My Opinion

The Imperial Way

2012-02-15T15:20:00.001-08:00

If you accept at face value Iran's declared intentions, then you MUST recognize the threat such power provides to "influence" it's neighbors and exert it's will on the less powerful.

Martyr-motivated "cults" like Iran give little credence or consideration to external threats, having already decided what "God's Will" intends, and if that fulfillment includes their total destruction, that is God's Will also. Martyrdom allows for such outcomes. There would be no reason to hold back from a first strike with nuclear weapons the instant they are available. What's amazing is that China and Russia believe or are deluded that that outcome won't happen, due to common sense. Fanaticism and reality-checks don't play well together.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

The Imperial Way

2012-02-15T15:07:00.001-08:00

Israel and the Middle East. It is unlikely, absent a joint U.S./ MENA states effort to fund a new geography (buy/swap and trade territory to create contiguous borders, and a Universal U.N.- administered Jerusalem city/state) that you or I will live to see a peaceful resolution of the Israeli/Palestinian "conflict."

Iran: If you accept that Iran wishes to initiate a Caliphate, or at least a new leadership landscape in the Middle East with Iran at the center, then you must also accept that the only way that could happen is a union AKA the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) wherein Iran's influence is extended overtly through occupation and administration of client states, or less directly, through "member affiliation and common defense agreements." Meet the new Islamic Mutual Interest Union (IMIU). The U.S. really has no good choices in bulwarking the Far East states against Chinese dominion, with the potential for the same kind of "union" as noted for USSR and Iran.

A resurrection of U.S. isolationism is coming, including updating the Monroe Doctrine -"Don't mess around in our backyard.".

U.S. attention will also shift to development and treaty alliances with much more involvement in the Caribbean basin,to forestall Brazil and South American dominance in the region.

Where there is risk, there is opportunity. The sooner America realizes that American Exceptionalism needs a new face, the sooner great economic opportunity can be realized.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Newt Gingrich Hopes For Another Campaign Resurrection

2012-02-15T14:00:00.001-08:00

Not necessarily. Newt's positions,ideas and philosophy help to make him an important figure in analyzing America's current political state, and our direction. It's his "likeability factor" and personal baggage that may continue to drag him down, but not, I hope, before the media and the pundits recognize the value in a lot of what he proposes.
About Newt Gingrich
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Chuck Schumer: Unemployment Is 'Sticking Point' In Payroll Negotiations

2012-02-14T16:09:00.001-08:00

A more realistic statement might be one that goes :Conservatives on the map of U.S states represent the farm states, and the midwest mostly small business interests. Liberals represent the more heavily populated coasts. It's not hard to see that geography helps define the interests of each, with large ubban populations who need social services support trending Liberal (Progressive Socialism-who doesn't vote in their own interest?) and the others grouped around THEIR self-interests-low taxes, low interest rates, entrepreneurial opportunity.

Out country is in a position where those dependent on big government outnumber, or will soon those that think big givernment is an impediment to free markets -"personal decisions, personal consequences; invidivual opportunity, individual achievement."
About Unemployment Extension
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Chuck Schumer: Unemployment Is 'Sticking Point' In Payroll Negotiations

2012-02-14T15:41:00.001-08:00

Why are we continuing to punish "trust funds" with reductions in revenue from diminished payroll taxes?

"Remember "robbing Peter to pay Paul?"

Why are we adding to national debt at over One Trillion a year? (That's Trillion with a big "T" folks)!

Why do we continue to let the inmates run the asylum?
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Paul Ryan, Jeff Sessions Warn Obama's Budget Could Spur Greek-Style Debt Crisis

2012-02-13T14:29:00.001-08:00

Business is conservative when it comes to risk; uncertainty about regulation, taxes, and the future of Progressive Socialism have all combined to make business very cautious.

If a Balanced Budget, even a Surplus Budget were adopted, and the hodge--podge of tax incentives for "selected" business, energy and agricultural interests were eliminated in favor of a lower, flatter tax rate, there would be a "gold rush" of business investment in jobs and production/process industries.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Paul Ryan, Jeff Sessions Warn Obama's Budget Could Spur Greek-Style Debt Crisis

2012-02-13T14:15:00.001-08:00

When Liberals begin to address the 50% of the U.S. population that doesn't pay Federal taxes, and which uses 90% plus of social entitlement programs-everything from food stamps to "free" health care, then I will begin to believe that Progressive Socialiss are serious about addressing the issues of job creation and population planning that are necessary to reduce the debt and create opportunity for most.
About Paul Ryan
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Chris Gregoire Pledges To Contact Chris Christie Over Gay Marriage Legislation

2012-02-13T00:04:00.001-08:00

Again, you can't have it both ways. Your religion is Constitutionally protected-individually, and in some cases institutionally. But, affirming and practicing YOUR personal religious rights DOESN't give you or the government any right to make ME observe your religious rights, except as Constitutionally protected .
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Sarah Palin On Mitt Romney's Conservatism: 'I'm Not Convinced'

2012-02-12T22:42:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately, the Left and Right show equal disdain for the needs of the people, at least the needs contemplated in the Constitution.

"Personal decisions, personal consequences; individual opportunity, individual achievement."

And, it appears they share equal appetite for self-destruction, but at least there appear to be less Democrats advocating (publically) for "chewing off their own leg."
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Sarah Palin On Mitt Romney's Conservatism: 'I'm Not Convinced'

2012-02-12T11:08:00.001-08:00

The only "real" Republican is the one who supports a candidate, gets out and votes, talks up issues with friends and the unconvinced, uncommitted, and uncaring.
About Sarah Palin
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Sarah Palin On Mitt Romney's Conservatism: 'I'm Not Convinced'

2012-02-12T11:05:00.001-08:00

"Sow dissension among the ranks; it robs them of courage and fortitude, of bravery and determination. It is more effective than bullets in the right circumstances. Dissension questions the motives of leaders, cleaves the ranks from common cause with the populace. The whispers of discontent become a roar of retreat when faced with union from the enemy."

Now, apply that theory to Democrats.
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Chris Gregoire Pledges To Contact Chris Christie Over Gay Marriage Legislation

2012-02-12T10:23:00.001-08:00

I agree with the first part, namely the "fig leaf" of non-governmental interference with religious instutioins regarding their religious practices and beliefs that religious institutions have used to justify accepting government funds whether for health care, or for local charitable works.

But facts are facts. The Supremes have established many "rights" for religious institutions, including the right to hire practicing religionists for certain positions that directly impact the institution. It's not a stretch to suggest that religious institutions "can't have their cake and eat it too," meaning take the money for secular purposes and which also supports religious puposes. It's time for religion to further distance itself from secular society by total non-interference, and if that includes restricting hiring, health and other practices to religious adherents, so be it.

The obvious respoonse to "render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's" is "when you take from Ceasar, than Ceasar makes the rules."

Choose which "god" you wish to honor; practice your religion personally, but don't seek to impose your religious beliefs on others.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Chris Gregoire Pledges To Contact Chris Christie Over Gay Marriage Legislation

2012-02-12T10:13:00.001-08:00

And tney don't. Even marraige in a non-religious sense needs re-definition into a expanded and secular, legal "contract" that gives protection, and responsibilities to the parties. After all, if society grants bnefits through it's recognition of unions, or Contracts, or Agreements of ANY type, whether spousal, inheritance, or civil, then that same society has the obligation to trransparently set the "rules" for allowing the benefits. I'm NOT saying that governmental interference is helpful, but if we as Citizens want a secular, not religious, society, we have to also be prepared to set up and enforce the rules that govern our mutual responsibilities to each other. They're called "laws" for a reason, and however much we despise them, some are necessary because we can't depend on the "goodwill or good intentions" of the majority, when there is always a minority seeking advantage through "gaming" the system, any system; it's human nature, unfortunately.
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Chris Gregoire Pledges To Contact Chris Christie Over Gay Marriage Legislation

2012-02-12T10:03:00.001-08:00

Nice word play. The "right " I'm referring to is when the majority rules, defined as a travesty by losers and justification by winners, you are still dealing with the "truth" that occurs in the aftermath; sometimes the people regret their decision of having been caught up in the momentum of hope for a neew idea, a new change in direction that was in reality ephemeral promises, the "benefits" of which are now apparent, and wanting.
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A Road Trip Across America's Religious Landscape (PHOTOS)

2012-02-06T15:36:00.001-08:00

"Faith needs no crutch, and stands alone in glorius solemnity: religion, however, requires a community of followers."

The danger is religion is the contagion of mutual belief, spreading, mutating. When the beliefs reach the level of fanaticism, great harm results.
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A Road Trip Across America's Religious Landscape (PHOTOS)

2012-02-06T13:48:00.001-08:00

The problem with religion is not the moral values espoused by most, it is the fanaticism associated with believing that any one religion is the "right" religion.

When religions BECOMES that state (Islamicism) justification is found for atrocities of great magnitude.

When religion becomes the motivating force behind legislating religious values into laws ands regulations, the strength of rational, secular society is threatened.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Showdown for the Banks, Showtime for Obama

2012-02-06T13:14:00.001-08:00

I hardly EVER, even NEVER agree with you (Kuttner). This is no exception. While you seem to be saying the financial marketplace segments that created the mess need to pay up, you fail to note that the best place to assess the proper levels of punishment is the marketplace. Forced "mark-to-market" valuation of mortgage and related investments might indeed cause a few to fail, be re-capitalized or nationalized and resold to investors -a la S&L Resolution Trust Corp- a success in a bad environment.

A government settlement of any kind that gives funds to the U.S. Treasury or States instead of a setlement which forces the discipline of the marketplace, is neither helpful to the degree necessary, nor will it allow the pricing correction necessary to restore equilibrium to the housing marketplace, encourage investor interest AND new owner/occupant buyers.

Bank tightening of credit in response to previous excesses, including absolute fraud by organized crime , as well as delusional borrowers, has led to many willing buyers being unable to obtain financing. Some of those millions of already foreclosed and to be foreclosed homes could be rented to qualified buyers in lieu of stringent down payment equity requirements, and part of the rent credited to an option-to-buy. the basic step of getting financial institutions to mark-to-market is first in reaching a marketplace clearing level that will allow housing to revive as the very important segment of the economy that it is.
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'Occupy The Super Bowl' Will Protest Indiana's Right-To-Work Law

2012-02-04T22:53:00.001-08:00

You really don't believe that do you? Exit polls, more than one in both Right-to-Work states and Union states show that union members were NOT in total, even majority agreement with some union support of candidates or issues.

Regarding "wages have only kept pace when unions were strong."

Wrong again. Union and non-union wages became subject to more enlightened management who used merit to manage pay and bonus'.

The fact that workers in many industries make union-equivilent wages and benefits is proof enough, especially when you consider that managment knows good workers and job programs enhance productivity, leading to higher profits, leading to higher wages and benefits, leading to...you get the picture.right? If anything, recent business moves to obtain more capable and skilled workers through education-to-work programs at community AND undergraduate colleges show even more enlightenment.
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Walmart Women Still Seek Justice In Sex Discrimination Case

2012-02-04T22:31:00.001-08:00

Really? Companies like WalMart. Nike, Starbucks, and a host of other are signatories to the various Fair Trade and Practices Agreements whcih provide for "living wages" safety and security, and other conditions which insure that teatment of workers in foreign "contract" plants, and company owned plants, are concerned with workers well-being. Many have agreed to end contracts with companies that exploit, including Apple. Outsourcing is certainly ripe for labor abuse, but reasonable companies that value their image, and their customers, do try to be responsible, AND MAKE CHANGES TO CORRECT ABUSE WHEN DISCOVERED.
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'Occupy The Super Bowl' Will Protest Indiana's Right-To-Work Law

2012-02-04T16:54:00.001-08:00

Really? That's all you got? There/'s lot of on-point comments that I made you could discuss, if you had the chops.

You don't, obviously. Name-calling is not intelligent discussion.
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'Occupy The Super Bowl' Will Protest Indiana's Right-To-Work Law

2012-02-04T16:19:00.001-08:00

Shareholders ae large groups of people, and their nominees are the corporate officvers. There are twenty times more shareholders than there are Union members. And, if you remember that old humorism "Be careful what you wish for," it might help to note that the plaintiffs (http://reporting.sunlightfoundation.com/2011/plaintiff-citizens-united-case-forms-super-pac/) were wanting to release an Internet video regarding Hilary Clinton.

It is my (futile?) hope that Congress will look beyond their own interests and legislate a return to Constitutionally-derived individual speech by real people-Citizens
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False Apology: At Least Four Komen Recipients -- and Sponsors Like Bank of America -- Are 'Under Investigation'

2012-02-04T15:42:00.001-08:00

SGK Foundation is typical-and undesireable-of the very largest institutions, whether non-protit, charitable, or corporation. Having achieved a position of power, they MUST preserve that position, even in the case of do good foundations like SGK. Non only that, but constantly increasing staff and benefits means constantly decreasing percentages of funds allocated to the primary mission. Then "mission creep" sets in, wherein funds are directed beyond the original mission ("discover the cure for cancer" ) to fund secondary, tertiary , even peripheral ideas, some bearing little or no relation to the original intent.

Also, SGK needs to face the fact that cancer, like so many modern diseases, is not susceptible to a "cure," but more likelly to be helped by undertaking the hard missions of DNA Profile analysis, and reductions in occurence through testing, health counseling (obese women have higher chances of breast cancer, along with a host of other diseases equally deadly), and other preventive care.
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'Occupy The Super Bowl' Will Protest Indiana's Right-To-Work Law

2012-02-04T15:18:00.001-08:00

The same could have been said-and was- of the war protest movements of the 60's.

OWS, when not infiltrated by anarchists, does have a legitimate gripe against Wall Street and the rampant greed-and "leverage"- that drove the mess.

Sticking to their original protest foundation would be the most help in engineering corrections and transparency.
About Republicans
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'Occupy The Super Bowl' Will Protest Indiana's Right-To-Work Law

2012-02-04T15:14:00.001-08:00

Wrong! The reason that Citizens' United was decided in favor of ANY artificial constructs of law-corporations, unions, non-profits, foundations, charitable enterprises-was to creae a right of speech nowhere contemplated in the Constitution, but detemined as needed by the Supremes as redress for having granted similar-and illegal- rights to unions. I predict that eventually a more Citizen-and Constitution-oriented Congress will eliminate this artificiality, and we'll all be better off.

By the way, you neglected to note the hundreds of millions that unions spent on Obama, unchallenged until the Citizens' ruling balanced the inputs. And, by the way, I totally disagree with corporations, unions, non-profits and other "artificial constructs of law" having ANY Free Speech standing. Free Speech always was and should be the right of Citizens to speak out, petition the government for redress and Vote, the greatest Free Speech rigjht of all!
About Republicans
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'Occupy The Super Bowl' Will Protest Indiana's Right-To-Work Law

2012-02-04T15:03:00.001-08:00

That's a fault of the system. Why not just allow whatever benefits unions negotiate to apply only to their members. Then a comparison by non-members to their pay and benefits would quickly expose that the difference is primarily union dues. How's that for transparency?
About Republicans
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'Occupy The Super Bowl' Will Protest Indiana's Right-To-Work Law

2012-02-04T15:00:00.001-08:00

So, OWS, originally chartered as a protest movement aimed at Wall Street and financial greed, and other legitimate (mostly) claims that financial institutions had caused the potential meltdown of the U.S., has a new mission? Interfering with the Voters choices of Open Labor markets?

If the anarchists can co-opt OWS (again) in Indianapolis (like Oakland!) we're in for some fun!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Walmart Women Still Seek Justice In Sex Discrimination Case

2012-02-04T14:51:00.001-08:00

So, enterprising Plaintiff's "tort" attorneys, looking for big paydays, made a huge strategic mistake in seeking class action for their suits, mainly because they couldn't get paid by individual plaintiff's in amounts they felt were equal to their expertise? Getting paid at all without class action?

If WalMart discriminated they should be punished and pay fines, for individuals and classes of plaintiffs, if they can meet the qualifications. But, let's remember that WalMart, the largest retailer in the world, didn't get that way by bad practicies or a flawed business model.

Guilty? Pay.

Not guilty? Make the plaintiff lawyers pay fees, defendant's legal fees, court costs and expenses. Then we'll see.
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Social Security: Mitch Daniels and the Millionaires' "Means Testing" Scam

2012-02-03T20:35:00.001-08:00

Your brush is far too broad my friend. There ARE "vulture capitalists" of course. Liquidation and breakup scavengers who deermine that the investmnent's best outcome is selling it off. But, for the most part, the largest part by far, Venture Capitalists are just that, venturers who look for opportuiunity to obtain above average returns on their investments in exchange for assuming the high risks associated therewith. In many cases, the plan involves not only buying the company, but investing even more money in a revised business plan to take advantage of the opportunity.
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Chuck Schumer: Congressional Republicans Losing Roadblock Game With Payroll Tax, STOCK Act

2012-02-02T21:33:00.001-08:00

So, what's your solution?

Hint: Participate in organizing a third party, the Independent Party, and push for Open Primaries that would allow those of us who want to support "other" choices to have a voice in the process.
About GOP
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Social Security: Mitch Daniels and the Millionaires' "Means Testing" Scam

2012-02-02T15:41:00.001-08:00

How about means testing COMBINED with no payroll tax cap?

And, let's be very wary of another thing; the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) is out of tune with the reality that for those on Disability or Retired, the COLA adjustment bears little correlation to the Actual cost of living; health care including medicines, food stuffs, energy (Ironically enough, the government calculates COLA NOT including food or energy).

And as long as we are talking solutions, if the government had indeed "invested" retirement contributions for all these years, the averae rate of return on a conservatively structed portfolio would have been in excess of 6%; over 8% for equity-dominated portfolios. This means that today's Social Security Trust Funds (trust-what a joke!) would be worth 4 times what the accumulated contributions now total, and benefits could be twice as high as now.

The real fallacy in Social Security is the assumption that government can do it better than private enterprise and the result is continuing concerns about todays' pay-as-you-go system using todays' contributions to pay yesterday's benefits.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Housing Trend: Stashing Granny In A Backyard Shed?

2012-01-31T16:00:00.001-08:00

There's also the trend of group homes, wherein single parents or couples have their own space in a large Master BR combination with bath, four/five to a home centering on a court of usage applications like kitchen, living room, a true new-style family room, and so on. The extra-large "suite has enough personal space for sittling/privacy, and so on, but the intent is to structure transition living arrangements for those suitable in personality and income. The cost, including 24 hour shifts of "attendants" who help cook, assist individuals as necessary, is substantially less than Assisted Living, but more than storage closet retirement homes.

Won't work fo everyone, but will work for a segment, as part of the range of solutions needed for the growing numbers of aging and retirees for whom better solutions must be created.
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Dalisha Adams, Mom Arrested For Abandoning Daughters, Posted Champagne Pic On Facebook

2012-01-31T15:33:00.001-08:00

I have proposed free five year birth control implants for each thirteen year old girl, and reversible vasectomies for boys at the same age, with incentive payments, part cash and mostly college fund included. Repeat at age 18 for girls, with same incentives, and "stay on course" incentives for boys.

Combined with Presidental "bully pulpit" teaching, and the same from community, religious, educational, and political leaders and this terrible trend can be reversed.

To those who say that this idea just gives license to frivolous sex, I humbly point out the consequences of doing nothing. Over 20 million abortions in a generation, untold hundreds of Billions/Trillions even in the costs of bringing children into the system, and equal amounts of lost income and productivity through lost educational opportunities and improvements in standards of living. Some studies have shown that a generation of such management would add Trillions to our GDP (that's Trillions with a big "T" folks!), to say nothing of the improvement in all aspects of our society fas a whole and for individuals.
About Brooklyn
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Dalisha Adams, Mom Arrested For Abandoning Daughters, Posted Champagne Pic On Facebook

2012-01-31T15:21:00.001-08:00

The appeal of applying such a broad brush to everything societally wrong is... attractive.

The temptation to do the same thing with laws and regulations is equally appealing.

The problem is that until we restore our society to "personal decisions, personal consequences; individual opportunity, individual achievement," people like this woman and so many others, know that Progressive Socialism will "take care of them" and allow their mistakes with virtually no consequences. And so everyone knows that I am pragmatic on this, no President for generations, Republican or Democrat, has addressed the issue of correcting the harmful direction of American society.
About Brooklyn
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Dalisha Adams, Mom Arrested For Abandoning Daughters, Posted Champagne Pic On Facebook

2012-01-31T15:10:00.001-08:00

ref" you should have to apply to be a parent."

YOU ARE RIGHT, YOU HAVE A FAN!

i WONDER IF THIS ABUSE AND "UNDERVALUING" OF CHILDREN IS A RESULT OF THE FEMINIST HISTORY OF DEVALUING CHILDREN IN ORDER TO PROVIDE JUSTIFICATION FOR ABORTION.

After all, using that logic it doesn't make much difference in they are 16 weeks, or 16 months.
About Brooklyn
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Newt Gingrich Wins Big In South Carolina, Resets GOP Primary

2012-01-22T12:03:00.001-08:00

In Monday's Debate John King od CNNmight have responded to Gingrich's lambast with: "Mr Ex-Speaker, Americans are disgusted with politicians in general; they see the political characters of the system as deicient. Your character, as reflected in your storied circumstantial morality and situational ethics hroughout your political and business career speaks to your ability to lead. I'm asking that you respond directly to questions that deal with your character"

Note to Romney: Stick to your plan; comparisons to Gingrich only help you. Exhalt your differences in character, let the record (and the media) speak for themselves.Humility is helpful, assertiveness is not a sin.

Nite to Gingrich: Forget your ego; fall on your spork. Promise no more ethical or moral lapses if elected, and mean it. The sandpaper effect of your intellect would be smoothed by a little humility, and might help you. Ask to be judged on the promises you make and keep, if elected.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

CDC: Many Teen Moms Didn't Believe They Could Get Pregnant

2012-01-20T22:04:00.001-08:00

Still, WHY? Why take the risk except to realize the "moment" when rationality goes out the window, or forethought is foregone. Pressure from men or boys; a large percentage of poor and minority girls say that pressure from OLDER boys for unprotected sex is overwhelming.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

CDC: Many Teen Moms Didn't Believe They Could Get Pregnant

2012-01-20T11:46:00.001-08:00

No. THe "why they didn't think they could get pregnat" question, AND the WHY question; why, for even those that knew the consequences, did they decide to "take a chance, respond to the "moment?"

It there's one situation where the little head thinks for the big head, that's the one. Since we KNOW that's going to happen, what combination of incentives and cultural "education" would stop this mess?

It takes two to have sex, and either one can initiate the mechanics of birth control BEFORE they get in trouble. We just have to finds ways to make it esier, safer and more culturally acceptable.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

CDC: Many Teen Moms Didn't Believe They Could Get Pregnant

2012-01-20T10:51:00.001-08:00

And, that's the pressure point that community and religious, cultural leaders and role models have to engage to change the thinking. We're not going to change the desire for sex, but we can change the thinking, values and mechanics that surround the process, and ALL will benefit.
About Video
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CDC: Many Teen Moms Didn't Believe They Could Get Pregnant

2012-01-20T10:46:00.001-08:00

Your angst is understandable, and emphathetic. Boys/men will only take more responsibility when their community and religious leaders, their role models, take them to task for the wrong definitions of manhood they now use to justify/guide their actions. As noted, a reversible vasectomy for boys and five-year birth control implants for girls at thirteen might do wonders.
About Video
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CDC: Many Teen Moms Didn't Believe They Could Get Pregnant

2012-01-20T10:40:00.001-08:00

You are correct, and commendable, in my opinion. But, itseems that we need more; we need every communiy and religious leader, every politician and role model to openly and continuously, at every opportunity, discuss and extoll their audiences to value themselves more. To boys, it's not prof of ,manhood to browbeat a girl to have sex unprotected. To girls, take responsibility; if you insist on having sex (Why not? It feels good right?) then get a birth control implat at age 13.

It's unlikely, that even with all the bully pulpits in the community and at the highest levels, we can stop kids experimenting with sex. Therefore girls and boys MUST undertake birth control (Boys.A reversible vasectomy would go a,long way to helping your girl friends and your community Free! From your city or state, with thanks. Same for girls and implants).
About Video
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South Carolina Primary 2012: Live Updates From The Palmetto State

2012-01-19T13:43:00.001-08:00

Or soup.

Didn't she say "towards our national debt."

Besides, it just appears that most of the electorate just doesn't pay attention.
About Newt Gingrich
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South Carolina Primary 2012: Live Updates From The Palmetto State

2012-01-19T13:41:00.001-08:00

I hope age doesn't disqualify a person from interest in sex; I still wake up once in awhile with a "woody."

Seriously, I wonder if it's time to take sex out of the equation of considering capability for office. Too many (most/all) wouldn't qualify aftert that type of investigation.

Besides there are plenty of other moral faults to judge, in Gingrich and others.

It appears that only Romney, Santorusm, and Paul Imaybe) would be left after a review by the Supreme Court of Morality, the U.S. media.
About Newt Gingrich
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South Carolina Primary 2012: Live Updates From The Palmetto State

2012-01-19T13:36:00.001-08:00

So, if I understand your post, you don't like Gingrich? He lacks personal moral values? He's an opportunist (albeit a smart one)?

And he's different than Kennedy, Clinton and others....how?

If I had to pick why I vouldn't vote for him, or anybody else, it would be a lack of trust in morality. I'm not saying the self-righteous kind, the "please don't brush against my robes" type, I'm saying the bad feeling in my gut, don't-even-consider-buying-a-used-car-from-this-guy type of distrust.
About Newt Gingrich
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South Carolina Primary 2012: Live Updates From The Palmetto State

2012-01-19T13:30:00.001-08:00

Fifty five years ago my family and I vacationed yearly in S.C. on the coast, driving from Baltimore or by train, to get there. My brother has lived there for 20 years, and still reports somehwat of a "plantation mentality" outside of urban areas.It's one place in the primary circuit where we might see a manifestation of religious bigotry, mostly avoided up to now.
About Newt Gingrich
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Please Tell Romney We're Not Envious, We're Fed Up

2012-01-19T13:14:00.001-08:00

Are you delusional? The guy is a liar, cheat and a con man. Supporting him is the same as walking down 42nd St. waving a fistful of bills and yelling, "Rob me, I want you to!"
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Please Tell Romney We're Not Envious, We're Fed Up

2012-01-19T13:11:00.001-08:00

As one who has taken every advantage of the tax system, lied as a part of his daily wakeup schedule,cheated to the point that new York street hustlers and con men have erected a statue to him, Al Sharpton lives in too much of a glass house to cast stones, or even questions. The disingenous who justify loyalty to him have nobody to blame but themselves for the American disgust with Congress.
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Mitt Romney Surrogates Who Served With Newt Gingrich Criticize His Record As Speaker

2012-01-18T21:03:00.001-08:00

The job of business is to earn profits so as to create a return on investment for owners/shareholders. Exeutives/managers who do not earn profits are replaced.

Jobs left the U.S. because of the cost of labor being cheaper in many/all other countries. I wonder myself when business will recognize the economic security of sourcing jobs in America, when government and business cooperate to build programs to educate and provide skills training that keeps those jobs here, when the realization that logistics costs-transportation, the time value of money, of supplier/user cooperation -is beginning a return to American leadership, or will do so given supportive regulation and management. It seems to me that the key is the continuing evolution of manufacturing anf process automation to increase productivity by reducing the units of labor required, thereby offsetting the "cheap" labor of others, and when combined with the inexorable increases in logistics costs.
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Mitt Romney Effect: His Rich Guy Tax Rate Will Help Democrats Win, Steve Israel Says

2012-01-18T20:43:00.001-08:00

If by "hawkish fiscal type" you mean Diogenes in search of a balanced budget, a surplus budget even, I'm your man!
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Mitt Romney Effect: His Rich Guy Tax Rate Will Help Democrats Win, Steve Israel Says

2012-01-18T20:40:00.001-08:00

He's not a Goron Gekko, nor a White Knight. Not a saint, nor a sinner. Capitalist? Yes. Is that bad? Only when power, economic or otherwise, is misused.
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Mitt Romney Surrogates Who Served With Newt Gingrich Criticize His Record As Speaker

2012-01-18T20:34:00.001-08:00

Below the level of whale excrement?

Look, educating the public about your own good graces, and your opponent's foibles is all good fun, right?

I just think Americans deserve more. It is fun to speculate that Newt's desire for a "clean' campaign-no attacks- wasn't because he sincerely wanted clean, it was because his baggage weight was so much higher than the others and exposing his "linens" just wouldn't be pretty, so he took the high ground-supposedly.

If American's decide to vote "clean" we could always get another Jimmy Carter; church-going, honest, simplistic, and inept.

My point is that it seems, sometimes, that Americans like the fight theatrics more than the substance; that politics and ideology have become so dirty that clean honest, considerate, moral candidates (you ARE out there aren't you?) aren't interested.

America has arrived at the point where other countries arrived earlier; politicians buy votes with promises, some of which are even actually legislated, then must improve on those promises for ever and ever. People aren't stupid, when given a choice of something for nothing, or minimal effort, they take the path of least resistance. Therein lies the eventual decline and fall of empires; when Citizens take for granted what was once the result of individual effort, they are unlikely to vote for less. We've become polarized between those who want more and are willing to work for it, and those who want more, but others pay for it. What's your choice?
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Mitt Romney Effect: His Rich Guy Tax Rate Will Help Democrats Win, Steve Israel Says

2012-01-18T15:25:00.001-08:00

I feel I've hurt your feelings and I apologize.

You are right, of course, it is terrible to risk your money and invest in companies to take risks, and expect rewards commensurate with your risks.

You are definitely a pig when -Horrors! -you make a profit and share it with your investors (stockholders), who then spend their dividends to buy champagne and boats, condos and second, even third homes, take exotic vacations, send their children to good colleges. It's all so unfair, right?

Nitwit.
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South Carolina Primary 2012: Live Updates From The Palmetto State

2012-01-18T14:57:00.001-08:00

Political attacks, like "fiber" in the commercial, "make me sad."

The free-for-all that is each "out" party's theater of the absurd is the motivation for comedian's own candidacies, late-night TV jokes-endless jokes, parodies and skits, leading to laughs, perhaps, but little "light' in understanding. When political opinion of an uninformed electorate is so easily guided by many with agendas to promote, Americans are left with less on their own plate of knowledge, and empty caloros at that.
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Bill Clinton: Newt Gingrich And Mitt Romney Can't Tell The Truth And Win GOP Nomination

2012-01-18T14:38:00.001-08:00

You have to wonder where the"platform," the ideology, originates if so many, including candidates, can't run based on their true beliefs, and earn their election "the old-fashioned way," work for it!
About Newt Gingrich
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Bill Clinton: Newt Gingrich And Mitt Romney Can't Tell The Truth And Win GOP Nomination

2012-01-18T14:33:00.001-08:00

It's not really 99%, or even 51%; it's the 48% that don't pay any taxes and have no psychic investment in the game, except to be sure that government continues to provide.

I'm the first one to hold up my hand in the affirmative.when asked if Human Capital is valuable.

We're wasting ours through under-education, mis-managed education, and a lack of understanding regarding population control versus Standard of Living issues.

You can't keep cutting up the pie into smaller and smaller pieces without a plan to replenish the ingredients. Populalion control incentives would provide a substantial increase in living standards, growing investment in education and skills development, and a path towards a future that promises "opportunity for all."

In less than a few years, the results would be significant.
About Newt Gingrich
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Bill Clinton: Newt Gingrich And Mitt Romney Can't Tell The Truth And Win GOP Nomination

2012-01-18T14:24:00.001-08:00

See my previous Comment. O'Reilly is a stage, and Bill Clinton has determined that he WILL be a part of 2012 politics; his act just gets better. He could be a significant factor, along with Hilary, is keeping Obama in office.
About Newt Gingrich
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Bill Clinton: Newt Gingrich And Mitt Romney Can't Tell The Truth And Win GOP Nomination

2012-01-18T14:20:00.001-08:00

There are few people whose political smarts, intellect, pragmatism and other qualities I admire and repect more than Clinton's.

In another era he would have been a Republican, because he understands the diference between ideology and the practicality of governing, and knows in his heart that free market capitalism is the foundation that built America, and from which any future progress is to issue.

Over a cup of coffee, or a Big Mac, he might just say, quietly, "personal decisions, personal consequences, individual opportunity, individual achievement."

His career is a monument to the chance for opportunity, whether you like him or his politics, or not.
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Mitt Romney Surrogates Who Served With Newt Gingrich Criticize His Record As Speaker

2012-01-18T14:05:00.001-08:00

Now if we could just get them (the people who elected Obama) to pay some taxes and have some skin in the game!

It's easy and part of the game plan to buy the support you want with promises of benefits paid for with OPM (Other People's Money)!

We can't be 'doing it right" if we have more and more people classified as poor and monority poor who collect benefits, paid for by people who work and pay taxes. We are now at just about the 50% level of people who DON'T PAY ANY Taxes!

Do the math!
About Newt Gingrich
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Mitt Romney Surrogates Who Served With Newt Gingrich Criticize His Record As Speaker

2012-01-18T13:59:00.001-08:00

If I had to pick just one of Newt's dislikeable character faults, it might be his opportunism. Oh, wait! Thay all have that!

Playing to your auduence is a skill honed over time by actors and politicians, between whom it is increasingly hard to discriminate. They both "learn their lines" and the better ones learn to improvise. Maybe headlining a campaign is just a warm-up for a Hollywood career.
About Newt Gingrich
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Mitt Romney Surrogates Who Served With Newt Gingrich Criticize His Record As Speaker

2012-01-18T13:54:00.001-08:00

I say again: give me a candidate who combine's Newt's best ideas, Romney business acumen and understanding of Capitalism, RON Paul's under-valued understanding of America's foreign policy future, Santorum's moral values and we're good to go!
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Mitt Romney Effect: His Rich Guy Tax Rate Will Help Democrats Win, Steve Israel Says

2012-01-18T13:43:00.001-08:00

Really? So preferences engendered by groups like The Christian Businessman's Assocition don't do the same? So the "pack mentality" employed by ALL OF US to favor family, friends, relatives, associates that stretch out from our "six degrees (now five) of separation" don't figure?

The way I hear it, Mormons are valuable employes, honest, hard-working, loyal, educated, focused. What's not to like?
About Video
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Mitt Romney Effect: His Rich Guy Tax Rate Will Help Democrats Win, Steve Israel Says

2012-01-18T13:36:00.001-08:00

Interesting, isn't it? That Romney and others utilize a tax system to maximize their income and wealth just defies logic, doesn't it?

That investing wisely, building companies and opportuniites, allocating capital to the places offering the highest rates of return commensurate with risk willingly assumed (you could lose it all, you know), why that somehow defies the tenets of Progressive Socilialism, doesn't it?

Doesn't seem fair, right?

What's better?
About Video
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A Modest Proposal -- In the Interest of Justice

2011-12-28T12:23:00.001-08:00

If your point is that pregnancy only occurs when the fertilized egg implants inthe womb, then I agree. I wasn't saying that pregnancy can result in a birth after nine months in a dish. But, you are still reaching for a justification that allows the murder of an unborn, using the specious logic of a woman's "right" to control the use of her body and to make all the decisions pertaining thereto. All that is true, but explaining away a murder as a "medical procedure" just isn't right: it's an excuse of convenience, an illogically and immorally determined course of action that flies in the face of common sense.

Moern medical technology has provided many alternatives for men and women, and both have to be encouraged, incentivized, demanded, to use them.
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A Modest Proposal -- In the Interest of Justice

2011-12-28T12:15:00.001-08:00

Not withstanding that I absolutely do not agree that women-by themselves-have to bear the consequences of a homicidal act, such consequences must be shared with the providers that deliver the homicidal act -"aiding and abetting?"

Look, all I am saying is that there is no moral justification for abortion; it is indeed murder in the First. To attempt to excuse it or rationalize it with specious logic only reflects on the use of "situational morality and circumstantial ethics."

There are some inescapable truths here; namely, if not violently interfered with, a baby will come to term. Also, the multiplicity of birth control and pregnancy planning devices, pills and treatments (for men and women) take away most of the excuses that people use to get out from under a lack of willingness to accept responsibility for "personal decisions, personal consequences."

It is only the permissiveness of modern society issuing from the somewhat misguided attempts by women's "rightists" to justify their own anger at being dealt nature's "bad hand," that of being the only vessel for species procreation, and attempting to wrest what they perceive as "control" in the only way open to them at the time. That is no longer true, but we still have millions of murders each year.

The excuses of yesterday no longer justify the decisions of today.

Enough!
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A Modest Proposal -- In the Interest of Justice

2011-12-27T18:48:00.001-08:00

I I take it your post is a ill-considered (attempt at-not successful!) humorous deflection of restrictions on abortion.

I point out the obvious, that an abortion is the ending, and therefore taking, of a life, while a vasectomy is a method of birth control. In fact, a vasectomy is one of the few theocratically approved methods of birth control.

I would also like to point out that world wide, in just two generations, abortions have claimed more lives that ALL the wars, and all the natural disasters since recorded history began (except for the Noah's Ark expedition).

The anti-religious/anti-male, anti-family, pro Ayn Rand style of female determinism is the root cause of the un-natural abortion disaster.

A woman's body is indeed her own to control as she wishes, absent an anti-social; decision framework that extends to making a decision for another life which she chose to incubate. Effective use of modern birth control methods, nowhere near as dangerous as those of 40 years ago would allow women to continue to make their own decisions about whether or not to engage in sex. The unfortunate victims of rape, incest and other non-voluntary acts that result in impregnation should be allowed access to the "Morning After" process, a simple pill.
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Should a President Be Intelligent?

2011-12-20T16:17:00.001-08:00

The Barry Dennis Corollary to IQ is CQ (Curiosity Quotient). In and of itself, CQ may lead to lots more improvement than IQ. Combined you get da Vinci, and oher noted Renaissance Men, whether from this era, or a thousand years ago.

Bill Clinton and Roanld Reagan were curious men, and so are many, many others. Find them, support them, educate them,.

"The Curious imagine a goal so wonderful, but maybe distant; the Intelligent design a map to get there."
About Herman Cain
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Should a President Be Intelligent?

2011-12-20T15:59:00.001-08:00

You're partly right. I find it disconcerting that we allow people to vote who won't ID themselves, who take the privilege of voting for granted (look around the world, voting-fair and honest voting-is becoming an anachronism) who vote their own interest in regards to enjoying more benefits from the "system," (which offsets the need for education claim-even a dummy can count his money!), and don't see themselves as having earned the right to vote, it is theirs whether or not they have contributed to the society that insures it!

Not everyone can be as productive as everyone else; not as educated, not as smart, not as well informed regarding business, economics, and politics, but they should try!

They should take what Pastors and Politicians, Community leaders and Con men say with true skepticism. "Show me! Prove it!" should be the rallying cry. It is becoming that of Independents.

JFK had it right, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!"

Learn, work, be a Citizen and Vote!
About Herman Cain
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Should a President Be Intelligent?

2011-12-20T15:48:00.001-08:00

Don't be so sure. The growing number of voices in the "wilderness of discontent," many of them Independents (now 35% of self-identified voters!) are in a position to be organized around a "personal responsibility, personal consequences; individual opportunity, individual achievement" pledge, and fielding candidates in every state, from President on down.

What could be expect from such a revolutionary change? Maybe a Congress and Executive branch that would use the pragmatic lens of reality and focus on a future that rewards the true American Spirit that founded this country.

We sure can't do worse that we are now!
About Herman Cain
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Occupy the Food System

2011-12-16T12:25:00.001-08:00

I agree ninty-nine percent with your conclusions of needed greater transparency and less concentration in ANY industry, including agriculture. Take Cable and Telco where five companies control over 80% of the "pipelines" that deliver news, information, and entertainment. That isn't good by any defintion.

It also makes no sense to me that with transportation costs up 75% + in the last few years due to energy costs, that the U.S. doesn't produce all it's own food and then some, being able to grow just about any food item in the vastly arable portions of the U.S. from tree fruits to nuts, grapefuit to sugar cane. And with a little planning and development from the Army Corp of Engineers, another 3-4 million acres of arable land could be developed.

"Large" may lead to economies of scale in agricultural production. but it also leads to monopolies and pricing forces that operate to the detriment of consumers. Let's not forget that crop subsidies, crop allocations (peanut allocations?) give rise to farmers seeking guarantees and "insurance" for their crop decisions, when it is the marketplace that should make those decisions. Farmers can't have it both ways; protection and freedom from competition. Which are exactly the forces that operate to reduce quality and competiton in the non-competitive markets of educaion, health care, and wait for it, here it comes...government.

I applaud your efforts to help farmers, but not at the expense of more transparency, market competiton, and risk-taking.
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Mutual Interests for Baghdad and Washington

2011-12-16T11:48:00.001-08:00

I would not trade one American life, much less the 4487 which have been "given," not one dollar, much less the over $800 Billion (that's Billions with a big "B" folks!) for the result in Iraq.

A few years from now, as Iraq denigrates into sectarian violence though majority Shiite abuse of Sunni religious minorities and abuse of ethnic minorities like the Kurds in the north (also to get control of oil in that area), others may agree.

Iran's courtship of relations with Iraq will come to light, and the Sadr Brigade's subversive influence of Shiite Malaki and others will become much more evident.

Add to the mix the enmity between Iran (Shiite) and Saudi Arabia (Sunni) and others, and we're talking continuing conflict for the foreseeable future. Iran's intent to threaten the Straits of Hormuz (where most Middle Eastern oil transits) leaves no doubt of Iran's continuing "chess play" on the Middle East Board.

Weakness is no path to a solution with nationalistic bullies like Iran.

Iraq may be "saved" but it seems increasingly unlikely that Shiite majorities will share any real power (the temptation of the corruption from personal enrichment through oil money is way too strong), absent a renewed possibility of another U.S. intervention in that already bloodthirsty and misbegotten region.

Iraq owes us $800 Billion, plus interest, and we want it...now! Our treasure of lives lost cannot be regained, but the U.S. (and the families of lost soldiers) can and should be compensated.
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To Capitol Hill: End the Food Fight

2011-11-24T12:29:00.001-08:00

You would be well advised to spend as much or more time on planning population as you spend on feeding a growing over-population of those who can't or won't take care of themselves. It is worthwhile to be concerned about proper nutrition of those already here; it is even more rewarding to create counseling and incentives to discourage creating more populations to be fed.

Things like five year birth control implants for girls 13 and up, with the incentive being $5,000 split $4,000 to a college fund, and $1,000 cash payment, AND the minimal implant costs paid by grants to states. Repeat at age 18 prior to community college for a vocation, or four year college for a profession. Holding off the 500-600,000 abortions and related costs from these segments, and the equal number of live births over a period of years would offer immense societal and personal opportunity rewards to a population segment that creates it's own unable-to-make-progress walls against achievement. Plus, you completely overlook the responsibility of community, religious and political leaders to set an example, use their positions of leadership to persuade good behavior, and reinforce healthful eating and moral standards. That IS their job, right? .

If "being taken care of" is the goal, they are well on their way. But, I wonder if one day they will wake up and wonmder if it was worth it? Being the "new economic slaves" and all?

Why, how totally cynical of me.
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Newt Gingrich Sticks Neck Out On Immigration, Risking Conservative Backlash (VIDEO)

2011-11-22T22:23:00.001-08:00

If Gingrich will support a Guest Worker Program with fully secure ID requirements, and that precludes a "path to citizenship" except as part of the traditional programs, I and maybe 80-90 million others (more than enough to be elected) will support him.

Ideally, joining a Guest Worker program would include certain declarations,among them renouncing any claim to Citizenship for those born here illegally, in trade for the Guest Worker Preferred Status.Please see :http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/291881/resources_readily_available_for_immigrant.html?cat=17

Why does everybody seem to forget that Latinos and others come to the U.S. for WORK not necessarily for Citizenship. They say so themselves.

The way Liberals posit the discussion, we should be willing to let illegals jump ahead of those who have followed the rules.

We, the U.S. Citizens who have earned their birthright, say "no way."

Let's also not forget that liberals have stated publically and privately that their support for an easy "path to citizenship" is based on the hoped-for infusion of millions of Democratic voters
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Don't Demonize Political Opponents, Infantilize Them

2011-11-22T11:46:00.001-08:00

Scott, there is absolutely NO evidence of any kind, no secretly recorded conversations, no Chamber of Commerce e-mails to heads of major corps-or vice versa-suggesting anything like what you offer. That is rank speculation.

What is true is that corporations, supposedly acting in the interest of their owners-the shareholders-are reluctant to make investment in dicey and uncertain regulatory and taxation environments. Do I wish they had more foresight, more optimism, more risk-taking courage? You bet.

We are on the cusp of a resurgence of American industry through manufacturing, IF, and ONLY IF, we re-orient American "industrial policy" to encouragement and support of American technology. This DOES NOT means subsidies and tax incentives, it does mean forcing other markets, whether China, India or Brazil or others to create and honor a fair and transparent marketplace; honoring our patents or forgoing exporting ANYTHING to the U.S., not just illegal products based on stolen technology.

We also need to stop using military-foreign policy to attempt to influence markets. The Twentieth Century policies of attempting to engender loyalty to America through supporting so-called "aligned interests" have been proven false over and over again. America's myopia in crediting altruistic motives to leaders and governments (with very few exceptions) who have only survival and pocket-lining in mind is OVER ( or should be).

We can do this!
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Should a President Be Intelligent?

2011-11-21T21:01:00.001-08:00

If only. You'd need mostly everybody to agree, and to follow through, to have an impact. I can't think of any that were ever successful.

I did get a hint of what's possible with the small. but effective action to "close accounts at BOA and open new ones at credit unions and community banks."

Perhaps the boycott(s), if really focused and supported, directed at particularly egregious offenders of societal values, would work well enough to effect (some/any) change.

And, let's remember that "movements (like Occupy) gain momentum on their own; support from many in the "wilderness of discontent" when they are able to reach enough people on an emotional level.
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Super Committee Deal Not Reached, Leaders Say

2011-11-21T16:08:00.001-08:00

Put your slate together, I'll help you! Develop your free enterprise, "personal choice, personal consequences, individual effort, individual achievement" platform.

Let's do this!
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Super Committee Deal Not Reached, Leaders Say

2011-11-21T16:06:00.001-08:00

They'd just get what they need (or want) from the lobbyists, the special interests, their campaign funds. It'd just be harder to cover up their corruption.
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Super Committee Deal Not Reached, Leaders Say

2011-11-21T16:04:00.001-08:00

No. You are right,

This was just a "fig leaf" for Congress's failure to address this problem. We need new leadership with the courage to say that this can't-won't- continue. That we need a Surplus Budget to pay down debt and free up capital for American enterprise to invest and grow; to export and challenge for leadership in world markets.

I'm considering advocating yet again for a Third Party. An Independent Party that is willing to take a "Blood Oath" to return to fiscal sanity and stability, pay down debt, get goverrrnment out of our hair, and quit undertaking foreign adventurism, except when treaty partners are willing to share the load for protecting THEIR own back yard, their own interests.

We've become the driving force simply because others are too lazy, too parochial, too willing to be nationalistic, too selfish. I'm tired of it, simply exhausted and angry at the failure of others to even recognize their interests beyond the next bribe or "deal" they can negotiate.

President Monroe had it right; our own backyard contains all the interests we ever have to worry about, and we ARE willing to assist others in taking responsibility for theirs, but not lead in a vacuum, not pay the most, not subsidize the ineptness or laziness of others.
About AP
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Super Committee Deal Not Reached, Leaders Say

2011-11-21T15:52:00.001-08:00

I just can't express the degree of my frustration with Demon-crats who refuse to admit the flawed ideology that has driven America to this great impasse. You will be remembered at the ballot box at the right time. And, just remember that you are NOT voting your constituency because the people who pay for all this, the Citizen taxppayers, want to get this problem under control, so you ARE voting ideology. How's that working out? Like your reelection chances?

Good luck when it comes time for you to answer your door to people who want to know why their children starved to death because of the country's bankruptcy.
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The Way it Was

2011-11-21T13:06:00.001-08:00

I don't agree with most of your statement,

I do agree with the part about fighting wars without the authorization for funding necessary through Congress.

I might even call for a National Referendum on any Declaration of War, reserving for the President his Constitutional responsibility to "defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic."

We might not be so eager to initiate foreign "adventurism" if we had to gain approval from Congress and the Citizenry through a more formal, even if expedited, process.

The 21st Century calls, loudly, for revisiting American foreign policies, both political and economic (to whatever extent they are not already intertwined), although it would take much more space than here to develop a discussion worth having.
About Republicans
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The Way it Was

2011-11-21T12:55:00.001-08:00

Here's what I Do accept: humanity IS part of the problem. There is no logic that can be summoned that will support a declaration of climate change as totally a product of "the natural background and evolution of climate."

Conversely, there is no logic which supports declaring that "modern society is the total source of climate change."

The evidence is there for anyone to see that modern society, with it's pollution, chemicals in foods, waste products, and continuing over-population, without proper resource planning, is a root cause of many/most modern ills, including disease.

Please see http://scienceray.com/biology/we-want-zero-sum-pollution-now/
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The Way it Was

2011-11-21T12:48:00.001-08:00

You, Sir, are worth reading!

Please add to your Commentary a continuing emphasis on re-invigorating America through "new voices" dedicated to solutions based on the Founding Principles; what made America great, and still has the potential to make things right.

Yours is a particularly astute analysis.
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The Way it Was

2011-11-21T12:43:00.001-08:00

I, too, seek "Hope and Change."

Hope that President Obama is not re-elected, and Change, thorough Change, to a Congress and Senate majority-controlled by Independents who will accept nothing less than "personal choice, personal consequence, Individual opportunity, individual achievement."
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The Way it Was

2011-11-21T12:39:00.001-08:00

Wow! And there's no partisanship in your comments?

Again, and again I am forced to deal with the "facts on the ground" of competing idelogies, not competing interests, so much. Progessive Socialists, such as yourself and President Obama, use ideology as the foundation for a vision of a society in which big government is the source of answers, while others feel it is the source of problems of increasing magnitude. What is for sure is that no country can double it's debt in just a few years with social programs primarily responsibile, fail to put war expenditures "on the books" for people to recognize and vote on, and expect the outcome to suddenly get better.

President Obama is no less a victim of his idelogy and that of his advisors, that others further to the Right are as equally encumbered.

As we have seen, we can't even agree on an acceptable definition of "change" so that we can arrive at a starting point.

I fear it will take the impetus of a Third party, the Independent Party, signed in blood to a Declaration of (Modern) Independence, to rescue our foundering "ship of state."
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Don't Demonize Political Opponents, Infantilize Them

2011-11-21T12:13:00.001-08:00

How about using the FBI's "aging process software" -in reverse-to present what all these folks would have looked like as two year olds?

Better yet, why not require all prospective candidates for any elective or appointed office to take and pass a tough, thorough Citizenship test which concentrates on the Constitution and Bill of Rights?
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Should a President Be Intelligent?

2011-11-20T14:37:00.001-08:00

The excesses of the few/some/many in "gaming"" our poliical system is our own fault, let's not forget that salient fact. By electing and re-electing more of the same old, same old, "we get what we got because we do what we did."

Changing what we don't like requires more than accepting vague and empty, and ultimately false promises. If we don't like the Rules that have brought us to this point, we have to change the players...or change the Rules.

Tax breaks, subsidies, and campaign financing are good places to start.
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Should a President Be Intelligent?

2011-11-19T12:36:00.001-08:00

Without singling out Bush, this applies to all Presidents. Our current President, while seemingly loyal to his principles, fails to appreciate the dichotomy of his beliefs with the greater American desire for a fairer society; fairer to it's dedication of the Founding Principles of "personal responsibility, personal consequences, individual opportunity, individual achievement."

Modern representative government and free market capitalism are the only true path to providing opportunity for all; Human Capital requires the same judicious investment and management, if not more, than that which resides in bank accounts and mattresses.
About Herman Cain
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Should a President Be Intelligent?

2011-11-19T12:24:00.001-08:00

I agree. I add-with respect-that the process should be governed by a thorough understanding of the Constitution, and the continuing commitment to the principles which have allowed American leadership. These do not include the continual "nation building" that we seem to feel is justified by wanting to implant American ideals in cultures that have evolved (devolved?) over thousands of years. We have the complete ability to defend ourselves, and support ourselves with food and resources within our territory. We should only encourage the development of institutions that allow others to do the same by refusing to "treat" or engage with those who don't respect our way of "doing business." It is still the American economy-for a time- that supports and motivates the world economy.

They need us much more than we need them, and so we can state with perfect confidence, "our way, or the highway."

Having said that, I look forward to the time when other "spheres of influence" are responsible to themselves and their neighbors, when cultures and religions can interact fairly and equitable, with commerce emanating from positions of mutual respect.

I have to believe that modern technologies will absolutely force non-representative governments and societies to evolve into something that can participate in the world community, in their own self-interest.
About Herman Cain
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Should a President Be Intelligent?

2011-11-19T12:10:00.001-08:00

It's easier being Commander when your policies conform to American principles, not the other way around.

And, while we're on this, American Exceptionalism shouldn't continuously create opportunities for American adventurism.
About Herman Cain
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Should a President Be Intelligent?

2011-11-19T12:07:00.001-08:00

To me, a great leader becomes so through unwavering commitment to principle, politics notwithstanding. The Founder's, as you so aptly pointed out, were mostly Renaissance men, thoroughly grounded in the "thinking process' which allowed them to pursue rational, pragmatic-but grounded-decisions that were made for the greater good-the representative government they idealized.

They would have-and we hope for similar leaders today-looked to the principles of "personal decisions, personal consequence, individual opportunity, individual achievement."

Anarchy is no more desirable than Communism.

The pragmatism of politics is the enemy of principled dedication.

The Founders and the purported leaders we look for today should have no lesser total dedication to the greater good of the majority of the people. While we always seek to protect the minority, it is the principle of representative government that the "majority votes...and rules.'

Modern "democracy" seems to have evolved to the point of the "tail wagging the dog" leaving any majority of Americans committed to personal responsibility wondering why they don't matter.

The leader we need will correct that misdirection.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Occupy Wall Street Evicted by $174.5 Million Subsidized Firm

2011-11-17T16:29:00.001-08:00

Given some important additional details like the infrastructure, and the necessary rehab and motivational programs (Self-paid by the taxes and fees on the products and services) some very smart people agree with you. Ex-Mayor Kurt Schmoke of Baltimore, one of the leading drug user and distribution cities, proposed something akin over a generation ago, and was ridiculed unfairly.

The huge question to be answered is who will control the process. If government runs it, failure, and high costs guarantee an illegal market will still prosper.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Occupy Wall Street Evicted by $174.5 Million Subsidized Firm

2011-11-17T12:04:00.001-08:00

Ah, your cynicism is refreshing, though depressing. Are you actually suggesting that police unions and cities conspire to keep drug distribution alive and growing in order to do ...what? Guarantee jobs and benefits? And, I suppose bars fall into the same category?

There's lots wrong with our growingly Progressive-Socialist society, and growing voices for de-criminalization not only of MJ, but all "recreational " street drugs. Licensing, taxation, monitoring, a completely different mindset is offered by some to solve the problem. Better than now? Maybe.

Helpful? Unsure if the solution isn't worse than the problem, but logic offers... maybe. What we are doing now so obviously doesn't work.

Help an Independent Party organize and elect a complete clean sweep of new faces dedicated to "personal choices, personal responsibility; individual effort, individual achievement."
About Zuccotti Park
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Occupy Wall Street Evicted by $174.5 Million Subsidized Firm

2011-11-17T11:50:00.001-08:00

If you were even close to being "right" I would give you the benefit of my considerable doubt. But to attempt to blame private property owners for exercising their rights is beyond the pale. The property owners did, in fact, accede to the Mayor's wishes to tolerate the Occupy movement for a time, but the protest movement encouraged the building of numbers and infrastructure to the point where dangerous conditions ensued, people were hurt associated with the protesters-so much for non-violence!-anarchists took over in some cases because of a lack of focus and leadership, and patience with illegal activity ran out.

And, vague and unfocused charges about tax breaks and subsidies , while they may be right in principle, overlook that re-development and upgrading of certain properties might not happen otherwise. Is it political? Maybe.

Is it right? Maybe, depends on the circumstances. I personally, absent a compelling case for need, like subsidized housing which a free market won't provide, hate the market-distorting effects of subsidies and tax incentives. But let's not forget that some of these very same protestors likely live in rent-controlled apartments at far-below-market rental rates, and enjoy other state and city subsidized benefits, so be careful about "blaming" those who get tax benefits, subsidies and incentives.

You may be including folks you didn't intend to include, and that greatly weakens your case, although it was specious to start with.
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Occupiers Occupied: The Hijacking of the First Amendment

2011-11-16T12:57:00.001-08:00

You know, I just don't think the motives of Occupy are wrong. I do think Occupy has allowed themselves to be overtaken by circumstance, and been infiltrated by everything from Anarchists to pedaphiles.

When populist movements are subverted by extraneous forces, their important message of dissent is lost, as is the opportunity for rational discourse with others who don't agree.
About Occupy Wall Street
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Occupiers Occupied: The Hijacking of the First Amendment

2011-11-16T12:47:00.001-08:00

Without your specifics, it is absolutely true that the system allows disproportionate voice to those In power, and those who aspire to power, through the fuel of power-MONEY.

A Liberal Supreme Court -at least in this aspect-over a 30 year period has greatly advanced the ability of money, whether Union, Nonprofit or Corporate, to influence elections and processes. A sea of new faces dedicated to "One Citizen, One Vote" and restricting or eliminated contributions from ANYBODY other than individual Citizens is necessary to restore the hope of balance.
About Occupy Wall Street
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Occupiers Occupied: The Hijacking of the First Amendment

2011-11-16T12:35:00.001-08:00

It's one thing to demonstrate ("Assemble and petition"), it's another to re-affirm our Constitutional rights by organizing an opposition movement that looks to Independents, and supporting a "throw the bums out" completely new slate who support that affirmation.

If the system is corrupting all those who touch it, the alternative is to take over the system with people who support the Founder's beliefs in "personal responsibility and consequence, individual oppotunity and achievement."

We can't continue to use band-aids when tourniquets and amputations may be needed.
About Occupy Wall Street
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Occupiers Occupied: The Hijacking of the First Amendment

2011-11-16T12:29:00.001-08:00

While I agree with the emotional and philosophical content you have offered, I am equally sure that it can''t happen they way that you want. What can happen is a coalescense of Independents, Tea Party, Libertarians and others similarly disaffected from the mainstream to organize and support new faces with the courage of conviction issuing from the Founding principles of "personal responsibility and consequence, individual opportunity and achievement."
About Occupy Wall Street
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Occupiers Occupied: The Hijacking of the First Amendment

2011-11-16T12:23:00.001-08:00

Apples and Oranges. And, I don't agree with the Supreme's decision (Citizens United) that corporation, nonprofits, unions or ANY artificial construct of law has Citizenship Rights. By that logic, a company(or a Union, or Greepeace could run for president as a corporate Citizen. The Supremes are way wrong on this one, and here's hoping Congree takes it up.

Oh wait, that would mean biting off the hand(s) that feed them and the system. Guess not, huh?
About Occupy Wall Street
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Occupiers Occupied: The Hijacking of the First Amendment

2011-11-16T12:19:00.001-08:00

And how are the other six dwarfs (Oops! Vertically challenged) doing?

It appears that any violence emanating from Occupy will issue from the anarchist elements that have infiltrated the movement. Too bad for Occupy, if they don't root them out.

I wonder if you really think that the "98% who have guns" includes any of the Occupy movement because that would be antithetical to their apparent message(s).

Isn't it more likely that most of the 2% are the ones who care about property rights, vote, care about their Citizenship and it's responsibilities, AND have guns?
About Occupy Wall Street
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Occupiers Occupied: The Hijacking of the First Amendment

2011-11-16T12:13:00.001-08:00

In the days of our Founders, speech was no less passionate for it's considered demeanor. Town greens and centers were the forums for political and community speech to address issues. Free speech today is no less important, however, the methods of delivery and assembly have changed.

Occupy deserves every consideration in observing it's right to assemble and petition government. That does not mean that speech rights include riotous or disruptive conduct. Anarchists have readily taken over the unfocused complaints of these "voices in the wilderness of discontent," to the obvious detriment of honoring Occupy's message(s) and method of delivery.Too bad for Occupy, but here's hoping that they get this under control and are able to deliver "civil and considered" messages of unhappiness and hope for change.

Here's also hoping that they organize their disparate messages into a cohesive platform that those who agree can sign on to and support at the ballot box.

Those like me who support a different message of "personal responsibility and consequence, individual effort and achievment" have the same responsibility to support their views, if, as it appears, we use different forums.

Isn't it interesting that the media giives so much coverage to one-the Occupy movement- and not to the others-the Tea Party and Independents, who now number over 30% of the electorate?

What happens if they get organized?
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The Superfluous Super Committee

2011-11-13T22:14:00.001-08:00

Really?And how about the entitlements, subsidies and innumerable programs for the continuously rapid growing poor populations; larger families, more education costs, less direct responsibility through fees and taxation for those groups and it just gets worse every year. Using your logic, in the end it's the 1% that "pay" for the 99%. How's that going to work?

What I do agree with is a "level taxation field. No tax inentives or subsidies for corporations and huge agri-glomerates, energy companies, and miners. All receive many tax braks that they don't need. Flat taxes, lower to be sure, and a forced Balanced Budget, even a Surplus Budget for a generation to pay down the debt would provide prosperity for most.
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The Superfluous Super Committee

2011-11-13T18:31:00.001-08:00

Dear Mr. Kuttner, Whatever meds you are on, please share.

Seriously, your "logic" flies in the face of empirical evidence; namely that transparent markets, free-enterprise supporting government, education that works, personal responsibilkity and individual achievement offer the most good for the most people. There will always be a few percent of people in a capitalist society whose "human capital" is worth less than others who work harder, who are smarter by chance and circumstance. Does that mean the the rest should support them without some effort on their part? Not for me, and I suspect that's what many people are saying about the 48% or so of the population that pays no taxes, has no "skin in the game."

Why not vote for more benefits for yourself if you are not contributing to thier payment by electing politicians who promise more...for nothing?

Why not expect those who have succeeded to pay for those who can't...or won't?

Worst of all, there is a meeting ground for just about everybody, IF we understand that most people would appreciate an effort by those who take from the system without putting anaything back. Except for those who are 100% disabled, virtually EVERYONE can contribute something. Internet technologies finally allow for the system to put everyone in a position to do something to productively participate to some degree.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost