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Read the commenting rules carefully because they will be enforced!

$\"Gravatar\"$ there but for the grace of G-d go I....
babs | 09.01.08 - 5:35 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ It is a national tragedy that we have allowed young people to believe that sex before marriage is ok. And that having a child outside of marriage is ok. IT IS NOT!!!

You cannot call yourself a moral person and condone this. The Palins are doing the right thing in supporting their daughter's decision, too many girls are kicked out of their parents' homes for this reason. But they should be ashamed of their failure on this.

I'm just old-fashioned about this in many ways. They should have taught her about birth control, not just abstinence. And the young woman should have been practicing safe sex, who knows how many girls he has been with.

I hope she has a healthy baby, and her upcoming marriage is a happy one. But I fear, like many shotgun weddings, this marriage will not work out for her.
Katie | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 5:46 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Hello,

What I don't understand is why did they send in the low level, of the Republican tier, to deal with this issue if the base is so excited?

Where are the big endorsements from prominent Republican members such as: Newt, Pat Buch, George Bush (41 especially, and, 43) Karl Rove, Rice, Cheney? And, the brigade of high ranking Republican military to solidify her \"readiness\"?
Just to name a few players.

What happened to Morning Joe Scarborough this morning promoting her?

Basically, the \"buzz\" is the Republican Party has realized McCain blew it with this choice. Nobody, is buying this hard sell.

The internet is a-buzz because mainstream media is running scared of their bosses who want to keep the good spin going. There has been no oposing viewpoint on any media channel since the announcement. If we had been getting regular news and if Palin had been vetted properly, there would be no need for tens of thousands of people to be digging into her past, which, she put on the table when deciding to run for Vice President.

We Americans are loving this. It's pure power, just like MSM. We can go from site to site linking stories, sourcing out our own material and sharing it with other voters in our social groups. With this being a holiday weekend, and because of what I described above, we can circulate our own media bias just as CNN, MSNBC, ABC, FOX NEWS, etc., whatever, that may be. That is the real problem. We did not wait for mainstream media to shape our thinking about the Palin issue.

In my fact finding research mostly Alaskian Newspapers (I was reading for an entire day, it was that extensive); as an Independent, voter with conservative viewpoints, I found out:

Palin has ethics and judgment problems - 1.) Questions about the baby, high risk pregnancy travel, her behavior when faced with going into labor while out of town, etc. 2.) Using a special needs baby, for campaigning, is extremely poor judgment even with some conservatives.

What does her husband do? Every report is--has worked for, or seasonal. What does that mean...sits home, lives off his wife, pumps out babies and watches his wife work herself to death? She's either on her back or her feet working.

This picture sends the wrong message to our conservative sons and daughters. Maybe, you should give us clarity by doing a investigative story on him so voters can have all the facts.

NOW THE 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IS PREGNANT AND IT MAY NOT BE THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR. PUSHING FOR A DNA to before I would vote for McCain, Palin. People this is an election.

Whatever method we use to intelligently pick our candidate is applicable. I went from blog to blog yesterday, some for the first time. I didn't see any attacks. Define attacks. Questioning something is not attacking.

Guess you didn't read above where it says no anonymous posts, did you? Your research, so called, is tabloid style and is in keeping with trash. What do you want a DNA test for? What's this crap Bristol was pregnant before? Are you Palin's doctor and qualified to comment on her medical care? Your comment is being allowed to stay for one reason--to show the idiocy you, and others like you, are stooping to in your fear of a strong women who connects with Americans. Next time, you're gone.

Edited By Siteowner
Anonymous | 09.01.08 - 6:30 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ The only reason this has relevance to the campaign is that Palin has supported abstinence-only sex education programs. Here is proof positive that they don't work to prevent sex and consequently don't work to prevent possible pregnancy and/or STDs.

As a society, we should try to discourage teens from having sex before they are adults (you'll note I don't say married as I don't want my children to get married at 18 just to have sex). With that said, we also need to arm them with medically accurate information on sex and the ways to prevent unintended pregnancy and STDs.

Abstinence-only programs set teens up to have unprotected sex since it would be dishonorable for them to plan on having sex (and thus be prepared to prevent pregnancy and/or STDs). Instead, they have to use the rationalization that they caved in the heat of the moment, so they could believe they were honoring their pledge to remain celibate.
SolvayGirl | 09.01.08 - 6:46 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Ya;ll are insane, donors have donated 10 mil just since she was chosen. You all cannot stand the fact that Obama screwed by not picking hillary and he might just lose this whole elections.

He warned ya'll to back off the family cause he knows it will cost him and he will have no one but people like you to blame. Keep it up, i beg you, you are helping us tremendously here.
Susan Duclos | 09.01.08 - 6:49 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Actually, part of what you say is relevant, the rest is not. This is a personal family issue, not a campaign issue. This is a 17 year old minor. Not an adult who went out on the campaign trail.

That being said, did you ever disobey your parents? Did you ever do something you knew to be wrong, despite what you were taught? No? Glad to see you're perfect.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 6:50 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I think I will let the Christian Bible say it best:

1 Timothy, Chapter 2

I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.

Deueronomy 22:20-21

If, however, the charge is true and no proof of the girl's virginity can be found, 21 she shall be brought to the door of her father's house and there the men of her town shall stone her to death. She has done a disgraceful thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in her father's house. You must purge the evil from among you.

(NOTE from Susan- The only reason this posting is staying in comments is so the proper people can see it, then it will be gone) Arlinton-- YOU are gone.)
Arlington | 09.01.08 - 7:11 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ So...........you're advocating death to Bristol? Sounds like it--

How about this one--Let he who is without sin cast the first stone....or Concentrate on the beam in your own eye before trying to remove the speck in mine.

Get off this blog with your advocacy of death to a teenage girl. This is not an islam site, we do not practice shari'a law and we respect women.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 7:15 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Arlington, GONE. We do not allow threats here against people.
Susan Duclos | 09.01.08 - 7:27 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I'm not at all a fan of the GOP, but the Alaska governor's children are not our business. Anyone with sense knows that we can't control our children 24 hours a day. 'Course, it stands to reason that in a town that small, teenagers are going to get bored.
Mike Wagner | 09.01.08 - 7:28 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Thank you Mike, whether we agree on politics or who to support, that is a rational, smart comment and I thank you, especially since you are not a fan of the GOP, for saying it.

Kudos
Susan Duclos | 09.01.08 - 7:31 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Susan, send Arlington's information anyway--this whole business of tearing into Bristol is nothing more than a bunch of gossips who are terrified of reality, so they pick on a kid. Bunch of crows cawing over something that's none of their business. But any reference to violence--ANY--is beyond the pale.

Mike, Thank you for that breath of fresh air. You must be a parent of teens yourself!
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 7:31 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Susan Duclos: Sounds like you have some anger management issues. We are so scared that 'our ass' might be gone. Do it. Who cares. The 10 people who read this nonsense maybe?
Martin Graber | 09.01.08 - 7:32 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ No Martin--we simply don't indulge in the climate of pro-death--since Bristol is keeping the baby, then of course you all feel she must die, right? As long as you get your death. We certainly don't advocate the equivalent of honor killings so loved by third world islamic scum. And that IS what Arlington is advocating. You want to stand with him? We'll send your information to the authorities as well. Making such threats against the family of a political candidate--you'd never say that about Stinky because he's black. But you don't hesitate to advocate it for a 17 year old white girl.

Grow the hell up.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 7:33 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Obama takes yet another really pricipled position. It's very easy in the heat of politics to want to exploit every opportunty to weaken an adversary. It speaks well of him that he both showed restraint and demands that his supporters show restraint, in this instance
alan | 09.01.08 - 8:03 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Posted this in the other thread's comments, too. $\"\"$

A couple of points:

1) How do any of us know that THEY were not using birth control? Any of the nay-sayers: Were you with the young couple?

2) I count a child born as a blessing, no matter..

3) People questioning Palin's parenting skills/reactions to this.

IF the Palin family hung their heads in \"shame\", that tells the unborn child they are a mistake. WRONG!

Obama says a baby is a punishment. Palin says a child is a blessing.

As parents we teach our children values, so they can make wise decisions. Should we turn our backs on them when they make choices we don't agree with? I dare any one of those slamming the Palins right now to assert that they have never made an unwise choice. SOME choices carry far-reaching consequences. Conceiving and having a child SHOULD be a private, family matter. Yes, even for public figures (especially their children).

Finally, to all those self righteous critics: Let him who is guiltless cast the first stone.

Okay, so that was more than a couple.lol
brat | 09.01.08 - 8:43 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I am sitting here clapping your words Brat. Too many here seem to agree with Obama that a baby is some type of \"punishment.\"

Well said and I hope you put that in EVERY Palin thread.
Susan Duclos | 09.01.08 - 8:49 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ JUDGE NOT!!!...and I AM NOT... But I think that if this were a Dem...We Reps would be all over it.... I only have a problem with teens having sex before they get married... She's a child... Sex is for married couples (a man and a woman) It's only for married couples and there's always a chance the GOD will create Life...It's a Blessing....It could never be a curse...and that article seems that she have a \"Choice\"... What gives?...
Sgt. Mo Black | 09.01.08 - 9:07 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Susan Duclos stop posting unfounded poisonous lies. Post proof that Obama said the baby is punishment or I call bullsh**.

If this were Joe Biden or Barack Obama's kids having a child out of wedlock at 17 you Repubs would be licking your chops and spitting all the usual hate, but since it's one of your own demons then you all defend her and get defensive before anyone says anything. Shame on you!
Edwin Guevara | 09.01.08 - 9:08 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I think Palin's daughter should have this baby, but why is she marrying this young man, is it because her mother is running for vice president. They didn't get married when she was one month pregnant. *censored*

Edited By Siteowner
hope2 | 09.01.08 - 9:11 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Children are never a punishment, and I do not believe that is what O'Bama said or intended in his comments. Bristol could legally have ended her pregnancy...she didn't. It might have been much more politically expedient for her mother's sake if she had...but her mother, father, and most importantly, Bristol stood true to her beliefs and chose to raise her baby.

Shame on the media...you are the only ones making a big deal of this! McCain AND O'Bama have said this matter is off limits...only the media are pushing this info with bad intentions...the rest of the U.S. and the world don't see the gloom and doom of the birth of baby!
kgc | 09.01.08 - 9:13 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ In an ideal world, everybody would wait for marriage before participating in adult activities (having sex for one..lol) Just as in an ideal world, places like Iraq would not view children as expendable (or as tools to be used to further their own ADULT agenda) to the point of using them as bombs.

Whatever any of our views on this Palin family matter, it really IS none of our business.

Unless any of us were with these young people when this blessing was conceived, our opinion is IRRELEVANT.

Hurry along now, because I am SURE the msm will keep digging for the next NON-scandal.
brat | 09.01.08 - 9:16 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Oh dear Edwin! I guess you don't read much before you accuse others of poisonous lies..... $\"\"$

I WAS gonna give you all the links to Obama's direct quote, but decided not to do your homework for you. Come back when you have proved you actually CAN and DO read..

NEXT!
brat | 09.01.08 - 9:18 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ And...btw......How dare you suggest that I would be all over Biden or Obama's kids having kids..

SOME of us do not change our core values just to blow with the political wind.
brat | 09.01.08 - 9:20 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ If this happened to a democratic candidate, they would fry us for it....there would be no \"hands off.\"

Why do the republicans always get a pass?
Scott B | 09.01.08 - 9:29 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Wow, by and large I think that Obama dealt with this issue vey well. He has taking a very good stance on this. He was clearly anoyed by the reporters statements.

Now as far as Obama saying that children are a \"punishment\" I would love to see where that came from or are we just changing his words to fit our own agendas. As a husband and father of three I say that children are not only a blessing but a RESPONSABILLATY. You can spin that as PUNISHMENT all you want as for me I will teach my children that SEX is not only \"a fun thing to do\" but has consaquincess call it punishment. but the bottom line is sex is best shared with someone willing to share the responsabillaty with you. Take that how you want it.

Palin was a bad choice because McCain new this would be an issue and the last things we as voters needis this junk clouding the issues. There is no way you can sell to me that Palin ws the best republican choice out there.

I voted Bush 00/04
Voting Obama 08
Leroy Bartell | 09.01.08 - 9:36 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ A pass on what? You seem to be ignoring your messiah, as he said, what happens within the family is off limits and has NOTHING to do with Palin's policy issues.

Try to focus and quit grasping at straws, your desperation because she has got the conservative base energized, is really showing.
Susan Duclos | 09.01.08 - 9:38 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ How conveniently they all forget Stinky's words--and they also seem determined to gloss over that once again, Stinky came to this table 2 days late--do you think if he really cared about it he would have waited 2 days? He was certainly quick enough to tell people hands off Mrs. Stinky--didn't wait 2 days on that.

2 days late and several million dollars short--my guess is he was hoping it would split the conservative base rather than rally them. He really should stay out of Vegas--his gambling skills suck.

Just like all the rest who can't see Palin is actually the best choice as she is representative of \"every family USA\" instead of beltway elitism as usual.

Tough breaks all you gossip mongers. Stinky's coffin is getting nailed shut HARD--and it's y'all doing the nailing yourselves.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 9:45 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Leroy, it was everywhere.

His quote:

When it comes specifically to HIV/AIDS, the most important prevention is education, which should include -- which should include abstinence education and teaching the children -- teaching children, you know, that sex is not something casual. But it should also include -- it should also include other, you know, information about contraception because, look, I've got two daughters. 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby. I don't want them punished with an STD at the age of 16. You know, so it doesn't make sense to not give them information.\"

He went off script.

It can be found here:

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/348569.aspx

The video is at youtube as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G...h?v=GbZJYWjkAPo

Multiple vids there showing it and would have only taken you a second or two to look.

Search Engines are pretty easy:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=...Search&aq=f&oq=

Back on topic, Palin was an excellent choice because WE, his base, not YOU, his opponents base....like her, are excited about her, have donated over 10 million to them since he announced her and have brought evangelicals that hasn't endorsed McCain before on board and they are now.

Hence.....for OUR party, it was a wonderful choice.

Considering we are the ones that are voting for them, it was US he needed to make happy and he did.

The reactions coming a mile a minute from Obama supporters are enough evidence to see how petrified they are that Obama is going to get trounced in November.
Susan Duclos | 09.01.08 - 9:49 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Brilliant. last time we elected the president, the issue was is the gay marriage. This time we will elect McCain because he is pro-life Christian and all this teen pregnancy nonsense. *censored*

Edited By Siteowner
Barbara | 09.01.08 - 9:52 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Wow... all you can do is call people names you must be so proud of yourself. You have no idea how the election is going to end so I suggest you sit back and watch. I guess all of you like our economy the way it is along with the way our country is being run by Pres. Bush. Otherwise you'd say hell no to McCain. All McCain and Palin are going to do is run our country more into the ground than it already is.
Chrissy | 09.01.08 - 9:52 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Better than getting us killed Chrissy which is what the inexperienced \"One\" would do.

Mccain/palin is a winning ticket....which is why all the Obama supporters are freaking out and running from blog to blog hunting anyone that dares speak about Palin with liking.

Ya'll are petrified and I am LOVING it.
Susan Duclos | 09.01.08 - 9:56 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Chrissy, do some research--the economy is quite healthy, despite the lies the MSM is feeding you. As Susan says above, search engines are relatively easy to use--try it.

As far as Bush? We're safe and have been, unemployment is still very low, the country is actually in pretty good shape. It's people like you, looking for any excuse to hate and be depressed, who are running it into the ground. Bet you support Pelosi, Reid, Kerry, Kennedy, et. al, as well, don't you? Sad for you.

We say Hell No to a Congress who has a lower approval rating than Bush and has accomplished NOTHING in 2 years. NOTHING. Try again.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 9:56 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Oh one last thing Chrissy... we aren't the ones doing searches and running from blog to blog in a panic to try to attack.

You folks are.
Susan Duclos | 09.01.08 - 9:59 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ People get killed in war. Period. If you haven't benefitted under Bush, too bad. Work harder. Vote better.

Edited By Siteowner
Chrissy | 09.01.08 - 10:03 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Just a thought: Pelosi's \"100 days\" were nowhere near as energising (or entertaining...lol) as the NEXT 100 days promise to be..

Back to regular programming.. $\"\"$
brat | 09.01.08 - 10:06 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Ever hear of personal responsibility and planning ahead? Bush didn't do anything to you, you did it to yourselves. Entitlement personality is for losers, not doers.

Edited By Siteowner
Chrissy | 09.01.08 - 10:12 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Miss Beth, Susan Duclos, I am glad the economy looks healthy for you. I am glad you believe our country is safe. And I am envious: you believe in american family values. I want to take your pills or smoke whatever you have been smoking.

try pulling your head out to reality and quit inhaling the ganga--then do some research from reality based sites instead of worshipping at the altar of lies, smoke screens and screed from soros and minions.

Edited By Siteowner
Barbara | 09.01.08 - 10:13 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Don't smoke anything but cigarettes Barbara, work hard, earn a living and love our country.

In 43 years, I have heard people making your same complaints, every elections season.

Chrissy quit blaming Bush for YOUR incompetence if you cannot care for yourself

when I was raising my son, I worked my ass off at two jobs and went without food some nights to feed him.....THAT was 20 years ago...so quit blaming Bush, he is nothing more than a scapegoat for people like you that cannot take responsibility for your own failure.
Susan Duclos | 09.01.08 - 10:18 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Susan

Thank you for the links and quote. I do not agree with the statement tha children are being born to children are a punishment. After looking at the quote I get what he was saying i just do not agree with calling a child being born a punishment. Your reply makes me smile a little though because you see I am not a Rep or a Dem. I am just voting for what I believe is the best person for the Job at the time. This is a dession based on the issues. Sorry I missed the quote although that quote will not change my mind.

LOL, who cares about a base. What about the country? Should he not be pleasing WE the VOTER? I have been researching her an all that comes up are things that will sell more tabloids. There must have been someone, someone better then Palin. Give me a break. Why are you so excited? I was hoping(sorry maybe hope is a bad choice of words) that McCain would give me something to take a secound look at him. But now Palin as a pic would make us (the US) looking even more like a joke then it already does. Sorry McCain made a bad choice and has lostthis on the fence vote.
Leroy Bartell | 09.01.08 - 10:33 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ And Stinky brings what to the table exactly? Answer that. How on earth do you figure he brings any credibility to this country? Just once, I'd like an answer--try.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 10:39 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ This is OK. It happens everyday and I heard very few folks condemn it. It has probably happened to some close to each one of us. the problem I have is with those who say it is OK now, but would have blaasted the Clintons if it had heppened to their daughter. It would have been because of the Liberals casual attitude toward teen sex. You know very well who you are. The religous right would have attacked like wolves.

measure all with the same ruler.
Sandy Black | 09.01.08 - 10:50 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Once again..No it wouldn't have gotten to this point had it been Chelsea Clinton or Amy Carter because during those administrations, the media didn't go after children. Has nothing to do with the evangelical right (are you all afraid of God or something?)--it has to do with common human decency. And, the dems and liberals really do have a much more casual attitude about sex. irregardless, kids are off limits and this has crossed the line.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 10:57 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ What concerns me most is that this seems to speak to the contention that Senator McCain and his campaign did very little actual vetting of Governor Palin before selecting her for VP, and even less of the critical work of preparing her to campaign on the national stage. The original - and, yes, despicable - rumors regarding her son began not on liberal blogs, but in Alaskan political circles. And with a dearth of meaningful information about Governor Palin - where were the campaign's ads introducing her to the voters? - the public is certain to seize upon inanities like this (see the breathless reporting about her days as a beauty pageant contestant or as a local sports reporter).

To be certain, some of this can be laid at the feet of a main stream press media more interested in a horse race and titillation than actual issues, but a major national campaign should be aware of this. There are ways to control message and coverage, and to bring that kind of information to the media's attention and keep it there. Senator McCain's campaign somehow seems not to have been ready to do this for Governor Palin, which is very nearly absurd. Clearly, unexpectedly picking an unknown, and particularly a woman, as part of a national ticket was intended to draw attention and excitement to the campaign. But even with this intent the campaign doesn't seem to know how to use it to its own advantage.

It may have excited the base of the party, but at what cost among independents?

Senator Obama and his campaign don't need to attack Governor Pailn, it seems - Senator McCain's campaign has mishandled this whole situation to the point that it is essentially attacking itself.

irrelevant to topic

Edited By Siteowner
Matt L | 09.01.08 - 11:03 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Sorry not a fast typer Miss Beth.

I will answer your question I will go ahead and make your list. Why don't you make your list on what Palin brings to the table and we can both post what we have found. Before I begin I must adress one thing This name calling(stinky) is hardly a way to begin an adult conversation. I feel like I am responding to a child. Not meaning to call you a child just this \"stinky\" name calling just reminds me of the playground. Let me organize my info and answer your question.

Too Bad Leroy--he is Stinky and it's much better than I would like to call him

Edited By Siteowner
Leroy Bartell | 09.01.08 - 11:03 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Am i afraid of God. Only when I do something wrong. The media will always go after a story like this but I have only read what the Palin family reported. Not sure about the dems casual attitudes but they do seem able to perform well. O' Reilly phone sex, limbaugh 3 wives, no children ....
Sandy Black | 09.01.08 - 11:09 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ If Sara Palin is a good mother, she would give her time to the baby who has Downs, and be there for her teenage daughter, Bristol, who is expecting.

Children need a mother's love, care and attention, and to be around for them.

To me, as mother, I feel sad for her children. Having children and leave them be? One can not help but to think, Sara Palin has lost sight of parenthood in search of 'power.'
LE | 09.01.08 - 11:11 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ The economy is in great shape for corporations and millionaires. For the rest of us, it is a shambles. My husband and I are working harder than ever just making ends meet. We are both college-educated. He has a decent job and I am self-employed so I can be home for our child. His benefits (health insurance, etc.) have gone down (premiums and co-pays are higher). Gas, food and utilities all cost more. Our public school system is failing. College for our child could be beyond reach as we don't make enough to send her easily, yet make too much to qualify for financial aid. Under the last 8 years, the American middle class has been pinched and trod upon to the benefit of the wealthy. The working poor grow in ranks.
I don't care how Wall Street, or the GNP is doing. Workers are getting ripped off and CEOs float about on golden parachutes and ridiculous wage/benefit packages.
We don't have cable TV. I don't get my nails done (have NEVER had a pedicure). We shop at Target, clip coupons, and try to SAVE money.

get off the religion issue. We are all feeling the pinch and weren't feeling it until the 2006 elections and the failed democratic congress. Put the blame where it belongs instead of where you wish it were.

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SolvayGirl | 09.01.08 - 11:15 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Yes, because, as we all know, according to liberals, any woman who works outside the home is neglecting her children.

Tell us, LE, do you hold this attitude with all women, or just with Republican ones?

Better yet, are you saying that stay-at-home dads, or families in which child care is used to allow both parents to work, are dysfunctional and wrong?
North Dallas Thirty | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 11:19 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ ND30, they only hold that attitude with SUCCESSFUL republican, conservative women--the ones who are quite capable of successfully accomplishing more than one thing at a time in life.

Good grief, LE, you're a disgrace to women everywhere.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 11:28 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Matt:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/n...iew-of-palin-1/

ST. PAUL, MINN. (AP) - Sarah Palin's path to the Republican ticket started with her name on a list _ and a team of some 25 people poring through public records searching for trouble spots without her knowledge. Then came the 70-question survey and a nearly three-hour interview.

The review officially ended Thursday, when John McCain asked the Alaska governor to be his running mate.

In the days since, Republicans and Democrats have privately questioned whether the Arizona senator chose the first-term governor without fully looking into her background. McCain's campaign has vehemently defended the review.

Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr., the lawyer who conducted the review, told The Associated Press in an interview Monday that Palin underwent a \"full and complete\" examination before McCain chose her. Asked whether everything that came up as a possible red flag during the review already has been made public, Culvahouse said: \"I think so. Yeah, I think so. Correct.\"

Stoking the notion of a rushed examination, a timeline issued by the campaign indicated that McCain initially met Palin in February, then held one phone conversation with her last week before inviting her to Arizona, where he met with her a second time and offered her the job.

Raising additional questions was the campaign's disclosure Monday that Palin's unmarried 17-year-old daughter was pregnant, and reports that Palin's husband, Todd, had been arrested in 1986, when he was 22, for driving under the influence of alcohol.

McCain's campaign has dispatched a team of a dozen communications operatives and lawyers to Alaska.

Steve Schmidt, a senior adviser, said the campaign always planned to send a \"jump team\" to the eventual running mate's home state to work with the nominee's staff, help with information requests from local and national reporters, and answer questions about documents that were part of the review.

Culvahouse said Palin's review, like others, began with a team of two dozen people culling information from public sources. The team reviewed speeches, financial records, tax information, litigation, investigations, ethical charges, marriages and divorces, for a number of potential running mates.

For Palin specifically, the team studied online archives of the state's largest newspapers, including the Anchorage Daily News, but didn't request paper archives for Palin's hometown newspaper for fear the secret review would become public.

Among the findings: Palin had once received a citation for fishing without a license.

Reports on each candidate _ 40-some pages and single spaced _ then were reviewed by McCain, Schmidt, campaign manager Rick Davis, and top advisers Mark Salter and Charlie Black.

Palin then was sent a personal data questionnaire with 70 \"very intrusive\" questions, Culvahouse said. She also was asked to submit a number of years of federal and state tax returns. The campaign also checked her credit.

Culvahouse then conducted a nearly three-hour interview. He said the first thing Palin volunteered was that her daughter was pregnant, and she also quickly disclosed her husband's two-decade-old DUI arrest.

The public search also unearthed details of the Legislature's investigation into the dismissal of Alaska's public safety commissioner, allegedly because he would not fire Palin's former brother-in-law as a state trooper.

Culvahouse said he asked follow-up questions, and \"spent a lot of time with her lawyer\" on the matter.

\"We came out of it knowing all that we could know at the time,\" he said.

Throughout the process, the campaign said, Davis had multiple conversations with Palin.

OMY, she got cited for no fishing license.... THROW HER UNDER THE BUS!!!!!!

Please let us know what you would have done differently.
Susan Duclos | 09.01.08 - 11:28 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ To begin to answer Miss Beths \"challenge\" I went to www.obama.senate.gov/about you can go there about any senater and I did. You cen look at their voting record and how they felt on the issues I agreeded with him mostly.

Barack Obama has dedicated his life to public service as a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and leader in the Illinois state Senate. Obama now continues his fight for working families following his election to the United States Senate.

Sworn into office January 4, 2005, Senator Obama serves on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which oversees our nation’s health care, schools, employment, and retirement programs. He is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, which plays a vital role in shaping American policy around the world, including our policy in Iraq. And Senator Obama serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, which is focused on providing our brave veterans with the care and services they deserve. In 2005 and 2006, he served on the Environment and Public Works Committee, which safeguards our environment and provides funding for our highways.

During his eight years in the Illinois state Senate, Obama worked with both Democrats and Republicans to help working families get ahead by creating programs like the state Earned Income Tax Credit, which in three years provided over $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state. Obama also pushed through an expansion of early childhood education, and after a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Senator Obama enlisted the support of law enforcement officials to draft legislation requiring the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.

Obama is especially proud of being a husband and father of two daughters, Malia, 9 and Sasha, 6. Obama and his wife, Michelle, married in 1992 and live on Chicago’s South Side.

Barack Obama was born on August 4th, 1961, in Hawaii to Barack Obama, Sr. and Ann Dunham. Obama graduated from Columbia University in 1983, and moved to Chicago in 1985 to work for a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment. In 1991, Obama graduated from Harvard Law School where he was the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review.

That is just a small bit that he brings to the table. I can find more but perhaps you should do your homework as well. I like his character and on the issues I agree. You do not have to but he is a breath of fresh are in this race.

thank you.
Leroy Bartell | 09.01.08 - 11:36 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Susan,

I think she admitted the fact that her daughter was pregnant and the fact that her husband had a DUI was because they would've found out about it anyway. She could've tried to sweep those things under the rug like Elizabeth Edwards did with the affair but she chose not to. Obviously she saw how well that turned out for them. I think she did the right thing by coming forward with the info.
Chrissy | 09.01.08 - 11:38 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I do not promote or encourage teenage pregnancy nor do I feel this is a direct reflection of Gov. Palin's mothering. I think this makes her very human and even more relatable to a large number of voters who have been faced with this experience.

I applaud Obama's words, not his actions. I think his insistence 'to the media' that this topic was off-limits was just another backhanded way of making sure that no media source could have possibly missed getting the information out on the airwaves.

I just pray everyone remembers that they are dealing with a child. I personally do not consider her pregnancy having any impact on whether or not I feel her mother can do well as Vice President.
Deedra | 09.01.08 - 11:40 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I should note that I did not say that Senator McCain and his campaign failed to vet Governor Palin - rather that they have done a poor job to this point of conveying meaningful information about her and controlling the reporting of stories surrounding her. I don't doubt they did the work in the vetting process, as reported in the article, but the work doesn't end after the vetting and the announcement. Especially in the case of someone new to the national spotlight.

I'm certain Governor Palin can learn handle the spotlight, but it is a steep learning curve - one many excellent politicians and statesmen & stateswomen have run afoul of. The problem is that Senator McCain's campaign seems to have dropped the ball on this obvious concern.
Matt L | 09.01.08 - 11:43 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Leroy, we have known this stuff about him from the start. We have investigated his votes, his non-votes, his stands on issues from his own mouth. I suggest you do the same. He votes present more than yes or no. He heads a committee he's never called a meeting on. He supports infanticide--the killing of children who miraculously survive an abortion, he allows to die. He cannot speak in public without a teleprompter. He has nothing of any substance to offer the country other than empty rhetoric. He was editor of the Harvard Law Review yet never published.

How long have you admired this person? Sounds like you're just becoming aware of him, somehow missing the past year of campaigning.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 11:52 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Just got back from Iraq ,guess I have a year to catch up on.
Leroy Bartell | 09.01.08 - 11:56 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ That's why i didn't blast you--i figured you had to have somehow been out of touch not to have known all that's come down--there are thousands of sites who have thoroughly vetted this man--and, you want nothing to do with him. Certainly not if you're a military man.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.01.08 - 11:59 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Miss Beth

Now suppose you've been doing a lot of research on both McCain and Obama yet there are some issues that you differ with both on.. How do you make a sound and educated decision? Honestly, I've voted twice in my lifetime. Once in '04 and once in our state's primary this year. I want to vote better and I definitely want to vote for the right person..
Chrissy | 09.02.08 - 12:10 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I am, and yes I normally vote on the right but all I have seen of McCain is hes constant pandering to the right and funny thing is many of my veiws are \"on the right\" or what ever but also manyof my veiws are \"on the left\". McCain at first seemed real, like he did his own thing and to hell with everything else. You either like him or you don't. But now all I see is this pandering to the right just to get a vote and sorry tha just leaves a bad tast in my mouth and now Palin. It just looks like he is trying to get the so called Hillary vote. Before his pick there was an awful lot of butt kissing. Crazy thing is from what I have see so far I have gained respect for Hillary and lost respect for McCain and that makes me feel like I am in the twilight Zone to tell you the truth.

Just a plain old Joe trying to make sense of it all. Thanks for listening.
Leroy Bartell | 09.02.08 - 12:16 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Leroy --- thank you for your service!

There is a lot of information out there to help your research. I hope you will give both candidates equal time in your efforts.

Either way, there should be no criticisms directed toward you for your beliefs and stand on this issues. The infanticide issue was something I personally could not get past.

I will say the man is extremely charismatic, so it is important to be well versed on issues where positions have been reversed. Also, the fact that he believes countries, like Iran, are little bitty places that are no threat to us.

I have personally asked many of my friends that are Obama supporters to explain what exactly they were supporting.

I have yet to have anyone give me concrete reasons -- although they are avid supporters. I have gotten answers, such as 'He's going to change this country'. For those people, I would be very certain just what type of change you may be getting. Remember that not all change is good. It is very easy to drink the kool-aid when you have someone so charismatic pouring it for you.
Deedra | 09.02.08 - 12:20 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Leroy-

You sound about as messed up about this as I am! Believe me I did tons of reading at McCain's site and it sounded too good to be true.
Chrissy | 09.02.08 - 12:21 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Ultimately you have to vote your conscience--and sometimes you have to pull the lever while holding your nose. You have to do your research over the long haul and see who holds views most similar to what you can support. You also have to realize there is no perfect candidate, so don't expect perfection.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 12:25 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I do not find it disgusting that she had a child at her age. A large number of women are having children later in life.

Medical research also shows that many types of birth control are dangerous to women over 35.

Regardless, it is none of my business nor anyone else's. I sure haven't seen anyone asking Obama, Biden or McCain what form of birth control they are practicing or have practiced.
Deedra | 09.02.08 - 12:27 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Exactly Deedra--what about \"choice\"--the favorite word--it was HER CHOICE to have a child at her age. No one else's.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 12:31 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I agree with Ms. Beth that every single voter has to ultimately vote their conscience.

I, like a lot of voters, just hope that I can make an informed decision.

When reviewing the topics that both candidates have voted for, I was surprised to find that I agreed with each of them on different issues. So, I had to look further in their voting records for consistency in voting for those items that were important to me. At this point, I was able to see a difference. I then listened, watched and read everything I could find when I had any spare moments.

And, some of it is just a personal leaning toward one or another.
Deedra | 09.02.08 - 12:34 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I can hear double speak and I do remember both candidates going back on or \"changing\" their minds niether is imune. You see when you suport a \"party\" your pick always looks lke gold at least you try to make them look like gold. I am a fan of Huckalbee to tell you the truth. I voted for him in the primaries and he won my state. Out of all of the people running those two cought my eye. Hucks idea on the fair tax law that I have downloaded on my computer and Obamas Idea on Collage money for community service. Bottom line is everyone running is a palitician so you have to take what THE ALL say andcheck an recheck them. I must take te time to look at them both, my children and my country depend on my checking and rechecking. I have not voted in the general election this year and believe you me I will be checking both. Right now on paper Obama is in the lead in my book. Who knows maybe McCain can be a comeback kid. The way this champain is being run looks more like a joke in my honest opinion and I have had enough of that.If that is how the campain is run how will the country be run?
Leroy Bartell | 09.02.08 - 12:50 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Palin isn't a pregnant teenager. So, I'm not sure what standards you are questioning.

I've heard nowhere that Palin encouraged her daughter to be a teenage mother, actually she has encouraged the other end of the spectrum -- abstinence.

As with every parent, apparently her child made a decision with consulting her parents. This decision happened to result in a baby. Although, as a parent, I'm sure Palin was not pleased with the situation, I certainly understand she would be supportive of her daughter's choice to keep her baby.
Deedra | 09.02.08 - 12:53 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I agree that both parties are guilty of using potential harmful information in an attempt to make themselves look better. I would be just as disgusted if this was happening to the daughter of ANY candidate. And let's not forget, she is a MINOR.

Maybe I am naive; but, I just do not see how the actions of someone's child is supposed to influence my thoughts of that person.
Deedra | 09.02.08 - 12:58 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ i'm so confused about what the evangelicals are saying. they are cheering and happy that a girl gets pregnant while in high school and not married. does that mean they think ALL teenage girls in high school should get pregnant?
becky | 09.02.08 - 1:12 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Ask the evangelicals what they think. Quit assuming those of us who say a child is off limits to this nonsense are evangelicals because ultimately, that is the point--Bristol is not running for office, she is the minor child of a candidate. Yet, the MSM and fringe left have chosen to break the unwritten rule and gone after the minor child.

If you want to know what evangelicals think, ask them. Besides, Becky, that's a rather presumptuous question and ridiculously naive. No one is saying all children go out and get pregnant. The points are: 1) she's a minor 2) she chose to keep her baby rather than abort 3) the fringe has chosen to attack a minor child for her decision to keep her child.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 1:14 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Well then Miss Beth, you must admit that Obama aka stinky said something you liked. Maybe as you continue to research will find more. I to will continue to listen to McCain as well. I just hope you are not so for the party that you must call Obama stinky to discredit him only to get a rep in. Watching the Bios onboth that I just picked up in order to learn more so guess this is my last post today. Been fun seeing what everyone had to say.
Leroy Bartell | 09.02.08 - 1:34 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Actually, Leroy, there's not a thing I support about him. From his ties and associations, his judgment calls, his stand on abortion and infanticide, his funding from overseas terrorist states, his attitude of bombing allies and sitting down with enemies, his racism, his anti-americanism, his refusal to cough up records and documents when asked, his wife's attitude (and she is fair game as she is an adult and put herself on the campaign trail), his socialistic views and his intent to tax everyone to the hilt and beyond, his hypocrisy, his intent to silence anyone who disagrees with him--including whining to the DOJ because McCain allegedly was \"picking on him\", the fact he spent 143 days in the senate before deciding to run for President, has sponsored no legislation, his complete and total disregard for the common man, his arrogance and elitism, his disrespect for our veterans and troops, his inability to speak without a teleprompter, his refusal to keep his word regarding debating McCain anytime anywhere, his illegal actions in designing his own presidential seal and using it, his support of sharia law in kenya and actively working to put his cousin in power there, his attitude we all have to have government take care of us because we're too stupid to know how to take care of ourselves, his desire to dismantel our sovereignty and turn over our constitutionality to the UN, and the list goes on--there is not one thing positive I can say about the man. Not one.

There is no way in hell I would ever vote for him. Ever.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 2:01 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I guess it is ok to attck obama's supposed religion, have him depicted as a terrorist and flag burner on the cover of the new yorker, but this is off limits. I applaude obama, but dispise the double standard of the gop. Let us not forget swift boat attacks.
rftlio2004 | 09.02.08 - 2:02 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Obama's an adult. This is a child. Get over it--children are off limits. You're obviously incapable of knowing the difference. As far as swift boats? Too bad for Kerry the Swiftboaters were telling the truth and he wasn't. Who can't handle the truth now. Next idiocy and you're gone.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 2:07 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Obama sounded like an angry father who had daughters. As a dad with a daughter, it's only the second time I've ever identified with him (the other was about watching sports with your kids and all of the erectile dysfunction commercials). Still, a specific disavowal of the Kos ilk would have been nice.

Oh, Volker, you're a pinhead.
Stephen Kruiser | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 3:21 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Steve, what do you make of Stinky's two day delay in denouncing this hideousness?
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 3:41 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Miss Beth,
Please don't call Obama \"Stinky\". He is a Senator and a Presidential Hopeful and deserves our respect. Thanks.
He is am amazing candidate! Truly would be the best president!
Above you have a list of things of why you don't support him. I'd like to comment on two.
As far as his stance on abortion, McCain, too, has been pro-choice (for exceptions of health of mother, rape, incest). And he currently support embryonic stem-cell research. If \"life begins at conception\" how can you do that?
Obama is not a supportor of infantcide. This is misinformation. He didn't vote on some fed legislation on that because there were already Illinios laws in place.
He is very smart and I pray every day that he's are next president!
Marg | 09.02.08 - 4:37 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ You call him what you want and I will call him what I want--he has not earned my respect nor will I give him any. You want to vote for him fine--but don't expect that kind of enthusiasm from me or anyone else who has bothered to investigate him.

Btw, what DOES he bring to the table--exactly? What ARE his qualifications and accomplishments--exactly?
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 5:31 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ My only thought on this is to question how exactly all of this humanizes Palin? Even though she is dealing with an issue that many families face her status and income level assure that she will not need to face the issues the average American will face in these circumstances. I would hazard a guess that the majority of abortions in this country are financially motivated. When one can afford the best of nannies, daycare and education for their offspring one need not fret over another mouth to feed. Honestly, I do not begrudge her wealth or status, I simply wish to posit that hers is not the enormous challenge that others I have known have faced when their children became pregnant.
ETR | 09.02.08 - 5:31 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Are you absolutely sure she uses nannies and such? Don't think so, that's you're projection. She actually takes Trig to work with her. Get some facts, then come back.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 5:34 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ \"With time running out — and as Mr. McCain discarded two safer choices, Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, as too predictable — he turned to Ms. Palin. He had his first face-to-face interview with her on Thursday and offered her the job moments later. Advisers to Mr. Pawlenty and another of the finalists on Mr. McCain's list described an intensive vetting process for those candidates that lasted one to two months.

\"They didn't seriously consider her until four or five days from the time she was picked, before she was asked, maybe the Thursday or Friday before,\" said a Republican close to the campaign. \"This was really kind of rushed at the end, because John didn't get what he wanted. He wanted to do Joe or Ridge.\"

You really want this guy in the White House? He might rush to make a decision without considering, you know, any information or intelligence whatsoever... ready to lead? PFFFFT! Ready to put politics as usual aside, put country first and reach across the aisle to get things. done? LOL. His choice of VP had nothing to do with putting country first and everything to do with trying to grab headlines... it doesn't get more pathetic then that, my friend $\"\"$
AngrySoup | 09.02.08 - 9:51 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ AS, as usual you people have your information wrong, he met her February after the Governors conference...face to face, on -on- one...start getting the facts straight then perhaps people will take something you say seriously.
Susan Duclos | 09.02.08 - 10:09 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I am very troubled by the positions this religious leaders take than Paulin’s teen pregnancy itself!
Paulin and these evangelicals are supposed to be the moral compass for this country and the young generation.
Just remember the Lynn Spears teen pregnancy outrage or how babies were removed from teen FLDS members just some months ago.
Everyone was up in arms condemning those immoral acts, but today suddenly is not just OK, but also encouraged by the same inquisitors that claim to have a lock on American good moral values.
I am puzzled by the judgment and values of this kind of leaders and I definitely don’t want them as spiritual mentors or examples for my daughter.
independent thinker | 09.02.08 - 10:32 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ To Governor Palin: You, your daughter, and your family have my best wishes, and my respect for your privacy. No matter who we are, no matter what our beliefs, no matter how hard we try to get it right, sometimes life happens, and we simply do not have the amount of control over things that we hope to - teenagers are a really good example of that. Although, as an American, I still have very serious reservations concerning your qualifications for VP, as a human being I feel compelled to treat you with the same amount of common courtesy and decency that I would hope to receive. I hope someday we can all remember to do that. In the mean time, I’ll be keeping a good thought for you and yours. I am a mother of two. I have a wonderful 15-year-old daughter (I feel your pain!) and a wonderful 9-year-old son who is a special needs child (I feel your joy!), so I am qualified to keep that good thought.

To Senator Biden: Within the first five minutes after the announcement of Governor Palin as Senator McCain’s VP pick, the speculation about how careful you’d have to be during the debate began. I’m pulling my unsolicited two cents out of my pocket now. In the perfect-world fantasy-land that I live in, I trust that the candidates in all of the debates will come armed with their best strengths, their sincerest passions, their most thoughtful wisdom, and their utmost respect for the American public and each other. I believe all reproductive organs should be left at the door…figuratively speaking, of course. Women only achieve the goal, but not the equality, if, when they get there, they still need to be treated differently.

To McCain supporters: I am not one of you, but shame on some of you for playing so mean-spirited and dirty. I understand that there’s a lot at stake here and passions are high, but I have to believe that there’s got to be a better way than simply tearing down and belittling all who disagree with you. Honor. Respect. Dignity. Integrity. Make these your watch-words and live by them. I will defend, with all I have, your right to disagree with me.

To Obama supporters: I am one of you, but shame on some of you for playing so mean-spirited and dirty. I understand that there’s a lot at stake here and passions are high, but I have to believe that there’s got to be a better way than simply tearing down and belittling all who disagree with you. Honor. Respect. Dignity. Integrity. Make these your watch-words and live by them. I will defend, with all I have, your right to disagree with me.

To Senator McCain: Sir, you are cheapening all that was good about you. Please stop it. I believe that, in many ways, you do genuinely mean well, but I suspect you might be getting monumentally bad advice. Honor. Respect. Dignity. Integrity. Make these your watch-words and live by them - don’t just use them as campaign slogans. At the beginning of the election process, I was very open to considering you, but you, and you alone, have ruled you out for me. It’s not the other guy, it’s not the media - it’s you. You consistently seem more concerned with how it sounds or looks, than with what it means. I’ve had enough of that with the current administration. Please say what you mean, and mean what you say. Win, lose, or draw, do it with honor.

To Senator Obama: Thank you for continuing to recognize right from wrong. Thank you for keeping your integrity and reminding me to keep mine. And, thank you for treating ALL Americans, left, right and center, with dignity and respect. You have my gratitude, my loyalty, my meager contributions, and my vote.

I truly hope all of you are having a good day.
Ursa | 09.02.08 - 11:09 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Challenge continued.. Thanks for encoraging me to look deeper into Obama. First I am taking on Obama habit of voting present. To me it sounded strange to show up and vote present instead of yes or no. Why show up and vote if you are not going to vote yes or no?

After reserching the subject I now have a deeper understanding of the \"present\" vote. Apparently it is an Illinois thing so I guess that is why most people will not undrstand. Voting present is used to sidestep an issue or to stand up against the provision of the bill. So, depending on who you talk to or whatever party you in you can say it was to standup or sidestep. Read for yourself

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/2...r=1&oref=slogin

http://www.gopbloggers.org/mt/ar...ves/004691.html

http://factcheck.barackobama.com...an_accepted.php

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index...g_%22present%22

http://www.stateline.org/live/de...ontentId=274863

Looking at the lives of both this men I would have to say I am proud to be an American and I am proud at the great things for this country. We can't all sacrifice like McCain has for our country nor as any of us gone to Harverd law, the #1 school in the US and then turn around give back to our fellow man like Obama. God bless America.
Leroy Bartell | 09.02.08 - 3:34 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Miss Beth,
Above you ask, \"What does he bring to the table? What are his qualifications and accomplishments, exactly?\" I'm very glad you asked.
In general, what I think he brings to the table are- CHANGE, HOPE, and LEADERSHIP! Specifically to-
-Work to prevent Corp. Lobbyists from setting the agenda in Wash.
-Take away Tax breaks from companies who move jobs overseas
-Protect Social Security
-Provide World-class eduation
-Supports Clean Energy, (lets do better than fossil-fuels for future generations' sake!)
-Restore Fiscal Discipline-(Balance Budget) The Dems have done it before.
-Ensure Economic Oppprtunity for Family Farmers
-Asking for active citizenship. We need a Leader!
-Restore Good Standing (in the world). Well, he got a great reception in Berlin. What kind of reception would McCain have got?
-Fully Fund Veterans care. He has a record of advocacy.
These are from Blueprint For Change on his website.
There is more....... It would take a ream of paper to print it all off.

As far as his qualifications and accomplishments- (this is a partial resume)-
-Columbia U, B.A. in Political Science
-Major International Relations Thesis topic- Soviet Nuclear Disarmament
-Harvard Law School
-J.D. magna cum laude 1988-1991
-Elect Pres. Harvard Law Review
-1983-1988 Dir. of the Developing Communities Project
-1993-2004 Senior Lecturer in Constitutional Law at U of Chicago Law School
-Illinios Senator 1996-2004
-Chairman, Health and Human Services Committee
-U.S. Senator 2004-present
-Member, Senate Foriegn Relations Committee
-Chairman, Senate Foriegn Relations Committee of European Affairs
-Member, Senate Committee of Health, Ed, Labor, and Pensions
-Member, Senate Committee on Homeland security & Gov Affairs
-Busy in Senate, including introducing 2 initiatives bearing his name- \"Lugar-Obama\" and \"Coburn-Obama\", introducing and co-sponsering acts and bills
-International experience
-During first 3 yrs in Senate recieved Honorary Doctorates from 6 colleges!
----He has an extraordinary ability to speak and inspire- qualities of a great leader!!!!!!
Marg | 09.02.08 - 4:07 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Marg, you say what he \"promises\" but you have not named any \"accomplishments\" which shows he is ready to Govern. He is a junior Senator that has worked a total of 150 days and spent the rest campaigning.

Giving a good speech and making a bunch of promises, mean DIDDLY and does not answer what he has accomplished that makes him ready to lead.

It is a bunch of doubletalk because he has done NOTHING that qualifies him for anything but the Senate.
Susan Duclos | 09.02.08 - 4:11 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Exactly Susan--not one accomplishment of note to verify he's qualified to walk my dog, much less lead my country.

Speak and Inspire are also great qualities of con men as they're siphoning your money away from you.

Nope--he has no leadership experience, whereas Palin has led a state for just shy of 2 years. That's time running an executive position Stinky doesn't have.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 4:25 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Okay Solvay, that was just funny--of course I've got some dog (don't all dog owners feel this way?)
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 6:15 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Susan,
\"what does he bring to the table?\" Not \"promises\" but a PLAN.
He has had lots of accomplishments, more than McCain, and waaaaay more than Palin- all of which make him ready to Govern.
He's worked as much (time-wise) as any other Senator.
Giving a good speech is part of being a good leader. You have to be able to communicate and inspire to lead! McCain just doesn't have that talent. And he doesn't seem that smart either, sorry to say. He doesn't even know how many houses he has????? Memory-lapse or dumb?
That's false- \"he has done nothing that qualifies him... \", just rhetoric.
But don't take my word for it. In 2005 and 2007, Time named him as one of the World's Most Influencial People. Or what about the 84,000 people in the Mile High Stadium? They think he can and want him to lead!

Miss Beth,
My Presidential Hopeful doesn't take the low-road of name-calling and I'll follow his lead.
Marg | 09.02.08 - 6:17 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ As Bill Clinton said, a plan without hope of being able to implement it, is worthless as is Obama.

Solvay? I have a good education, doesn't mean I can run a country and it doesn't not qualify as an \"accomplishment\" which shows capability to run a country and your answer just proves out point that Obama has NOTHING but talk and education to offer the country, which is why most people will not risk their lives on him and will vote for McCain/Palin.
Susan Duclos | 09.02.08 - 6:21 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ None of what you've shown has proven any capability to lead. Everything he's touched has been tainted by corruption, lack of action on his part, or been plain resume padding. Talk is not action. Voting present is not action. There is nothing substantive here--even his tenure on the Law Review--he never published. It's all window dressing and there is nothing there.

Talk is talk--I want to see where he rolled up his sleeves and did some work and accomplished something. How many budgets has he balanced? National guard units? Foreign policy experience? There is none. Sure, he can talk to crowds and inspire them--so could Hitler, Mao, Fidel, Mussolini---all the despots and tyrants. Being able to inspire crowds doesn't mean a whole lot in this context.

Time named Gore as someone who knew what he was talking about as well--before his smoke and mirrors disappeared in the cold light of reality and fact.

No, there is nothing substantive he's accomplished--he's never run a business, he's never held a real job--nothing.

As for name calling? No, he just waits two days waiting to see how the wind blows before stepping up to the plate to say lay off--unless it's regarding his wife, who is an adult and put herself on the campaign trail. His come late to the game says volumes as does his continuing to campaign rather than do anything to help with the hurricane preparations.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.02.08 - 6:41 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ -Columbia U, B.A. in Political Science
-Major International Relations Thesis topic- Soviet Nuclear Disarmament
-Harvard Law School
-J.D. magna cum laude 1988-1991
-Elect Pres. Harvard Law Review
-1983-1988 Dir. of the Developing Communities Project
-1993-2004 Senior Lecturer in Constitutional Law at U of Chicago Law School
-Illinios Senator 1996-2004
-Chairman, Health and Human Services Committee
-U.S. Senator 2004-present
-Member, Senate Foriegn Relations Committee
-Chairman, Senate Foriegn Relations Committee of European Affairs
-Member, Senate Committee of Health, Ed, Labor, and Pensions
-Member, Senate Committee on Homeland security & Gov Affairs
-Busy in Senate, including introducing 2 initiatives bearing his name- \"Lugar-Obama\" and \"Coburn-Obama\", introducing and co-sponsering acts and bills
-International experience
-During first 3 yrs in Senate recieved Honorary Doctorates from 6 colleges!
----He has an extraordinary ability to speak and inspire- qualities of a great leader!!!!!!

holy cows, that is some resume. If he has no accomplishments then neither does McCain. If just being a Governer makes you a leader then I am in an army with no leaders. Leadership does mean being able to inspire you know rally the troops.When did being able to inspire turn into a bad thing. when did hope become so wrong? At first I thought on this post maybe I could have an intellagent honest discussion but it is abviuse this post is just those who are narrow minded. I get it Miss Beth, you are a republicain through and through. I'm happy for you. You and Susan are loyal to the core for the Republicans. I hope the rest of the nation can take an honest nopartisan look at both possable Presidants and respect the love and hard work that both have shown for this great country. This is my last post here.
Leroy Bartell | 09.02.08 - 10:47 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Miss Beth,
Could you please tell us what McCain brings to the table? And what are his qualifications and accomplishments? It's your turn. Thanks.
Marg | 09.03.08 - 6:53 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Miss Beth

Could you please tell us what McCain and Palin brings to the table? And what are his qualifications and accomplishments? I want to vote for them too . Thanks.
Anna Rudin | 09.03.08 - 9:35 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Actually, I'm preparing for trial and simply do not have time. However, to suddenly become disengenuos (sp?) regarding McCain--I won't play that game with either of you. Far and away he brings more to the table than Stinky and you know it. As for Palin, she's running as VP, now, isn't she? Not President.
Miss Beth | Homepage | 09.03.08 - 1:28 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Mccain brings what he has always brought and has a record of showing, he can work across the aisle and get things done, something Obama has no record of doing because of how short his term has been.

McCain will bring the strength of national security where Obama again, has no record and has no experience on.

McCain will bring his experience in foreign policy, to which Obama has none.

Mccain will bring his experience with dealing with reform and his rejection of earmarks, which Obama has requested million, taxpayers would pay for.

Mccain would bring further spending cuts to justify the tax cuts, which Obama is willing to raise taxes so every time we buy food, gas, or any other needed item, we will be paying more.

Those are just a few off the head examples of what McCain will bring that Obama can do nothing but make empty promises about.
Susan Duclos | 09.03.08 - 2:26 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ What is McCain going to do to stop those border jumpin' illegal immigrants from taking our jobs and breeding like rabbits and puting strain on our social welfare system ?

I hope he does not want to give them amnesty like our current dear leader.
Anna Rudin | 09.04.08 - 3:50 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Miss Beth,
I sincerely hoped you would be able to tell what McCain brings to the table, and what accomplishments/experience he has. This is a chance for you to proudly tell these things. Do you know why you support him?
Marg | 09.04.08 - 11:43 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Susan,
numbering your points,
1. Obama does have a record of working across party lines. One of his bills signed into law was voted on 35-0 (Replublicans & Democracts). This is said to be astonishing! So that is false.
2. I don't follow what you mean by \"McCain will bring the strength of National Security\".
However, Obama doesn't have some experience in National Security. He is on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs. False, again.
3. What experience in Foreign Policy does McCain have? Obama is on the Senate Foreign Relations Committe and has been on 3 major official trips overseas. False, again.
4. Obama has clearly said he is against earmarks, and he is going to LOWER our taxes. False, again, where are you getting your info?
5. McCain says he is going to have spending cuts, but he wants to continue the war in Iraq, to the tune of a BILLION dollars a MONTH. That money should be used here. And, again, Obama is going to LOWER taxes for 95% of people. You have heard a lie.

These points are mostly what he'll bring to the table, with a little of what you say his experience is. Anymore about his experience/accomplishments?
Interesting.
Marg | 09.04.08 - 12:01 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ More about lowering taxes-

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS...plan/index.html

Look, I'm not an expert, but it sounds like a sensible plan.
Marg | 09.04.08 - 12:17 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Marg in case you missed it above, we HAVE answered your question but like a petulant child if you don't like the answer, you simply ignore that it WAS given.. SCROLL dear, your answer was given, you just cannot see it because you are blinded by the bright light shone down upon your \"one\".

Give it a break and stop asking questions that have been answered over and over again and get some new material.
Susan Duclos | 09.04.08 - 12:29 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ You name ONE bill....when McCain has dozens? Give me a break!!! That is just laughable.

Obama has been on that committee, but has done NOTHING but campaign for the presidency, being handed a committee job and doing nothing while on it is about as dishonest of you to mention as all the rest of your crap about Obama.

he is an empty suit.

3 trips? Honey McCain has been Iraq alone 8 times!!! Where the hell are you getting these lines from?

The differences in the experience factor between these two men is like looking at an adult next to a two year old.

How many times has Obama been to Iraq Marg? To visit the troops? TWICE and he spent years between the two trips, so please, quit trying to pretend he has any experience, you assertions can be debunked with a thing called a \"search engine\", try using it next time so we won't have to laugh at your lies and attempts to lie.
Susan Duclos | 09.04.08 - 12:33 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I don't want to fight anyone here, but I would like to have discussions. Who needs rude Republicans? Not me. If it sounds like I'm mad, I am.
Marg | 09.05.08 - 1:10 pm | #

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