First of all Iran is not a terrorist state, meaning, no terrorists came from there.
Second, Iran has not broken any Non Proliferation Laws. It has not broken the treaty which it signed, and enriching uranium does not break the treaty. Iran claims and evidence shows that it is developing nuclear energy for domestic use. If Iran breaks the Non Proliferation Agreement and does begin developing Nuclear weapons, then is the time to address an attack.
But, I have to ask, Israel is already in violation of possession of nuclear weapons and warheards, has been for a number of years, and won't sign the Non Proliferation Treaty, so do we have different rules for our friends, and if so, what credibility does that give us in the Middle East? If Iran would say, they will not develop nuclear weapons if Israel gives up hers, would that be agreeable to you? to Israel, to the U.S.? If not, then why would Iran want to put itself in such a precarious position as having outside nuclear weapons staring down on them?
As for Pakistan and Afghanistan and pin point invasion, if you had followed what I've been saying, which I can't blame you if you haven't, you'd know I am not for either one.
I am consistant when I say, I want us out of the Middle East. I don't see how any of this is a win for us, and in case you haven't noticed, we're broke. We can't afford it. We're going down financially.
My interest is in the salvation of this country. We have more than enough defensive weapons to attack anyone who attacks us, but these ongoing invasions and occupations we cannot afford.
#29 Posted by truthmatters on July 29, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As you know, I've been supporting Barack Obama, not because I agree with him on everything, but because I believe his foreign policy is head and shoulders above McCain's.
As I said I want us out of the Middle East. Obama would get out troops out of Iraq, not leave military bases there, and concentrate on Afghanistan, which I see as the better choice of the two. We wouldn't have to put as many troops there and it wouldn't cost us as much.
He would use diplomacy in Iran. He's not eager like the Right Wing as indicated by Richard D...K Morris who said we should attack Iran now.
I'm happy Bush has decided to try diplomacy in Iran. We can hope if we don't bully them around, that they will feel less threatened and be more apt to work out an arrangement for their domestic nuclear energy. If not and in the years to come, Iran does develop Nukes, then we can make it clear that M.A.D.D. is in play, and if they want their country wiped out, then they can try to attack us.
Iran is not stupid. It wants a defense, but it doesn't want to be obliterated. In fact if it developed weapons, that would be for the sole purpose to ward off anyone attacking them, like Israel might. Or we saber-rattlers do.
My candidate was Ron Paul. I believe he is our best hope to pull us out of this hazardous position we're in. Maybe a lot of you don't realize how precarious our financial situation is. Maybe you don't care that our dollar has dropped and inflated the price of everything we buy.
I don't want to sound like doom and gloom, but this country better wake up and stop its big stuff nation building and imperialism. We've got to bring our soldiers home, all of them. Better they spend their money here than over there, and we can build our infrastucture and build our industries again and DEVELOP OUR OWN ENERGY. If not, then I think we're done.
#30 Posted by truthmatters on July 29, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Just like Obama wants to go into Sherwood Forest and capture Robin Hood from an Islamic country with atomic weapons."
What the heck is wrong with doing just that Mike?
We've already snatched Al Queda #3 and #5 from Sherwood Forest, Al Libby and Khalid Sheik Mohammad, aka, bedhead. So it's not quite the fairy tale you make it out to be. Unlike you, I have quite a bit of faith in our military.
Snatch and grabs are a helluva lot less costly in terms of blood and treasure than occupations. And just think, if successful we would actually have some of those responsible for 9/11. Want to get the rest? Attack our Presidents relatives in Jeddah, the Saudi Royal Family.
#31 Posted by boulderbilly on July 29, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rockinfla What's your "theory" of how the Bin Laden family left the country after 9/11? I suppose you think the Democrats saw to that "escapade". Your facts come from Carl Rove and Rush Limbaugh in between their "visits with the occult". 9/11 happened on the George W. bush and Republican's beat. You and your "cult" are guilty of gross mismanagement. Instead of guarding the country, you were too busy "dibbing up" the Clinton surplus to the GOP elite.
#32 Posted by Elephanttamer on July 29, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To Showalter - too much ink....
Open your judgmental mind and consider the art of some of these tattoo "artists". There is a great deal of talent involved in designing the art that some people wich to display as tattoos. Sorry some "snooty" Naples residents can't realize there's more to the world than golf, shopping, golf, dinner, the club, golf, shopping and oh - golf.
#33 Posted by goldengirl on July 29, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is for Elefant Tamer and all the other nutcases who still believe there was a grand conspiracy to secretly whisk the Bin Laden family out of the U.S. after 9/11:
http://www.snopes.com/rumors/flights.asp
Now that we've cleared that up, I'm sure Elephant Man will proclaim that Dick Cheney personally detonated the explosives to bring down the World Trade Center towers.
#34 Posted by BobbyBacala on July 29, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bobbybocala: Your info is so dogmatic to be as absurb as reality exists. The Bush/Saudi connection is an "illusion" to the senile believers who think that collusion and the oil market are simply an "innocent" matter of supply and demand forces in an international economy. You can continue to believe in the "tooth fairy" as well. Bush and his Republican counterparts are guilty as sin for 9/11 and the aftermath that has driven this country into the precipice of corruption that will be borne out in the future as soon as the veil of concealment is removed this November.
#35 Posted by Elephanttamer on July 29, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MikeM, are you talking to me? I had a hard time deciphering your blog, so I don't know whom you're addressing. Would you put the person's name you're addressing at the beginning so we know.
If you were talking to me, I hardly recognize what you're referring to. Did I say Christianity was on the same level as Jihad? That makes no sense.
Perhaps you remember we dealt with the Soviet Union, not because we believed Communism was equivalent to or as good as Capitalism, but because our approach was rational. Reagan knew that a war was out of the question, so we had M.A.D. Mutually Assured Destruction.
I was trying to tell you what motivates other people. You have to be able to read their minds to deal with them. I was merely saying how Iran sees things, and it's not irrational.
However, since I think all out war with Iran is utter lunacy, I said let's see if they plan to build nuclear weapons. But, I think we have to make clear, if they do and if they're thinking of using them, then they're gone from the face of the earth. I'd say that deterrent has worked quite well, and many wars have been avoided.
Let's face it. There are a lot of countries with nukes now. We cannot have war with all of them.
MikeM. you're approaching this from an emotional level instead of using a serious, thought out, pragmatic approach. Your way is rash and chaotic and destructive. Your way takes us down trying to take them down. It's not feasible.
Seems you probably had no trouble with Reagan's approach which was very wise. Now just transfer that to Iran, and see, this is our best choice.
#36 Posted by truthmatters on July 29, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Nutcases" I love that GOP designation to accusations and challenges to the corrupt administration of the last 8 years. It is a simple matter of dismissing the facts by saying "they aren't facts" because our propaganda machine says so. WMD in Iraq, 9/11 commission reports (fueled by GOP administration input) Immigration problems coordinated with the Mexican government (cheap labor) a delusion, Katrina and rebuilding New Orleans - a "Democratic welfare project", the real "China Syndrome" with trade and job give aways, and the "surge" and occupation of Iraq are all examples of the Bush & Republican Doctrine.
Yeh, "nutcases" all right. Those criticisms jeopardize the pocketbooks of big business and their power structure. McCain has "tuned" in to that element of the "enemies of society". He only has to fine tune the Religious Right to insure continuation of the "grand design".
#37 Posted by Elephanttamer on July 29, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ChiDem: What this? More c--p espousing school vouchers. Just about every school system in Western Europe is central and they are all light years ahead of and better than ours. The private (religious) schools are nothing more than a front for segregation and should never, repeat never get public money. In fact, religious institutions should not get tax breaks because they are "for profit" entities. Our school system should be central (Federal Government) and not locally controlled. The local control has given us all the problems we have now. Vouchers? Not no, but hell no. They are just another way of speeding the demise of this country.
#38 Posted by Colorado on July 29, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tamer,
Are you a former staff writer for Weekly World News?
Also, did you know the first "walk" on the moon was staged in a warehouse in New Mexico? Check it out...
#39 Posted by BobbyBacala on July 29, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Colorado
No time to give complete reply, other than to say if we can't have a government religion, why government schools. In some countries it is called indoctrination.
AND THIS:
Sweden, of all places, is enjoying the fruits of a school choice system. Although Swedes are a true cradle-to-grave welfare society, their reformed system of school choice is gaining a lot of attention abroad. The program came to be in 1992 when a conservative government briefly had power. While that didn't last long, their school choice system did – it was so popular among Swedes that the opposing party kept the program once in retained power of the government.
The system is easy ... you decide what school you want to attend. What a concept! These "independent schools" can choose their own teaching methods, staff and manage their own buildings. And since the program was instituted back in 1992, the number of private high schools has increased from 1.7% to 17%.
Now, the schools in Sweden are still funded by the government – they aren't allowed to charge tuition. However, their government funding goes to private companies, which in turn run the schools and are able to keep whatever taxpayer money they save by running an efficient "business." Of course, the idea of evil corporations making a profit irks some Swedes. But in the end, these schools are growing rapidly. On the Stockholm Stock Exchange, the largest private school operator's net profit rose 33% to $3million in the first quarter of this year.
Andrew Coulson, an education expert at the Cato Institute, says the Swedish program is "a beacon, being more market-like than any other among rich countries." And yet American presidential hopeful Barack Obama would rather that the government-run the education system in this country. He would rather your child get a mediocre education than allow for you to have the choice of where to send your child to be educated. It's not really about education, it's about capitalism.
The biggest roadblock in the way to a similar system in this country? Teacher's unions. The most powerful unions in the country ... and unions that donate time and money almost exclusively to Democrats. Look back at the Swedish system. If the parents can chose the schools, then this means that the schools have to compete for the students. This means teachers have to perform or their school loses students AND money. God forbid teachers should have to perform and compete for students.
Try not to be so huffy and incensed in your reply to capitalism. The secret police has not taken control yet, thank you.
#40 Posted by ChiDem on July 29, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bobbybacala: No to both of your questions. However, I did travel through Roswell in 1952 and it was a pretty "creepy" place, although I had no idea why. We were on our way to Carlsbad Caverns, a more realistic cave.
#41 Posted by Elephanttamer on July 29, 2008 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post # 28 - I believe you mean post #4 refered to President Barack, I mean candidate Barack. Get your facts straight before you type.
Barack's bump from his ventures in Europe have recinded. The more we find out about this guy, the lesser his chances are. As the old saying goes "time will tell".
The truth regard Barack will surface and before you know it, Broom Hillary will be back in the lime light. God help us.
#42 Posted by knital on July 29, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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