Obama Swayed by Military Cabal?

God, help us for we know not what we do......Pres.Obama says that we are "going to finish the job on Afghanistan" and he also says that we are going to "prevent Al Queda from ever attacking us again"....has he forgotten that Al Queda is not just in Afghanistan they are also in the Philippines, Africa, Indonesia and the Middle East? Has he been swayed by the Military Cabal? Is he unaware of the history of other "invaders" in that country? There is a mention of imposing a surtax to help pay for this war...brilliant!....maybe with a tax on this war some will think twice about expanding this futile operation.

Excluding Abortions

Lord love a duck!.....according to the news on the Health Care mish-mash....there is a movement afoot to exclude abortions (which are still legal medical procedures in this country) from any, and all, insurance plans that include taxpayer dollars....it is one thing to impose a group's religious beliefs on all people, but the ProLifers are not the only people who pay those tax monies.....that makes this issue twice as discriminatory against women!! By the way, aren't those people the same ones who decry "government interference" when it comes to health care.....or anything else? Just wondering.

High Speed Rails for the Holidays
With the Holidays rapidly approaching,and all the hassles of getting from point A to point B,it would seem that this would be the perfect time to push for the development of high-speed rail. The airlines are raising rates while cutting down on services,and flying is more at the mercy of the elements than going by rail..Many of the "developed" countries of the world have such systems,why can"t we? Aren't we supposed to be the leaders in technology? (Ha!)Just think of all the jobs such a program would create and resources saved..

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Military Industrial Complex; Meet the Terror Industrial Complex
Does anyone else remember former General,and President,Dwight D.Eisenhower's warning about the"military-industrial complex"?...and now,another General(ret.) has warned us of the updated version..."the terror-industrial complex".It seems the new Big Business/Bugaboo is Terror...with the military Brass urging the Prez. to send thousands more troops into Afghanistan to fight the terrorists....never mind that for years we have been pouring billions of dollars into an unstable and corrupt government with nothing to show for it but the loss of lives......all to destroy a backward,religious sect( that has little credence or backing in the rest of the Muslim world...and the small group of cave dwelling fanatics who were responsible for the 9/11 attacks.Since traditional tactics of war-fare haven't been very effective so far why not try a different approach?

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Increase Drones
The different approach....there has been quite an argument,lately,about the use of Drones in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Many complain that the drones kill civilians as well as the enemy...but didn't the bombings, by the Axis powers and the Allies, do the same in WW II? That was during the time of war...as is this. As long as we engage in wars innocent people are going to be killed. If we can utilize these drones,in a region where it would be suicidal to send in our troops then there should be no question about that use. Suicide bombs kill hundreds of civilians so isn't it ironic that Afghanistan and Pakistan are against the use of Drones? Instead of sending more troops into that treacherous region isn't it smarter to increase the use of Drones!?

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Blockades
I'm curious....how do those mountain dwelling "terrorists" get their supplies? You know,things like food, arms,and medical supplies? With Winter coming on would it be possible to Blockade those passes that come down from the mountains.....no one in,no one out. The terrain seems to be unfit for agriculture so they must be getting their food from somewhere.....or somebody.

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The 50 Year Plan
This is mind blowing!! Has anyone else(civilian) heard of the Pentagon's plan for a 50 year "Long War" of counterinsurgency for ,not only Iraq,Afghanistan and Pakistan,but fot the Philippines and the Horn of Africa? "experts" included in the making of this plan are a former advisor to Gen.Petreus and a current aide to Gen.McChrystal. The cost is staggering....an estimated price tag of an ADDITIONAL $2 Billion per MONTH on topof the current cost of $4 billion per month in Afghanistan! Remember the stated strategy of Al Qaeda to exhaust the U.S. militarily as well as economically?Where will these troops be coming from....will the Draft be reinstated?This is a plan that will increase antagonism against us for generations to come....meanwhile,while our home-grown terrorists seem to be growing in number,and when natural disasters strike our National Guard,and funds, are stretched thin....where is the sanity in such a scheme.....another example in the new "terror-industrial" mind set..God help us all !



~ Comments by Skazski

To that blathering bufoon, Rush. . .

To that blathering bufoon, Rush, and his ilk....how in the world do you equate losing the Olympics to Rio as a loss to our Prez.? To hear you cheer and gloat it seems to me that you are more than just a little anti-american ....former heads of state have also campaigned for their countries to be awarded that lucrative prize...but then, facts and the truth have never been your strong suit..

~ Comments by Skazski

The Greed of Health Insurers, the Thin Skin of the Gop

re....Congressman Alan Grayson's comments on the GOP and Health Care....Bully for him Isn't amazing how thin-skinned the GOP becomes when the Dems answer back to their own dirty tactics......true, the word "holocaust" was ill-used due to recent usage...but originally it meant "great or total destruction". This new Bill that is proposed will further enrich the Health Insurance companies and leave our citizens out in the cold, without a Public Option....I can only hope that we, as voters, remember the names of those who have so royally screwed us when election time rolls around!





~ Comments by Skazski

The SSA's Piggy banks

They say that Social Security is in financial trouble...ergo,it being a government run program that proves how incompetent any government health care bill would be...perhaps if other government agencies/departments would stop using the SSA as their piggy bank we wouldn't be in this fix.There should be laws to protect the SSA funds from such pillaging...then,maybe, they could afford the Cost Of Living increase that is now going to be cut.

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Insomnia is my name And, on the subject of Health Care Reform.....any Senator,or Congressman ,who received more than $500. either personally or for his/her campaign from any health insurance company, should be prohibited from any involvement in the formulating or drafting of all health care bills.This whole issue is getting to be so ridiculous that "insomnia" is now my name! If I could afford going to the doctor and getting sleeping pills I would be the drug companies' best customer...hmmm....could that be their plan?sorry,lack of sleep is catching up to me. Water on the Moon

One of the more disturbing things on the news.....the discovery of water on the moon.With that announcement came the statement that"we could build factories there to extract that water and then could use the Moon as a base to further our efforts to reach other planets"Apparently it is not enough that mankind has despoiled this planet....we now have our sights set on the ruination of the Universe.

Talk with the Russians. . . The Military Brass wants more troops in Afghanistan...have they considered talking with the Russians about such a strategy? I don't believe that " conventional" war fare tactics and troops will ever "win" there....just look back to history. Any success there will depend on new thinking and strategies. perhaps by rebuilding the infrastructure and aiding the people....rather than bombing them to hell...might be a start in the right direction.. Funding Wars

Once again our elected representatives have put their own interests before the wishes/needs of their constituents....citing the prohibitive costs of Health Care reform and the Public Option,they voted NO.Democrats and Republicans alike...who received millions of $$$ in bribes, excuse me, in "contributions" from the Insurance and pharmaceutical companies will vote to increase funding for wars but will not vote to save lives at home......they are still in office why???

~ Comments by Skazski

Where is Decorum in Politics?

Among the many things our society has lost in the last generation is the sense of decorum, of politeness and of decency. The latest example being that outstanding member of Congress, J.Wilson. of S.Carolina.....I can't help but wonder if the Congressman would have behaved in such a rude manner if it was anyone else rather than Pres. Obama? Would he have called Pres. Bush a liar in such an inappropriate way?



~ Comments by Skazski

Jellyfish Politicians and Health Care

"Politics is a nasty business".....we elect people to Congress to represent our views/wishes...to work for the needs of those who elected them....yet all too often all of that flies out the window once they get to Washington. Obama was elected to office mainly because the nation saw a great need for health care reform and the voters thought that he was the one who could bring this about..For over forty years the health care industries,lobbyists,and the GOP have blocked any changes....so what do our elected ones do now?...they waver,become jellyfish.....what the hell is so toxic in Washington D.C.??? is it in the water? the air?? the Kool-ade??





~ Comments by Skazski

TV a Mirror of our Society. . .

TV....a mirror of our society. On a current "reality" network program we are shown how a morally challenged young person, who, by deceit (and out and out lying) stands to win a half million dollars....and is applauded for "playing a good game "!!!....we should not be surprised by this blatant dishonesty...take a look around. We have TV and Radio personalities who, on a daily basis, distort the truth to fit their own agendas, government officials who cheat the taxpayers and their families....all for personal gain. The sad truth is that we have become a nation of hypocritical fools....and where honesty, and fair play are no longer virtues, but are considered to be handicaps.


~ Comments by Skazski

Racist Citizens: Get Over It!

Never,in all my born days(which are many) have I heard/seen such nonsense about the President of our country giving an address to our school children, or having his speech pre-examined by anyone...this is not some wild-eyed soap box orator....this is our elected leader of this country! Reagan did it as did Bush...so the ONLY inference that can be drawn is .... he is suspect due to being African American! Shame on us!!!He won the election,by a whopping majority so to all those sore losers out there...get over it and get with the program!

~ Comments by Skazski

Among the Myths Re: Public Option

Among the many myths that are circulating about the "Public Option" in the Health Reform Bill.....that a politician, not a doctor, would be making the medical decisions....who the hell do you think is making those decisions now in those giant, private health insurance companies....can you say "accountant"?! The bottom line takes precedent over all medical diagnosis/treatment. These are not altruistic,humanitarian outfits....they are in the business of making money.




~ Comments by Skazski

Ted Kennedy: Rest in Peace

This is a sad day for America.....we all,Republicans,Democrats and Independents alike,have lost a great champion for the American people.True,as a young man,he was as flawed as any of us, but over the years he rose above the scandals and became a leader in the causes that involved every segment of our society and for that he should be remembered....and honored.

Death Panel Bozos Looking in the Wrong Direction

Well,this is going to be interesting.....food prices are up,gasoline is up,utilities have also risen, yet the "cost of living" increase in Social Security is being dropped for the next 2 years. The "death panel" stalwarts are shooting at the wrong target...they should be aiming their arrows at the Social Security Administration.!!!




~ Comments by Skazski

When Money Talks, "Christian Values" Walks

Where is all this talk about "socialism"coming from? Do those people consider Social Security,MediCare,Public Education, Interstate Highways and regulations that oversee our food and drug safety socialistic? The Health Insurance(for profit) industries are a scam,the drug companies spend more on advertising than on research and the ones who profit are the lobbyists and their paid stooges in Congress. Why can't the rest of us, with absolutely no health insurance,get an even break?It is obvious that the "Christian Values",that we profess to hold so dear go out the window when money is on the table.

Hurray for Barney Frank!

Hurray for Barney Frank! at last one democrat has the guts to stand up to those ill-informed rabble rousers who disrupt the Town Hall meetings on Health Care Reform...if only more Dems would develope a back bone and do the same!.

As for counseling terminally ill patients about options for their care (again, euphemism for euthanasia)....there are still many people who are unaware of facilities available to them,such as Hospices, Home Health care etc. during those final days. This is not advocating termination of life,rather it is to relieve the patient of worry and make their end a more peaceful one...isn't this something that everyone would want for themselves and their loved ones?

Living Will=Euthanasia?!

How can anyone, with an ounce of common sense, believe that making a Living Will is the same as euthanasia? By that "logic" anyone who has Funeral Planning is on Morticians' "hit list". Several years ago I made out a Living Will so that in case I were to be unable to communicate with medical staff as to what treatment I would want (or not)...even though my family knows my wishes, unless I stated/signed those wishes they would count for nothing. How in the real world does that equate with euthanasia!






~ Comments by Skazski

Demented Domestic Terrorists vs. GitMo Detainees

there have been so very many odd things happening while I was on "vacation" that it is hard to pick any one thing to rant about......let's start with the most comical.....I I find it laughable that with all the demented,domestic terrorists at large in our country, the people in Michigan are upset about moving the detainees from Guantanamo to a prison in that state.....at least we would know who and where they would be...not like our homegrown threats....who could be living right next door....armed and free to go about their daft business...




~ Comments by Skazski

If It Happened Before I Was Born, Nuts to That!

Remember back in the day when our parents would say that this next generation was "going to hell in a handbasket"?....well,from some of the things I've been hearing lately....it is our turn to quote that old adage. This younger generation seems to take pride in being oblivious to events that occurred before they were born....like a 5th grader in my daughter's class who didn't have a clue about WW11, or a young woman in her late 20"s who is at the top of her profession not knowing much of anything that happened in her field before her birth. History just isn't important,as good old George believed......so much for "No Child Left Behind"......ignorant and ill-prepared most definitely, but not "Left Behind"....remember when Education was considered primary in our schools?,.

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Well, the silly season is upon us so this is as good a time as any to take a break.....besides the grandkids are coming for their yearly visit (nothing like living at the beach to ensure seeing family) and there is much to be done before the big arrival,including dog,!....so until some other time....hasta la vista.


~ Comments by Skazski

Dangerous Rhetoric
Tonight, after listening to an interview with Sen.John McC.......I was infuriated by the s--- that came out of his mouth! He obviously doesn't remember(and hopes that we don't either) our involvement in other countries affairs when he spoke of "America stands as a symbol of freedom and has always been against any regime that oppresses its people",He spoke of Pres.Reagan and his courage in speaking out....where? in Nicaragua?? in Chile?? Peru? Guatamala in 1950 ? We have always backed a regime that was beneficial to our interests! This is the type of rhetoric that is so dangerous....and tonight,we should be thanking our lucky stars that McC didn't win the election.....because as a statesman, he is a disaster.

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What the Hell is Going on with our Prez?
What the hell is going on with our Prez? On Inauguration Day he proclaimed that his presidency would be one of "transparency"...and on many issues he has been forthright.....however,on many important matters he has been behaving more like the previous holder of that office,much to the dismay of a large segment of his followers....he appears to be embracing the same cloak of secrecy( a la Cheney)i.e.public disclosure continuing the wireless wire-tap actetc.,etc.,Why is he covering for the Cheney Gang?Why is he stalling on DADT? What is going on behind the scenes?Why the about face? This ain't "Change",Bro!


~ Comments by Skazski

Hawks Circle Obama and Iran
Well! the hawks are at it again!.....they are calling out Pres.Obama for "not taking a stand"(???)on the Iranian election and ensuing protests.....that is an Iranian,internal affair and the Prez is quite right not to get involved....the U.S. has a long history of meddling in other countries'policies and has created many problems,not to mention enemies,for us. Already the ruling regime,in Iran,is accusing us of fomenting their troubles.It is obvious how Obama feels,which is good,but for him to take formal action in any way would be a serious mistake!

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Obama and Health Care
re Bill Maher's comments about our Prez.....in one respect Bill is quite right....if George Bush could stand up and get us into a war (which takes lives)....President Obama should get tough and get a Health Bill (which saves lives) through! As for being on TV too much.....he is an unusual,charismatic leader who attracts attention whether it is wanted or not...and he promised,in his campaign,that he would keep the country informed on what he does....that's a good thing. However he hasn't acted fast enough on some issues that are important to many of us....but I realize that he got a terrible mess handed to him as a "welcome to the White House" present and it will take time to get it all sorted out...so,Bill,just have patience and hope for the best.

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Iran Protesters: Refuse
Since the Grand Ayatollah has prohibited the opposition to the "election" from further marches and demonstrations....what would happen if all of those disenfranchised voters,throughout Iran,stayed off the streets,remained in their homes,did not shop,did not attend school or transact any business all on the same day?They could call it having a "day of private prayer".What kind of reaction would that have on Iran's economy, on the Mullahs???

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Geezers in Congress
Don't any of those old geezers in Congress think before they shoot off their mouths?We are involved in 2 wars at the present., and face a real threat from North Korea,..do they think we need another one with Iran? Who do they think would be doing the fighting?....certainly not THEM.!!solution to follow........

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On George Bernard Shaw and the "Romance" of War
solution;over 50 years ago I heard a record by George Bernard Shaw on which he spoke about the "romance" of war....(the glorification of battle,the mystique of banners and uniforms and the hyperbole of jingoist slogans)...he said,in effect,the sight of young people(our future generation) marching off to slaughter brought tears to his eyes....instead,he suggested conscripting all those old,doddering war mongers.Send them off to battle,to feel the "glory "of being shot at,of being blown to smithereens send them to the front lines not to some office job or high above in planes....maybe then we would see the folly of war....the futility of "bomb first ask questions later."..

~ Comments by Skazski

Hawks Circling Obama on Iran
Well! the hawks are at it again!.....they are calling out Pres. Obama for "not taking a stand"(???)on the Iranian election and ensuing protests.....that is an Iranian,internal affair and the Prez is quite right not to get involved....the U.S. has a long history of meddling in other countries policies and has created many problems,not to mention enemies,for us. Already the ruling regime in Iran is accusing us of fomenting their troubles. It is obvious how Obama feels,which is good,but for him to take formal action in any way would be a serious mistake!

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To Maher: Have Patience With Obama
re Bill Maher's comments about our Prez.....in one respect Bill is quite right....if George Bush could stand up and get us into a war (which takes lives) ....President Obama should get tough and get a Health Bill (which saves lives) through! As for being on TV too much.....he is an unusual,charismatic leader who attracts attention whether it is wanted or not...and he promised,in his campaign,that he would keep the country informed on what he does....that's a good thing. However he hasn't acted fast enough on some issues that are important to many of us....but I realize that he got a terrible mess handed to him as a "welcome to the White House" present and it will take time to get it all sorted out...so,Bill,just have patience and hope for the best.


~ Comments by Skazski

Far Off The Map of Reality: Kill Pills
well,this is a new one and one that really stretches the imagination........apparently birth-control pills (and contraceptive devices) are listed with abortions as killers of the unborn!...thus the proliferation of "The Pill Kills" signs. Just how far off the map of reality these folks have strayed is yet to be determined,but according to their logic next it may be the sex act itself.....just thinking NOT to have sexual relations might be in the same category......."prevention kills" might become a new theme! Lord,help us all! We have truly passed thru the Looking Glass into topsy-turvy world!

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Dr. Killers=Taliban
Does anyone else find the murder of a doctor, who conducted a legal practice, not only sad but very,very scary?....and this is not an isolated case....there are too many groups whose ideologies and goals are more in line with the Taliban and other extremist groups as are their methods ...terror and murder! These people live among us,in our neighborhoods,and freely go about their business.....yet we are afraid of having some Gitmo prisoners locked up in maximum security prisons in the US.....where the hell is the sanity of that???

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Suds Makers:Pay Up
In the state I live in, the lack of funds/revenue has caused a huge deficit.....meaning more school closures, more teachers laid off, a decrease of social services and fewer law enforcement officers....and,the early release of many prisoners. Yet our elected officials,in their wisdom, have rejected the proposal to raise the tax on beer,wine and other spirits.......we have a large Micro-Brewing industry,in this state, yet these suds makers pay the same tax that they paid 30 years ago!!! It seems that the drinkers of these brews should be kept happy and not inconvenienced....illiterate,perhaps,but happy.

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Disappointment
Where ,oh ,where is our "fierce advocate" who promised to end "don't ask, don't tell???" Over 13,000 skilled people,including translators, have been ousted from the military....people we need...yet nothing is being done to change matters. During his first 6 months in office,Pres.Obama has done a good job of correcting the mistakes of the past,but on Civil Rights issues he is sadly lacking....guess the idea that he would be a different kind of leader, not just a politician was just too damned good to be true.

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Saber Rattling
The question making the rounds....did Pres.O's speech in Cairo "weaken America"?...how, in the name of sanity could any reasonable person ask! By speaking openly,without any posturing,he has made us appear to be what we claim to be...a free and open society. Those past chants of "we are #1" the saber rattling (to get our own way)and the bully-ing tactics have not endeared us to the rest of the world and has without a doubt, made us more enemies than friends.....remember the old saying....." you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar".

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Jon Voight: Over the Top
re the recent tirades against our Prez.....calling for an end to his "reign of terror"(Jon Voight) is just a tad over the top! This President has only been in office 6 months.....where were those cries of outrage during the last 8 years altho I am not happy with some of his decisions /non-actions I believe that it is early days...and he should be given a chance to prove himself.before the traditional smear campaigning begins....egads,!give the guy a break!...



~ Comments by Skazski

Reptilian Fat Boy

With all the filth being spewed by Fat Boy and his cronies(didn't the FCC have rules about such language)...with the lies of a reptilian former vice president being repeated ad nauseum ( in hopes of avoiding charges of war crimes?) it is high time to take a break from all of this nastiness! Onward to the French Open! Adieu,mon amies.


~ Comments by "Skazski,"

On this day when we remember and honor those who have lost their lives in defense of our ideals/country....wouldn't it be a wonderful tribute if we,and every other nation in the world,decided that warfare was not only a terrible waste of lives but of resources? that each country decided that it would be better served by investing that energy to improving the lives of its citizens rather than sending them off to be killed.....and wouldn't the Gods of all people be more honored if their followers respected each others religions and actually followed their teachings? This should also be a day of repenting the wastefulness of mankind.

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here's another thought on Prop.8.....marriage was originally a social contract,written by men,that conveyed property/chattel to one party from another, often times for a price (women were considered as chattel) Religions stepped in,(eventually) and created ceremonies to sanctify those transactions.That church in California that fostered Prop.8, that organized the campaign to get it on the ballot went far beyond the "separation of church and state"...it became a public,political entity,forcing it's agenda on those who are having their civil rights denied them....for that they(church) should have their tax free status revoked for now they are clearly a political party, not just a religious organization!



~ Comments by Skazski