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NOT TO take away from the plight of single moms, but as a single dad with two children whose mother left us several years ago, I would like to remind everyone that the sword cuts both ways. We struggle to make ends meet also. My job and caring for my children keeps me busy and broke. If it were not for several charities in the area, my kids would not have much of a Christmas.
I WOULD like to say thank you to the U.S. Navy and the crew of the USS Ronald Reagan. They recently helped save the life of an Illinois teenager after she needed emergency surgery while on a cruse ship at sea. This is an example of how a highly trained team of Navy officers and sailors can do good work in a time of need. Let's hear it for the Navy.
IT APPEARS our latest actions in Iraq are working. What a shame it would have been if we had allowed the terrorists to take over that country. Some people ought to say that they're sorry and that President Bush was right. He was right about the economy too. The government's taking in more money than it ever has and collecting less taxes from each person.
MY THANKS to my Christmas angel at the eye doctor today. I didn't have enough money for my co-pays and would have had to wait until January to get my glasses. She paid for them. Thank you, you don't know how much it meant to me.
DEAR SAM Blackwell, please make available a book of your columns. Sometimes in our dark and dreary world, your column is the only thing that brightens our day. I think your writing is wonderful, and I appreciate you so much. Thank you for making my day.
PARENTS SHOULD stop holding others responsible for being role models for our children. Be your own role models for your own kids.
THE SPEED limit on the new section of Highway 34/72 is 40 mph until you get to the two-lane highway, where it changes to 55 mph. It is aggravating because people go roaring through there well over the speed limit. I wish the police would catch some of those people.
I'M CALLING to complain about the section of Broadway from Kingshighway to West End Boulevard. Every time it rains you cannot see the stripes. If anyone has noticed this, call the city and ask for reflectors in the road to help you find your way.
Comments
Better lane markings:
I thought I was the only one with that problem! It's been that way for years! Glad someone could point it out.
"It's working"
You are joking, right?
How many Americans were killed in Iraq prior to March 18th, 2003? The answer is "0" Zero.
How many members of Al Qaeda were in Iraq prior to March 18th, 2003? The answer is "0" Zero.
How many nuclear weapons have been found in Iraq? The answer is "0" Zero.
How many current date biological, or, chemical weapons have been found in Iraq? The answer is "0" Zero.
How many Americans had lost a limb, an eye, or, had their brains scrambled beyond restoration prior to March 18th, 2003? The answer good sir, is "0" Zero.
How many Iraqi children were killed by American bombs, American weapons of all kinds prior to March 18th, 2003? The answer is "0" Zero.
How many Iraqi and American fathers, brothers, and sons were killed in Iraq prior to March 18th, 2003? The answer is "0" Zero.
The Iraqi people in poll after poll say that their lives were much better under the government of their rightful President, Saddam Hussein, than it is now unter the tyranny of the US occupation.
Just because the American tactic of bribing some of these tribal elders and paying money to the members of these so called Awakening Councils has caused a temporary slightening in the number of Americans killed, it is grossly premature to declare that the surge is working. The Iraqis are a proud people. They will not tolerate the long term basing of Ameericans in Iraq as the Israelis and their toady American henchmen have planned. You have no comprehension of the dynamics of Iraq, and what was going wrong with the Al Aaeda relationship with the local freedom fighters, aka the Iraqi Resistance forces.
I remember TET. I feel that we are more likely to see a similar TET Offensive in Iraq, as we will not. Take the Americans money, take their ammunition, watch how they carry out patrols, gather as much information as you can on their structurer and tactics. Then, when the time is right strike a fatal blow. I do look for that to happen. I could be wrong, but I do not think that I am that far off base. Already, following the murder of the rightful President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, Shia groups trudged to Tikrit to pay their respects to their fallen leader and to pledge to attack the American occupation forces. Not all Shia to be sure, perhaps not the majority, but a siginficant number of Shia did just that over a year ago. Recently, against tight security and intimidation by puppet regime and occupation forces, over 10,000 Iraqi's had made their way to Tikrit on the anniversary of the murder of their president.
It will be a very cold day in hell before I give the president an appology and forgive him for the war crimes that he and his Neocon stooges committed in Iraq. The number of American men and women who have had their lives altered dramatically by the death of a loved one, or, their life threatening injuries, a loss of an eye, a limb, or, a scrambled brain. They were loyal troops, they did what they were told, but they did not do it for me, for freedom, nor, my country. Their sacrifice has prospered many of the president's friends and contributors. They are the war profiteers, they have been enriched with the blood of American mend and women and that of the Iraqi. No, no "i'm sorry" here, my ignorant friend. Only an inense desire to see these war criminals, in government, in think tanks, in lobby groups like the two largest Israel First lobby grroups, the American Israel Political Action Committee, the American Enterprise Institute, and a few heathens like John Hagee committed to a legitimate war crimes court. That is all that I ask; simple justice.
If I were a member of the Iraqi Resistance, I would take the US dolalr to buy the supplies that I need to kill them later, and to provide for my family. I would bide my time, knowing that the US military cannot maintain 160,000 troops indefinitely. I will choose my time to strike the occupiers on my timetable, not theirs. When my strength is at it's peak and theirs is at it's least. I will study them, patrol with them, learn their tactics, study their communications, their reactions, everything about them. Then, when the time is my favor, I would strike them, hittting the weaknesses that I had uncovered while I was with them.
Tout the "success" of the surge now, for your time is coming, when you will have to hide, for all the people lined up to rub it in your face. Litterally.
US troops are mostly kicking in doors and picking up Iraqi citizens who some snitch has fingered. Whether that Iraqi was a member of the legitimate Resistance in Iraq, or, just got cross way with the snitch, we will never know. Tens of thousands of Iraqi's are in concentration camps, prisons. Sadr called a cease fire and ordered his Shia militia not to attack Americans for the time being. That occured back in August.
So, don't count your chickens before they hatch. Americans will not be occupying all those shiny new bases that they have built in Iraq for the Neocons planned 50 year or longer occupation. Iraqis, Shia and Sunni won't stand for that.
I could be wrong, but I strongly feel that we will see a simialr offensive that compares to the TET offensive in Vietnam. The Shia are angry that the Americans are bribing and arming the Sunni. The Kurds are angering the Turks. There have already been cross border air and ground actions by the Turks against the PUK, one of the primary Kurd groups.
I have a suggestion. Why not hold your breath in anticipation of my offering an apology to the president and his neocon rabble. That ought to speed up my apology, because I certainly wouldn't want a mental giant, such as yourself to expire.
Deadbeat Moms: In today's world, two-earner families are prevalent. We tend to overlook the fact that whether the father or the mother has custody, the family with the children has often lost a considerable amount of family income.
Non-custodial mothers should be subject to the same child support rules and regulations as non-custodial fathers. An attorney for a mother recently cited in her petition that the father had X-amount of income compared to the mother's Y-amount of income which was less than his, so she should not have to pay child support. What he nor the mother seemed to comprehend was that the father with three children to raise had just lost that considerable Y-amount of income.
If the "surge" is "working" then, why are suicides by US soldiers way, way up?
Christmas angel: How very heartwarming, as well as the speak out the other day from someone who received a money order in the mail from a stranger.
These little "gifts" of kindness prove one thing: We may all be diverse, we may not agree on many things, but most of us do have loving, giving spirits, regardless of our chosen faith or political leanings.
And BTW: there was a lovely lady at a restaurant last Friday who SNATCHED my ticket out of my hand, and paid for lunch! Thank you, my dear.
Time to go to bed, Jerry...
And could we have a little shorter posts from you? I get so dizzy scrolling up & down that I often just scroll right past the ones that are more than screen height. ~smiling~
Actually, some of the speeders on that section of Highway 34/72 in Jackson are speeding so they can bump out the left-lane vehicles at that dangerous "merge" ending...;)
Actually, my first post today was a little long, but it fully explains my position that the surge is not working as we have been told. It is my opinion, and since the current propaganda is that the surge is working, I felt that I needed to expand a litle in order to enlighten.
At least, it beats girl chat.
It's working and I need to apologize to King George and his henchmen? Some people spend too much time watching Fox news.
Jerry Fletcher,
How many months, years have you served in Iraq? With all due respect Sir, "You have no comprehension of the dynamics of Iraq".
"If I were a member of the Iraqi Resistance..." hmmm
Jerry Fletcher, "I felt that I needed to expand a litle in order to enlighten."
Some visit with soldiers who have or are currently serving in Iraq. Some read sources that have more substance than an opinion.
So thanks, but NO thanks on the attempt to enlighten those who choose to support our troops and stand behind our countries choices.
You Woo...Mr. Fletcher, It would appear you occasionally partake in the "girl chat" too?
"I always had a fondness for Christine Keeler. Thought that she was pretty hot."
Amen,,,,,'W' will be remembered for years for his wonderful strategy in Iraq.........................sure!!!!!!
We're still in Koreas as I was in 1951.
Yes, Sam, please publish a book of "Sam=isms"
we grew up in the same neighborhood and reading your columns brings back so many memories...
We're still in Germany and that was over in 1945. You know I can't think of a ground war outside of Vietnam that we've been in the last several generations that hasn't resulted in a long term presence. What Neocon were those designed for Jerry?
Better lane markings: It's basically a no brainer. What is needed are raised pavement markers, commonly referred to as "Botts Dots". California is where they were invented. The Botts Dots are seen throughout the state on all roads, and are totally effective to enhance road visibility during inclement weather. I don't know their cost, but I am sure the benefit outweighs the cost.
Hrm Pups...
I finally caught up..I went to bed to early to banter last night. LOL
Maybe part of Librule's campaign will be to bring his unique tastes to the forefront. *winkz*
Jerry Fletcher,
"You have no comprehension of the dynamics of Iraq." And you do? I'm not doubting your historic knowledge and belief that it does repeat itself, but touting tactical knowledge and stating that the other shoe is about to fall is a doom and gloom attitude.
To say that the local hajis are waiting for us to get to our lowest troop levels, they just have under a year to wait (if you believe this next puppet will follow their promises of bringing our boys home) is nieve.
This not Vietnam. It never has been Vietman. The media and idiot suit types have wanted it to be a quagmire so they make it out to be one. The war is lost. Keep saying crap like that and people believe it. Because people are dumb.
Plus, the only thing our guys really have to worry about are those **** EFPs, that cut through our armor like butter, and bleeding heart liberals that say they support the troops, but not the war. I wouldn't trust half of those bastards. They end up hating you just as much as they hate Bush especially if you thought you were doing something over there.
"Tout the "success" of the surge now, for your time is coming, when you will have to hide, for all the people lined up to rub it in your face. Litterally." Jerry, you can be the first one to rub my face in "IT." But I have more riding on the success of this than just words typed on a screen.
Smile, it's only war.
The lane markings need to be addressed in several places. One that I find slightly confusing and, a little comical, is Bloomfield Road from Kingshighway to Silver Springs. It is marked with a double center line as well as a turn lane! So, I ask which markings should one follow. Its comical to follow people as they try to decide!
Fajar 154
Where were you at overthere? Your right about the new IEDs. I left country in July of 2004 after fifteen months and they were still using the old command detonation stuff. Still very ugly but nothing like these controlled directional victim detonation things. We didn't have uparmored anything at that time but I still think we were better off than our brothers and sisters today. I was at Camp Falcon in southern Baghdad later moved to Al-Najaf when the Spanish army bugged out in April 04.
Donnie and fajar154,
First, I have lived in the Middle East, but the Middle East of 25 years ago is not the Middle East of today. Second, the two of you are memebers of today's military and have knowledge that I can't even imagine about this issue. I was wondering, do you think the division over the War in Iraq is because it isn't a War against Iraq, but against an issue and just happens to be taking place in Iraq? I mean the American people when at war in the past has been against a Country or Countries (though Korea and Vietnam where kind of both) not with a concept that doesn't have a specific "government".(Man, am I making sense??)
I admit to being against the Invasion of Iraq, but have to admit also that I don't see us being able to just pull out now that we are there. And, confess to not having the know how of military operations to understand it all.
Oh and for the record I support 100 percent our involvement in Afganistan, but I guess that is part of the problem. Afganistan isn't getting the attention it deserves from both sides of this issue of Global War against Terrorism.
And fajar154, am sorry you feel you can't trust me, but I would always welcome that drink of Crown with you. lol
I have not been a real big supporter of our policy in Iraq, but good grief. Statements such as, "murder of the 'rightful' president of Iraq", "American henchmen", "Mental giant" negate any legitimate points you make, few though they may be. I too remember the Tet Offensive. Perhaps you should go back and do some more research before making it a cornerstone of your screed. I don't know about anyone else, but I find your hostile, condescending attitude and arrogance distasteful.
Donnie,
I was there, during second string operations. We were stationed in Baghdad, mostly in Victory (but I hardly ever was in my own rack) from Early 04 to Jan 05. We didn't have up armored HUMMVEES either, but after "borrowing" of some materials we pulled a few all nighters and made some pretty tough guntrucks that Mad Max would be impressed with. When our mission importance was upgraded we got the "blessed" uparmor kit that weighed down our already taxed engines. And we had the Pentatgon pull some strings and got the IED signal jammers. Those saved our butts on a few occasions and I put in multiple requests that ALL vehicles received them. Guess they have because haji has gone back to the old wire command det stuff.
Probably chewed a lot of the same dirt you did. Hit all the hot spots that were reported on by CNN and come to think of it, I'd like to forget a few of them.
Speaking of crappy places, Al-Najaf, were you held over and help create Camp Duke? If you were, sorry, it looked like that sucked.
Were you 1138th?
PUPSLOVER,
I trust ya. And I kind of follow what your saying about the war division. It is a fight over an ideology that has much more grand plans to make 911 seem like a car crash.
NOT TO GENERALIZE, let me make that clear. This war has been against those who feel that turning us to the Muslum faith is the only solution outside of making us dead. Since we don't allow ANY relgion ANYWHERE (soon you won't be able to practice in church) except for Islam in a public arena, then "or death" seems to be their only recoarse.
We can blame past international policies, but like Big Mac, in front of the Senate Illegal Drug inquiry "I'm not here to talk about the past...whimper whimper." It's the past. The world is what it is. People want to kill us for the simple fact we are there.
But don't be there! Go home. Don't show up. If someone bloodies your nose, do you run away? Some do (whimps) others fight. If those people that do the bad things are in an area, you go to that area and kill them. Plus you try to win the hearts and minds as well.
How are we to continue to be the Evil Capitalist Empire if we stop progress? Blame Bush, but there is a time to stop finger pointing and draw the line in the sand and stand your ground. The enemy has done it and so have we.
Bring on the rants!
Fajar wrote,
"If those people that do the bad things are in an area, you go to that area and kill them. Plus you try to win the hearts and minds as well."
Has not that been the eternal struggle historically of all wars. Difficult to win hearts and minds when your neighbor is being killed.
I am a convicted drug felon. I started college just after completing an extensive rehabilitation program. My probation ended 3 years after starting college and I went on to graduate in 2003 with a BS in Bus. Administration. Since I can't pass a background check I can't find a decent job. If some of these companies would use a drug test instead of a background check I would pass with flying colors. I paid my debt to society and all I would like in return is the opportunity to earn enough money to repay my student loans. Instead, I am still being punished for mistakes I made over 14 years ago.
short white bald guy,
Don't forget that it's even harder to win their hearts and minds when they poccess neither.
Fajar,
You are right. Maybe even harder when they are also killing their own neighbor.
Long run solution remains to make the Middle East a nonfactor. There has always been turmoil in that part of the world and there always will be. Alternative energy source will make them irrelavant.
tammy1123, What fields are you applying in? Background checks are costly. I did not realize employers who were NOT required were using them for pre-employment. I believe the required fields are medical, teaching and transportation. In addition, I seem to recall a question about being a felon on an employment application for as long as I can recall.
Keep looking, start networking, it will pay off! Best of luck!
Swan---foreign federal aid is voted on by Congress. It is not a direct edict from the President.
If you don't like who we are aiding, contact your Congress people---if you can't get their attention---VOTE them out!!
I send my congress people lots of letters. They probably don't like me by now.
short white bald guy,
"Alternative energy source will make them irrelavant." And what sweet day that will be. Though, you know that we can never have a car that runs on tap water or even air. No government regulation. Suits need to be in every fasit of our lives. We can't possibly work out this whole "living" thing on our own.
How could anyone not like our SuperBethie??? lol
Hey Melange, hope all is well. Still a go for tomorrow? (Yes, Mr Fletcher, I know.. girl chat,,to fing bad.)
Off to work,,, I'll try to catch up later.
Pups and All, Lunch is still on, Grecian, noon, Friday.
Librule, Your comments made me think of Emerson a few quotes. (Had to look them up... my memory is not that good.)
We judge of man's wisdom by his hope.
But in the mud and scum of things, there always, always [is] something [that] sings.
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
Men are what their mothers [or ladies] made them. (Like this one too! hehe Sorry, Ralphie, had to [edit].)
Ok, haven't left for work yet. And I had a thought while in the shower I wanted to throw out there. I know it's off topic, but I'm curious of other's views.
What if for an election cycle there was no polling? No declaired front runner months before the first ballot? If you want to run, you commit and don't have any "testing the waters" polling. And on election night (national level not state level) what if no results were issued until the last polling place closed? Would be rough on the East coast to wait until the West coast, Alaska, and Hawaii closed, but could be done. It used to before TV and internet.
Was thinking this would force people to form their own opinion on the canidates without being influence by what the "polls" claim. Canidates would run on message alone, no finding out that X amount of voters disagree with you so you change your stance. Also would encourage voter turn out on the West coast if a Winner wasn't declaired before some voted.
How would that change the outcome of any given election? Would it force politicians to commit to what they believe? Would it allow some to think for themselves?
Be back later to see what others think.
Fajar,
I don't know what sweet day it will be but it surely will be sweet. I just hope it is in my lifetime.
Swan,
Prophecy is 20/20 when looking into the rearview mirror. Having a feeling something bad is going to happen to someone does not take a political science degree, you are right. However it may be more typical of an anxiety disorder.
Awww..I'm glad someone likes me! *wink*
And in relation to election "coverage" Pups--I agree..the media plays a huge role in the outcome of an election.
I definitely think it would be different if it were not covered like it is now.
Tammy1123
If your conviction is a state charge originating in Missouri, go to the Missouri Probation and Parole website where you will find information on Gubernatorial Pardons or Executive Clemencies. You can also download an application which you will forward to Jefferson City. MBPP investigates these applications and forwards a recommendation to the Governor's Office for action. A Full Pardon will not cause your record to be expunged, but will "obliterate it" and remove all "collateral consequences" resulting from that conviction. You will not need an attorney and there is no cost. There is no guarantee that you will be granted a pardon, but it is a possibility. You do have a difficult road ahead of you with many obstacles, but most people are willing to treat you as you are, not as you were. After my release from prison, I traveled that same road. I went to a University, obtained my degree, stayed out of trouble and showed I would work hard and could be trusted. I had a very rewarding career making enough money to support myself and my family doing a job I loved. It can be done, so don't give up and don't look for excuses as to why you can't do something; that is the real road to failure. Good luck
short white bald guy,
I have been researching a DIY Hydrogen Fuel Cell addition to your vehicle. youtube gives a good rundown of materials and how to's. Don't want to do it on my truck because of the OOPs factor, but the guy (Build your own Hydrogen fuel cell) says that it boosts his MPGs to 80.
Any ideas?
Swan--
have you wrote your Congress person?
You are usually so forward...lately it seems like you want to "avoid" my posts.
Is that convenience or the inability to defend your position? =P
Actually...
I haven't given a Party designation in any of my posts.
I don't focus or rely solely on one party. I determine my views..and then I see what candidates have a voting record to support them.
I could care less what party is in charge of Congress---they all vote for things that we don't like...which was my point. Also--You have to have guys from both sides of the fence voting on most items to get them passed.
For example--a recent Energy Bill that included 6000 pages of pork! It also created an end date for the sale of incandescent light bulbs...which I personally think is retarded because the new ones have mercury in them and several people have had to have HAZMAT clean them up after the bulb busted. That's a helluva cleanup bill!!
My main point was that the majority of spending requires a vote by Congress. WHOEVER...republican, democrat, or flying monkey...is president can SUGGEST all day long....they can't create a bill to move it along.
Hmmm. Iraq seems to be the topic of the day, however, I thought the blurb about the Navy was pretty interesting too.
I have to admit, the whole Iraq experience and current war against Islamo-terror is a good amount of moons past my military service: Viet Nam era and latter cold war in Europe. I'm actually bewildered now by the tech. advances in the specialty fields I was involved in.
I never set foot in Iraq, but got pretty close. I operated in countries spanning NATO, including Greece & Turkey, of which one classified site was so far east we could see Mount Ararat while flying (more like diving) into the deep valley the site was hidden in. But there are some things I can appreciate about the Middle East, especially Iraq, that most fail to mention...and you don't even have to be a strategic planner with JCS to see it.
Take a look at a map of the Middle East. Iraq is the most strategic point (as well as the ground zero for Armageddon, perhaps?), as it is squarely situated between Syria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and, you guessed it, IRAN. Notice also that Iran also helps our questionable ally, Pakistan, land-lock Afghanistan, which is not the most favorable terrain to fight the bad guys. Getting my drift so far?
We are forced to hold and fortify Iraq much longer than Germany, for instance...probably until Armageddon and the Second Coming! We'd be suicidal fools not to. If we had not gone into Iraq, and are stupid enough to leave, Syria and Iran would easily crush it, and be free to send all their fighters into Afghanistan to kill our soldiers there. That's exactly what the Islamo-fascists would have done even if we hadn't gone into Iraq in the first place. A "hammer & anvil" strategy in Iraq is far better than trying to fight all the Islamo ******** in the Afghan mountains.
Oh, one more thought about Germany, which at one time was considered sensitive if not classified in some respects. We have not occupied Germany since WWII simply to help NATO fend off the commie Warsaw Pact. Take a guess what our other long-term priority in Germany has been.
PUPSLOVER, Some may know how I feel, as I've stated in before. It sounds quirky, but I think we can do away with campaign funds, debates, junk mail, late night campaign calls and polls all together. Very simple solution, give each candidate a single webpage and one night of TV (divided evenly). For those without internet, they can visit their library. For those who have to work, they can record it or I would even be up for a re-run or two.
Oh, I'm for NO parties too. Would love to see the candidates think for themselves. Parties and money has WAY too much influence. Just my humble opinion...
Swan,
Did you inform anyone of this deduction prior to it happening? Was it just a hunch you had? I would bet you have hundreds of thoughts and feelings that bad things are going to happen. How many come true?
Fajar,
I wish I had ideas. I too have looked up some of those videos on You-Tube regarding the alternative fuel sources. Some neat ones about running engines on water as well. I wonder about the validity. Got a buddy who is a professor of chemical engineering at an SEC school. I have thought about giving him a call but do not want to bother him with nonsense.
Herr Hauptmann, DES, Interesting comments, and did make me think more deeply about our strategic motives. (And the game Risk). ~giggle~
SuperBethie21 says: "I send my congress people lots of letters. They probably don't like me by now."
GOOD FOR YOU! Don't you just love getting those "standard" letters from them, that usually don't really SAY anything pro or con to what you wrote about?
I'm impressed, too, Bethie, by the fact that you obviously know our country's presidents are not all-powerful dictators on whom to blame all our ills! Some pretend not to know this, chanting "let's blame the president," because that is easier than keeping track of all the congressmen's votes on all the issues.
LOL..
If that was supposed to make me feel unworthy or like I was stupid...
you failed miserably. I don't need your validation.
I haven't called into question who you are or what you do or have done. So calm thyself down.
It just seemed like you didn't want to post responses to any users who were not agreeing with you.
"Or do you think that I may just respond to posts that I feel are worthy of my time?"
Swan, Obviously you are wasting your time here! You will not win anyone over by behaving like this. Perhaps, you should work on "respecting others and their opinions". AND it scares the heck out of me that you might be representative of those who are "active" or "in the know". Sorry, just my opinion...
Oh, I don't like to watch someone poking sticks at lions either! Hear me ROAR!
Sorry Bethie, I knew you could take care of yourself! Can't seem to help myself when some spews stuff like that.
Thanks Guru...and I HATE those canned letters...
Nothing says we don't care any better than a form letter. LOL
I have some family who play the "blame the president" game---and it varies depending on the president. Some of them just have hands of gold and could do no wrong in these same people's eyes.
It makes me sad for them that they cannot see the scope of the big picture.
Also Swan--
I want to say that I truly respect your career...it takes a special person to be able to handle that type of job on a daily basis..
and I myself am not one of them.
Dead people give me the heebie jeebies. =/
Lunch update: SMOKING section (right side)...It appears confirmations are all smokers...so one last hip-hip-horray before Librule kicks the habit.
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issu...
Here is a link to the Omnibus spending bill passed by Congress which includes the foreign aid funding being discussed.
I just went to check on the Energy Bill, which was unfortunately signed and saw this at the top of the page.
Pups & Melange: Great ideas...! Great place for thinking, Pups, in the shower! Was going to say something else, but better not get into girl talk. ;)
No polling! No candidate rushing out to change his/her "image" or position on various issues because the polls show him/her slipping. If I'm a candidate & the polls show I'm slipping, I'm going to "reinvent" myself, I'm going to lie through my teeth, I'm going to say whatever it takes to raise my poll numbers. People DO tend to vote for the poll winners, unfortunately.
Along with all the rest, how about a time limit on campaigning? Six months, period. We have senators who have been campaigning for how long now, who are NOT in Washington doing their jobs. The average voting public are so tired of all the political rhetoric that they finally tend to stop watching/listening/believing, or finally even caring much--well, maybe except for those who don't want to think for themselves, so they'll just continue to believe whatever their chosen candidate spouts, even if it's in complete disagreement with what that candidate spouted two months ago.
No parties has always sounded good to me, considering most Americans do seem to be left or right of the middle, but...it wouldn't work. No party money/influence behind a candidate? They'd never let that happen! We, the People, seems to have changed to We, the Political Parties...
And one more: If a candidate promises to do something while in office, that candidate loses his/her job if the promises are not accomplished within a certain length of time. Would THAT ever stop some of the promising of things they know they cannot do, or even don't intend to do! God, might be making honest people out of them, even!
gurusmom, Have you noticed? I do NOT see a whole lot of promising taking place this "election season"? (Which is not a bad thing, don't promise it if you can't make good.)
For example, the initial "troop withdrawal" has been backed off by 99.9% of the candidates.
06/21/2007: H.AMDT.363 Amendment (A013) offered by Mr. Tierney. An amendment to redirect $75 million in funding for the Economic Support Fund for Pakistan.
06/21/2007: H.AMDT.363 On agreeing to the Tierney amendment (A013) Agreed to by voice vote.
There's where it was suggested and added in the House.
It went to the Senate with that already added in.
swan, "thickheaded and the blind"
~long sigh~
There hasn't been a lot of promising...
but there sure have been a lot of candidates saying they are
"running on solutions"
and they yak and yak and yak some more about solutions and how we need them...
but they NEVER offer a solution or a PLAN to get to the offered solution.
I'm not impressed at all so far.
And I know the innundation is only going to get worse.
Fajar
No I wasn't 1138th, I was with the 2175th Miltary Police out of St Clair. We too made our own hillbilly armored kits for our 1025\1026 turtleback trucks. We actually still had three old duces C-35 manual trannys. Camp Victory was mostly regular army types when I was there. When we first got there BIAP was still a "forward base" and not the metropolis it turned into. Even my place at Camp Falcom transformed in the first year to an air conditioned, running water, hard stand building base. Complete with a PX and a coffee bar. The first six months we were doing our laundry in buckets. The last year we had a send out laundry service.
When we went to Najaf we were at Camp Baker inside of Najaf. Less traveling time to the police stations that way. I saw Duke and your right I'm glad I didn't live there.
We too had those jammers (warlocks I think) in the last six months but with the command hard wire detonators they really didn't do us alot of good. Now most stuff is victim detonated so I wonder if any of the jamming/compass call stuff even works anymore.
Pups
Really I would need about an hour to fully explain my position on the war. It is not nearly as simple an issue as some would make it sound. There is such a complex dynamic taking place over there with so many different factions wanting different things. I'll try to start tommorrow over lunch.
Donnie, For those who do not know, there are still many soldiers still roughing it at the COPs.
SuperBethie (and you certainly seem to be!): I've written down your "Nothing says we don't care any better than a form letter" and will now include it as a header on all the future letters I send to our politicians! Thanks for that line, I LOVE it!
I suppose if I have you riled and compelled to talk, I've done my job.
However--I would like to say if you are going to use my whole name--please spell it correctly. I'm Bethany--not Bethanie.
LOL. Thanx!
Glad you enjoy the line--I did that on accident. LOL
Swan, "Come on Melange! Judge Fair on this....or are you just talking out of your butt without reading the posts?"
Well sir, to borrow a few comments from Babe ..."Bless your heart, I call 'em as I see 'em."
BTW...Hope she is doing okay!
Melange & SuperBethie: I was going to say (and guess I am)--There have been lots of "I have a plan" type of statements for everything from Health Care, helping minorities, resolving our involvement in Iraq, to shoring up Social Security--Lots of really, really vague not-quite-promises, which...sorry to say...are coming across as promises and which MANY of the voting public view as promises...and which later can be verified by the winner as "no promises" actually made. Clever, huh?
One thing I have not heard this year, that we have heard several times in the last couple of decades is the willingness to work together disregarding party lines. Might as well have given that up, since for the most part, neither party will work together. Another reason to get rid of political parties--but the political leanings might always be there anyway?
So...it's still all politics and the bottom line still is the glory and power of winning.
agreed. I was trying to say that I didn't like the vagueness..
No distinct plans detailed out--they are just saying they have "solutions".
frickin buzzword.
Awesome, hilleco! Here's my VERY humble opinion: there are several people right here on this comment board who could do more for our country than most of the politicians of either party that we have had for generations. Yep, right here...intelligent, thinking people who seem to have a better grasp of things than most of the politicians in office or running for office--people who are not beholden to lobbyists, political parties, etc. I might name the ones I'm thinking about, but it would just confuse everyone!
Mel
Yes that is actually the new wave of thinking I am told. They are taking the military police out of the base camp and making them live at the police station too. I have heard from many that they are once again living on the economy sort of speak for water and electricity. That was a part of the surge operation I'm told.
Herr Hauptmann, DES,
"Take a guess what our other long-term priority in Germany has been." BMW? German clock makers? Some Super Secret Banking system? France? A Luxemburg uprising? Sweden gaining a sack?
Tell me.
Swan,
I have been called alot of things in here but never a conservative. LOL
I wish conservababe would check in! I think we really do miss her, don't we? She can be annoying as hell, but apparently most of the rest of us can be, too. (Well, not me, surely?) Hope she's doing okay.
Librule: GOOD LUCK on the stop-smoking! Will you be doing it with help from doctor? As low as the success rate is, it's higher with medical help (anti-anxiety meds for a while, nicotine patches/gum). One thing, though: if you're thinking Chantix, read up on some of the info on side effects that have finally come out.
Donnie,
While my brother is not terribly open, I can share after 9 months they now have an actual shower rather than a make shift one. In addition his COP just started having more than one hot meal a day.
For those who are unaware, a COP is a combat outpost, and houses 70-100 soldiers. My brother's COP was established upon his arrival to Iraq... his brigade was apart of the surge in troops.
Sorry to those who don't care to know... thought some might like a little info.
Oh, the COP's do rotate to the FOB's, forward operating bases every other week for 2-3 days of training and R&R. Some FOB's do have coffee shops, pizza, laundry etc, like Donnie mentioned. (Thank goodness! These soldiers deserve a treat once in a while.)
Hilleco: "After long thought and consideration I started wondering why we needed a government at all."
Now you have ME wondering! LOL Seriously though...in reading several books lately on the "beginnings" of our government (and the intent on its role), and I'm not seeing a lot in today's government that could have been anticipated by what we thought should be government's role back then. Too bad we cannot go back and start over, knowing what we know now. But then...in another couple of centuries, without having better reins on our politicians, we'd be right back to where we are, wouldn't we?
BTW, Pupslover: I put a Kawasaki on my Christmas Wish List. I received a bathrobe and houseshoes...
melange,
Thank God for FOBs! Thats an understatement. But you get some real lowlifes that live in the FOBs that are referred as Fobbits (like of a Hobbit). They live vicariously through those who reside outside the wire. SO tell your brother to be careful of who he chats with about his activities in the COP. Because he may just findout that a Fobbit has made himself apart of your brother's stories. Writing himself in, if you will.
Yes, people do that.
Donnie,
It was the warlock system. Life savers!
Donnie,
"They are taking the military police out of the base camp and making them live at the police station too."
They have been doing some of this intergration for some time. During brother's last tour, he (not military police) lived with the Iraqi armies commanders. My understanding he and others were training the commanders and lived in their camp. Originally this tour he and his security team were to be housed near a local village's police station, but that changed when his unit was loaned to the 3-1 cav. (Which was when operations began changing drastically.) I have no clue what he is doing with them, except that helicopters (vs tanks) are involved in their operations.
hi Gurusmom!!! Hope you and Guruspop are doing well.
fajar154, If you knew my brother, you'd know he doesn't say much to anyone. Something really has to be weighting on his mind heavily before he opens up and shares. Unless of course you are talking about sprint cars and races. LOL
Gurusmom,
Was there at least Kawasakis on the robe and slippers?? LOL
Donnie,
I look forward to your perspective on the cituation. There are many things that I don't know and find your knowledge, and that of fajar interesting to the debate.
gurusmom, "bathrobe and houseshoes" Perhaps they were intended to be assessories. Were they black leather with fringe? hehe
fajar154:
Your inquiry about "other priorities" was pretty basic stuff when I was in Germany. Quite simply, we were there to prevent the Germans, especially Nazis (who were still quite an issue), from rearming and starting WW III. In the environment I was operating in, Majcom preferred we did not discuss the matter, especially with Germans. That really hit home when the command found out I was renting a place in a quiet little village, from a seemingly harmless ole landlord...who turned out to be a former Nazi SS officer! Command got their shorts in a knot so quick, I found myself living on base literally overnight. So much for alledged on-base housing shortages!
On a more interesting note. Tensions, and hatred, was still so high when I was in Europe (mid 80's), that a Dutch pilot at a classified sight asked my General: "Once the flag goes up (against the commies), what's to stop him from making a little detour over Bonn, GE to deliver a little pay-back?" (a direct quote).
I also had some German officers suggest to me that if we (the U.S.) would just get the hell out of their country, they'd "get it right" the next time. And you think I'm joking?
Melange,
Respect? From what I read, I hardly believe you know the meaning of the word.
LOL...Amen Pancakes!
Melange, Respect is earned. Swan's earned my respect and that of many others. What have you done to make a difference? Once again, someone flapping their big mouth before they know the facts.
Roooarrrrr~!
*rolls eyes*
Mr_Fruity_Flapjacks, Mr_Nutty_Pancakes and Swan,
I feel no need to justify my words or actions to anyone. Respect is earned. Good luck with that.
*shakes head* Whatever Melange. I think we all know...
Flapjacks,
"What have you done to make a difference?"
He He Sorry found this a bit funny!
What are your plans for the 2008 Make a difference day? It is October 25, 2008. City could use your help! You are welcome to invite Fruity, Swan and your other friends too!
"Actually, some of the speeders on that section of Highway 34/72 in Jackson are speeding so they can bump out the left-lane vehicles at that dangerous "merge" ending...;)"
Let 'em try it with me...I'll put 'em in the ditch. If I have the right of way and some jack@$$ is being ignorant, well lets just say I'm bigger & meaner than they are, and the chances that I will take evasive action to prevent them from wrecking are slim to none.
Swan you stated,"And there's no doubt in my mind, the harsh ridicule that is shoveled out here is intended to "silence" those who do not agree with the status quo."
Are the following posts what you meant???
"Melange,
Respect? From what I read, I hardly believe you know the meaning of the word.
-- Posted by Mr_Nutty_Pancakes on Thu, Dec 27, 2007, at 6:31 PM "
and..
"LOL...Amen Pancakes!
Melange, Respect is earned. Swan's earned my respect and that of many others. What have you done to make a difference? Once again, someone flapping their big mouth before they know the facts.
Roooarrrrr~!
*rolls eyes*
-- Posted by Mr_Fruity_Flapjacks on Thu, Dec 27, 2007, at 6:35 PM "
Fajar
Are you a 12B?
Dixietrucker,
Hope your holiday was a good one.
Name Calling? Pa Shaw...LOL