Time to Change The Way We War

Modern warfare has changed...why haven't we? Somehow the idea of using large armies to invade other countries in order to vanquish small, mobile terrorist groups seems like a waste of lives and funds. Wouldn't those resourses be better used by overhauling, and improving,"intelligence"? Establishing a world-wide network of "police forces" in one unified system, and maintaining smaller more mobile task forces whose sole agenda would be the eradication of terrorist cells all over the world rather than occuping sovereign nations seems more plausible....fight the terrorists with their own tactics.

~ Comments by Skazski

False Modesty vs. Safety

Making Air Travel Safer.....false modesty vs. safety? A child of 3 could answer that question in a flash! When standard "pat-downs" will not detect the type of device that the would-be underwear bomber was sporting and only a full body imaging is that capable....why such a hue and cry about "invasion of privacy"? After all the images are not going to be shown on a large, Multi-plex screen, complete with popcorn and a soda! What the hell is the problem...and why is it even being argued!

~ Comments by Skazski

Hawaii Is Not A "Foreign Place"

So President Obama was on vacation in a "foreign place" and did not respond immediately to the news of the would-be terrorist attack on Christmas Day.....so claim the GOP....never mind the fact that Hawaii is not only a part of the USA (but is actually a state) and the
birthplace of our Pres.....and like many other Americans, he went home for the holidays.....but he did address the issue in a matter of hours...not after 5 days, a la Bush! By the way, does anyone remember how many days, during his term of office, that Bush was away from Washington on vacation?



~ Comments by Skazski

GOP: Hypocritical Blusterings

As much as I am a firm believer in freedom of speech there comes a time when, for the good of the Country, a muzzle should be applied....case in point, the former Vice-President, Dick Cheney. Not only does he conveniently forget the massive failure of "intelligence" pertaining to the dreadful 9/11 attack (which occurred on his watch) but the false "intelligence" that led us into 2 wars....wars that have not made us safer but have increased anti-American feelings/actions in the Middle East and other Muslim countries. The Republicans have been quick to leap on the "It's Obama's Fault" band wagon....even though 1 Republican Senator has held up the appointment of a new head of the TSA for reasons that have nothing to do with national security. A New Years Wish...that the American public will see through these hypocritical blusterings and will realize just how far the GOP will go to undermine the Obama Administration. How very patriotic!

~ Comments by Skazski

Ice Skating in Hell: Health "Reform"

WTF!!....this is health care reform? No public option? Tax-payers support for the State of Nebraska? Mandatory requirement to buy insurance? No strict regulation of the health insurance companies? This present bill is a gift wrapped prize to those health care monopolies....and the politicos who are beholden to the lobbyists. Our politicians are saying that necessary changes can be made "over time".....not that I'm cynical, but when that happens we will all be ice skating in hell!






~ Comments by Skazski

A Mad Convention of Used Car Salesmen; Good for You Al!

The U.S.Senate.....aka "The Cuckoo's Nest" what a laughable institution it has become! From Sen. McCain's feigned indignation re the audacious Junior Sen. Franken's calling "time" on his bosom buddy,Sen.J.Lieberman (good on you,Al)...to the body of legislators who use bribery,pay-offs,and everything except armed robbery to achieve Party goals....Party, NOT the taxpayers. The majority of Senators (Reps.& Dems alike) behave like a mad convention of used-car salesmen with such a lack of conscience it would make a three-card-monte dealer blush with shame!



~ Comments by Skazski

War: Share the Experience
The die is cast....we are sending some additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan......at this rate, with many of our men and women already serving their 5th 6th and even 7th tour of duty,where are these troops coming from? How many will be here at home for defense? It seems only logical,and fair, to reimplement the draft....we cannot continue fighting endless wars without fresh bodies! The suicide rate is up among our troops,families are being devastated, not to mention the physical and mental maiming of survivors...so why not share this experience with everybody?

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Man Charged for Having Compassion
How twisted our compassion for human life has become! A fellow has been charged for leaving jugs of water, in the desert, to prevent more people (illegal immigrants)from dying of thirst...and because he refused doing "community service" (removing those jugs) he faces jail time......yet the Coast Guard rescues foundering people (also illegal immigrants) from the sea to prevent them from drowning .....an argument is made about "THEM" taking jobs from Americans.....that is another story.....this is about saving lives and basic concern for the well-being of our fellow human beings......or it should be!

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Ashland, OR Scrooge
Bah!Humbug!....One family in Ashland, Oregon, has caused a school there to remove its Christmas Tree because it is "a religious symbol"! If the school had displayed a Cross,a Star of David or a Crescent and Star they would have a valid point...but the celebration around a decorated tree was, originally, a Pagan event. Over time the tree became a symbol of joy and good will among Christians and non-Christians alike. This tree was also a "giving"tree, meant for the more unfortunate children of the community.....makes me wonder what the hell is dancing in their heads....it sure ain't sugar plums!

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Defense of Torture Memos
Who is really running our country? Compare Pres. Obama's pre-election stated goals, i.e., closing Gitmo, rescinding "don't ask don't tell" and bringing our troops home to his recent decision on Afghanistan...and now, his Justice Department is defending the author of the Torture Memos! It seems that the military-terror cabal is the force that is really in charge of our country/destiny! Some conspiracy theorists might believe that in exchange for keeping the President "safe" he will accede to their demands......such as prolonging wars and maintaining the status quo re. keeping homosexuals out of the military.

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Our Multi-Tasking Congress
Our Congress at work!...one Congressman wanted to honor Tiger Woods with a medal (then had to back off when the present scandal broke) and another Congressman wanted to re-figure College Bowl games...such matters of importance! It is no wonder that public opinion of Congress is so low.....yet another Congressman said,in defense, "we can multi-task".....well, remember the old adage "jack of all trades but master of none"? Maybe the floor of Congress should be renamed to "stage for publicity hounds" or Trivia Pursuit.

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Senator Joe Lieberman: Feh!
Why do the Democrats still kow-tow to Sen.J.Lieberman?? He has proved, time and time again,that he is really a Republican who is indebted to the Insurance industry and that his "word" cannot be trusted. We ,the people( voters),need greater regulation of the insurance industry as well as health care that is affordable for all citizens. Joe Lieberman should be ashamed of himself....but unfortunately , he doesn't seem to have a conscience.

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Fund the War, Kill the Health Bill
The hypocrisy of our elected numbskulls in Congres is never ending......the Pro-Lifers' refusal to endorse any Health Care Bill that includes tax payer funds for abortions.....yet those same "Pro-Lifers" will, without question,vote to increase military spending(also tax funded) and troop redeployment. Where the hell is the logic in that?

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Obama, Where Are You?
To President Obama.....Why you will be a one term President. Altho you have a wide international fan base,and have improved this Country's image abroad....you have done very little to alleviate the problems ,here at home of those who actually elected you. The campaign speeches that you made inspired us all and gave us hope....yet they have come to naught. Your desire for a bi-partisan government was admirable but sadly misguided.......there will always be a segment of our populace who dislike you,your ideals and everything that you stand for,no matter what you do....but by acceding to them you appear to be weak and indecisive.Instead of being remembered as a "Champion of the People",your legacy will be that of a "Great Orator"......what a pity!.




~ Comments by Skazski

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

Pelosi
The recent attacks on Speaker Pelosi and calls for her to be removed from office...by none other than morally bankrupt former Speaker Newt Gingrich...are blatant attempts to shift the spotlight from the misdeeds of the former administration ie. Dick Cheney and gang.For us elderly folk,who have long memories, her arguments about being "mislead" by the CIA comes as no surprise nor do they seem unreasonable.....just look to history..

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The Value of Newspapers
Even in these days of faxes,internet,etc.,there are many of us who do not have access ,or do not use computers.....ergo,most of our local news,accounts of community events,regional sports,and other items of interest are supplied by our newspapers.. TV gives us only brief selected items....and certainly no in-depth reporting on issues of importance nor can TV coverage begin to cover all of the communities in a region....what may be of interest to viewers in,say,Mountain Home,Ark., is of little meaning to viewers in Medford,Ore......enter the newspaper...it is so sad that so many of them are folding today...to me the written word has more impact than a 3 second sound byte.

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Protests at Notre Dame Hypocritical
this is an issue that continues to cause my blood pressure to rise.....the protesters at Notre Dame re: President Obama's speaking to the graduating class...."we do not believe in Killing,we believe in Life"...a noble statement, but just a tad hypocritical.....there was nary a peep when a former President was a speaker there....altho,when he was Governor of Texas,he condoned the execution of more prisoners than any previous Governor,or that he instigated a war that has killed and maimed thousands of souls.By the way,where were the cries of outrage when Humanitarian Aid was denied to thousands of starving Africans( children included) because information on birth control/family planning was included in that package.Once again,the "rights" of the unborn supersede those who have actually seen the light of day

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Terrorists: We Have Our Own
NIMBY....those governors who say they won't have "those terrorists" in maximum security prisons within their states sound as though those same terrorists would be strolling in their parks or having "slurpees" at the local 7-11. What about our homegrown terrorists who are currently incarcerated in our prisons? How often have any of them been seen out and about in our communities?Guantanamo has been a blight on our national honor since it opened.....to those Democrats who voted against funding for closing Gitmo...you are reverting to the Demos of old....never mind doing what is right,do only what is politically advantageous.

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Armed Citizens
With so very many of our citizens armed to the teeth with every kind of armament(with the exception of heavy artillery),why be concerned about the transfer of Gitmo prisoners to the States?In a country where people shoot each other every day,for no reason at all,if I were a terrorist I would be shaking in my boots at the thought of being transferred here.

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Obama
What the hell!!!..."indefinite,prolonged detention" those words out of the mouth of President Obama!....what happened to vowing to uphold the Constitution,Mr. President???You are sounding more and more like George Bush!Detaining those might pose a threat but cannot be prosecuted due to lack of evidence? Are we going to be employing mind readers to suss out the bad guys? Seems like someone has been watching too much TV.

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~ Comments by Skazski

Arlen Specter
re Arlen Specter....the Democrats need this man like they need the plague....he left his own party(GOP) because he didn't think that he could win reelection as a Republican....not because he changed his attitudes/values ideology. He proved this by voting against the bill that would have given those home owners who needed a break with the banks/mortgage holders..If the Democratic Party had a lick of sense they would not back his campaign for reelection nor would they trust him on any vote that involves the Banking Industry.`

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Texas: "Buh-Bye!"
So the Great State of Texas wants to withdraw from the U.S.A.....Yahoo and Yippee! The "new country of Texas" could become the home for all of those old die-hard Republicans and Far Right loonies who repeatedly vote down anything that smacks of gun control,humanitarian acts or civil liberties. Perhaps a fence could be built around this "new" country to keep out undesireables...passport/visa needed,Since Texas ,at present, gets more funds back from taxes than any other state it would be interesting to see how Texas would fare as an independent entity during hurricane season for example.... ,given their philosophy on big government and Federal "hand outs",etc.

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Obama: What Change?
another day,another back step from our President......waffling on the withdrawing of troops from Iraq,the timely closing of Guantanimo,the continuation of Bush's policy of warrant less wire taps,etc.,and now the reversal of"transparency". pix relating to illegal/immoral torture. Now,today,out the window went the pledge to put a stop to "don't ask,don't tell." Where is this change you promised us,Mr.President?You say that all of this is on the advice of the "CIA and the Generals"Who is really running this country, Mr.Obama? If memory serves,the C.I.A. is not the most reputable(or reliable) outfit in our government....remember Nicaragua?just one example of their mistakes.

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The Orally Flatulent, or Thank God for the Tennis Channel
Oh,Dear Heaven!....what a mess,this week,on TV..."who knew what and when" who's lying about briefings, will Kate continue on? should Miss California keep her title? will that orally flatulent, overweight "entertainer" continue to destroy the Republican Party?.....and the list goes on......thank God for the Tennis Channel! without it I would have lost my mind!

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Weird Beliefs: Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, CIA . . .
just one more reason why we should be more careful about the people we send to Washington as our Representatives and Senators......the idea, put forth by Rep.Boehner,et al.,that the CIA "might lie to others but they would not lie to Congress" is not just laughable it is akin to a child's belief in the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny! Do these elected officials read (anything but the Comics and Sports pages)? Can they pass a standard I.Q. test? Do they have any knowledge of history? the law or the Constitution?Do any of these talking heads know anything about the history of the CIA???!!!

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Auto Industry in a Looking Glass World
What did I miss here? Wasn't the point of that automotive "loan" meant to encourage said industry to retool production and produce more efficiently functioning cars.....not to put thousands more people out of work,such as .....auto dealers and their employees.....if someone buys a dealer franchise,pays for the cars from the manufacturer pays his support staff and pays for their health insurance....how does closing those dealerships benefit the car makers? The dealer and his employees are tax payers who contributed to that "loan"....how does this help anyone? The only ones to profit from this Looking Glass world would be the German,Japanese and Korean car makers.




~ Comments by "Skazski," aka Regan's mom.

A Collection of Posts: Guns, God, and More. . .

here is something else that baffles me......WHY do politicians, of every party,feel it necessary to mention God at every possible opportunity? This is unheard of in most of the civilized nations around the world.....even though they are every bit as religious,Church attending,and God-loving as we profess to be......could it be that others consider religion to be a private , spiritual matter not to be used as a "battle flag"??.....just wondering`

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here is something else to consider....why does the NRA continue to mislead the public about assault weapons??No citizen of this country has the need for such armament,not for personal safety and certainly not for hunting.....remember a few years ago when the LAPD had to go to gun stores to get those weapons because they were being out gunned by some bank robbers?Banning such weapons has nothing to do with hunting rifles or hand guns for personal protection......and just look at the "Drug wars" that are being fought ,not just in the country next door to us,but along our borders....and where are these weapons being smuggled from? from us!Our politicians must forget the NRA and it's lobbyists and really crack down on the manufacture and sales of these weapons....there is no rational excuse to do other-wise.

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Holy Smokes!....the tax on cigarettes has just gone up another$1 plus....that's on top of whatever individual states choose to tax....in some places that amounts to over $9 per pack.....while I applaud President Obama's reasons for the increase ,could we have a bit of equity here? When will he announce an increase in the tax on alcohol? Guess we will have to do what we did in WWII...relearn to roll our own...with my arthritic old hands that will be lots of fun!

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Viva Espana.....at least one country has the moral/ethical guts to call out the Bush administration on torture/war crimes....too bad it wasn't us...you know, the nation that " reveres" the Constitution that extols "freedom" and "human rights"...it is a shame that President Obama has chosen to be a politician rather than uphold that Constitution.

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Conspiracy theory # who knows......the most secretive Veep of all time has an underground network of operatives( who are loyal to him and the GOP) in the Pentagon, Intelligence agencies and other government offices....and fronting the operation are such public personalities as Limbaugh Gingrich Glen Beck etc.,...and their mission is to overthrow the present Administration......it is said that in every rumor there is a kernel of truth....hmmmm....isn't it odd that we have been hearing more from him in the past few weeks than we did when he was actually in office??

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When the Constitution was being drafted "the Right to Bear Arms" referred to the right of householders to keep firearms in order to have a militia....a civilian army....to fight off any external forces such as an invading army.I think it unreal that our ancestors were sanctioning gangs of teenagers waging wars on the streets( Bloods v. Crips )assassination of leaders whose dreams were considered dangerous(Dr.King,for one) or disgruntled ex employees shooting up a place of work or mentally ill misfits slaughtering their classmates/spouses/families.This "Wild West" mentality has been a curse on us far too long.It is time for serious, unemotional discourse on the dangers of guns and responsibilities of gun control.

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What has this world come to??? after seeing some of those loonies on UTube ranting about the need to stockpile guns NOW ("before President Obama bans weapons") makes me more than just a little afraid....just the thought of those nut cases being armed is enough to make me want to go out and buy a gun.....for protection against them.... .What the hell happened to common sense??

Bring it on!

Any port in a storm??....if, after thirty years, the "super rich" must pay their FAIR share of taxes, if Universal Health care is on the horizon, if the Banking and Securities businesses are now subject to greater regulation and control, if all of the above fall into the category of "socialism"...then I say...bring it on!

Stem Cell Opposition

I just cannot fathom the so-called logic of those who oppose stem cell research.....on one hand they proclaim that such research goes against God's will....yet they condone keeping people alive by artificial methods....who, if according to "God's will" would otherwise be dead, or by organ transplants extending the lives of those would also die,etc., etc.,...how do they suppose those life-saving measures came about? does the word RESEARCH ring any bells?? Are not intelligence and imagination and creativity gifts from the Lord to us that we may bring about the betterment of mankind?




~ Comments by Skazski

Gormless Obstructionists

F***ing unreal!!!Outrage doesn't begin to describe the feelings I experienced upon seeing the report that our officials in Washington want a pay raise....those poor politicians only get $174,000 per year...and an excellent health care package,plus who knows what other perks! At a time when unemployment figures are the highest in years,when the economy is tanking, when businesses are folding and people are losing their homes......these gormless obstructionists,who are fighting the President at every step, think that they are worth more money is nothing short of criminal! Maybe they should get out of Washington and go home......see how their constituents are trying to eke out a living!


~ Comments by Skazski

"Seperation of Church and State? " Ha!

Here's another funny story......the Catholic Church in Connecticut is trying to fend off a bill that would put a lay oversight board to manage the Church's funds....saying that it would violate the "separation of church and state".....who are they kidding?! The RC has been meddling in politics for years...i.e.,Roe v.Wade, stem cell research,Gay rights,etc.,etc.......separation of church and state?Ha!

Enough Time?

re:"Is Obama doing too much?"....nonsense!,it's more a question of do we have enough time to clean up this mess before the Ship of State sinks like the Titanic.....the iceberg being the GOP and the Bush administration.




~ Comments by Skazski

Gonifs in the AIG

Just a thought......if Pres. Obama can't stop those criminal, outrageous bonuses at AIG.....why can't the new "owners"(the tax payers) who control 80% of the company oust the top tier of management for incompetence....and fine them, say,one year's salary, for gross negligence??? IN the present economic climate there should be problem in replacing those gonifs..


~ Comments by Skazski

Thank You!

I am amazed by the responses to these "musings"...it is so gratifying to get your input....and to know that I am not alone here, howling in the wilderness....thank you.

~ Comments by Skazski

The Grand Poobah

Goody!Goody! the circus is in town....in the center ring we have the overblown, bombastic clown,Rush Limbaugh...surrounded by the GOP tumblers falling all over themselves to remain in his good graces! God forbid that they say anything to offend his sensibilities.....never mind that every time the Grand Poobah opens his mouth he offends every sane person within earshot!




~ Comments by Skazski

Junk TV

Part tres;....this is an old one.....it used to be called the "dumbing down" of America. The only thing that has changed in the ensuing decades is the addition of
"Reality Shows" and the lewder use of language. On our TV screens we have programs that are called situation comedies that are filled with references to body parts (with their functions ) in the crudest terms held together by scripts that a half-bright 10 year old could write.....shows that are devoted to young, brainless pretty people who have no visible talent, other than to pose for the camera. Many, many shows that teach us how to cook (while cursing a blue streak), how to deal with a cheating spouse or how to get one, how to lose weight or how to make a fool of oneself in front of millions. In recent weeks more air-time was given to the upcoming Super Bowl (what should happen/what could happen) than was given to coverage of Iraq, not to mention an actor's tirade complete with F bombs,...this went on for 3 days! Granted in these trying times there is a need for levity and escapism......but a sense of proportion,please! The fall-out from this endless diet of crap is that programs that are different, employ good actors and are well written fall by the wayside.

Smokers Need A Place

Lastly,the "Demonization" of smokers. While tobacco is still legal in this country and smokers pay a higher tax than consumers of alcohol they are treated as pariahs. Without going into all the evils that are laid at tobacco's doorstep...that is a choice of the individual....to smoke, or not. Why then, can't smokers have establishments of their own? With the advancements made in ventilation systems...that should be a possibility.

Sour Repugs?

What in the hell is up with those Republicans?? Could it be that they are still miffed that Obama won the election and that he is so popular not only here but world wide? The GOP is acting like a spoiled bunch of 2 year olds! True, it has been only 30 days but it is high time they got over it and remember that they are in Washington to serve the whole country not their own personal agendas. It is quite clear that the Reps. aren't going to accept Pres. Obama's overtures of bi-partisanship so it is time for him to stop "playing nice" ...before they get too full of themselves, and high time the Dems.to show strength and not concede to those sore losers!





~ Comments by "Skazski," aka Regan's mom.

Too Much Idealism?

Open hand or closed fist? Obama's "outreach to the Right" has so far been a dud....who in the world is advising him? Here is an idea...select the best qualified person (preferably not a politician) for the job, vet him inside and out and then announce the candidate. In order to "hit the ground running" the Prez and his advisers were a tad hasty and a lot idealistic in those choices....and forget Bi-Partisan politics.




~ Comments by "Skazski," aka Regan's mom.

The Old Regime's War Crimes; New Regime's Blind Eye

These are very questionable times...not just concerning the economic disaster, the awful unemployment statistics and the tragic loss of homes, but the very real possibility that the Obama Administration will not investigate nor prosecute the previous Administration for war crimes.....are they more afraid of offending the Republicans rather than upholding the Constitution? "Looking forward " is all very fine and noble but...if you don't look to the Past, you are bound to make the same dastardly mistakes.




~ Comments by "Skazski," aka Regan's mom.

Blackwater

Why in the name of all that's holy is Blackwater still being awarded contracts (by us) in Iraq (who want them out)? With their criminal and negligent record there, how is this going to help relations between the two countries? Seems like an odd way of going about it...oops! sorry, meant "XE"..guess the name change makes it all better..





~ Comments by Skazski

Incitment to Violence

Freedom of speech vs. Incitement to violence;...the appalling cartoon in last week's New York Post and (would-be president) A.Keyes' statements that Obama is not our legal President ("not born in the U.S.")and has communistic tendencies ....and "must be stopped" are guarantied rights afforded everyone...that doesn't mean that discretion should be ignored! There are many crack-pots at large in our land...and some fanatics/ crazies who just might see all of this as a green light to commit an unspeakable act of violence....just look at our history!

~ Comments by Skazski

Righ to Lifers:Baby, You're on Your Own

part dos: The sanctimony of "Right-to Lifers" a case in point...in Italy a woman, who had been in a vegetative state for 17 years finally had her feeding tubes removed...despite the efforts to stop that action,by the Pope and government.....very much like a case here in the U.S. They (the RtL) spoke of "God's will"....yet it was man/science that extended those lives....when left to God, those people died....weren't we playing "God" by keeping them artificially alive? Our previous government deprived people/ children of much needed Aid if it included any mention of birth control/family planning. Children here at home are being brought up in substandard environments and inadequate nutrition... where are the marches of protest?? We send our young men and women off to war to be killed or maimed in body and in spirit, yet fail to fund the cost of health care/ rehabilitation. It seems that the "sanctity of life" only spans the time from conception to birth....after that,baby, you are on your own.



~ Comments by "Skazski," aka Regan's mom.

Here's Hoping
Politics as usual vs. the common good.......despite Pres. Obama's (and his platform) victory....the Republicans cling to their elitists' policies, and to hell with the rest of the country.....I hope that the Democrats develop a back bone and the spunk to fight back and not cave in as usual.

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Unholy Mess
Some one once said that to be involved in politics one needed a strong stomach....I don't understand this unholy mess but just watching the news brings on a severe attack of nausea! If the average citizen can't see what the hell is going on (in Congress) without wanting to throw something at the TV set....that person is in a coma!!

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Boehner: Join the Comedy Club Circuit!
Welcome to Oz.....it would be funny if it wasn't so sad. The very same Republicans who for the past 8 years played starring roles in bringing this economical mess to fruition are now saying "wait! we have a better plan but it will take a bit longer to put together"....may I respectfully suggest that Rep. Boehner quit his day job and go on the Comedy Club circuit ?!

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Cut Republicans Salaries
What am I missing here ?....no more Savings account,no pension, no home, no job....and a tax cut helps me how??? here's an idle thought....just suppose the Republican Congress were to have their salaries (and perks) cut to equal those of the average workers for six months....how do you think they would vote?

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Oregon Cuts
Today , in our state........Tax Cuts=Budget Cuts=Human Services Cuts,school closures, and cuts to the Highway Patrol....among other services. In one's home, or the state or the Nation.....if funds don't come in....money can"t go out.....like it or not, taxes are a necessary evil.

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Is Obama Naive?
while I applaud Pres. Obama's philosophy of non- partisan politics....I fear that he is being stunningly naive...remember what Chamberlain's appeasement accomplished?!

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Too Young To Know?
My stars and garters!!...did my ears deceive me? ...a leader of the free world admitting to making a mistake!!! after the b---s--- of the past 8 years I am like, totally in shock.....what is the world coming to ?

Guess who said "government never built anything of importance"....that's right...the new Chairman of the GOP.....I reckon that he's too young to remember the WPA and all those highways,etc.,that they built.

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What an interesting concept.......by imposing a salary cap on those CEOs of failed financial enterprises (who received bail out funds)...a terrible drain of "talent" would occur....are they referring to those exceptional " talents " who were the engineers of this gawd awful financial mess? I wonder how they can maintain a straight face while uttering such a con!!

One thing is absolutely certain.....no matter which path we choose to go forward , we will most certainly fail if we stay on this same,sorry road. This is a new century, a new world and the time for a new way of thinking.

Since we have the attention span of a flea.....here's a thought......why not keep a list of those Senators and Representatives who vote against the "Stimulus Bill" and keep that list at hand when reelection time comes around....one good turn deserves another.

Quick , Renfrew , the stake.....although the Puppet has gone the Ventriloquist remains behind to spew forth his Mantras of fear and the elimination of our civil rights.

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Dress Code
Dress Code for the Oval Office.....good grief! are we still in school? how trivial can we get? correct me if I'm wrong , but isn't the character of the man behind the desk more important than his wardrobe? you would think that we learned our lesson after the fiasco of the past 8 years....enough!

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Hand-outs vs. Bail-outs
Hand-outs vs. Bail-outs.....remember back in the day all that foo-fa-rah about
"Welfare Moms" and the Welfare Syndrome that a certain political Party ranted against ? One "class" of people were singled out as being irresponsible , living on the government dole (with no inclination to work) ...in other words a "drain on society"....today we also have a class of people who are being rewarded for being irresponsible,greedy, and with no sense of wrong-doing... yet the sense of outrage and demeaning comments is oddly muted this time around.....I guess it all depends on which "class" you fall into......or political Party.

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Smiley-Faced McCain
Where's the change?....no wonder Sen."tax cuts" McC. is looking so relaxed and smiley-faced these days......he must be thanking his lucky star every night that he wasn't the one to inherit this mess! Now he can sit back and fire pot shots at his rival all the while accusing him of not being "bi-partisan" God only knows I am not against the elderly,but isn't it time we get rid of these old f---s ?!

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Why I'm An Angry Old Woman

I have a friend who scolds me for concentrating on politics (and related issues) so here goes....why I am an angry old woman....Part Uno; the hypocrisy of our society...a Gold Medalist was pictured taking a hit from a bong...heaven protect us! such a hue and cry of outrage! one would have thought that this (very) young man had pissed on the Pope! what nonsense....if he had been shown tossing back Tequila shots few eyebrows would have been raised. You say that pot is not only illegal but a mood alerter? well, what about coffee, beer,hard liquor and prescription drugs?? never mind the cases of manslaughter, child and/or spousal abuse, hours lost from the workplace due to "hang-overs" or accidents caused by the same..legal and socially acceptable substances and ..we haven't even touched on the monetary costs to the body and wallet. I am not an advocate for marijuana , but I do strongly object to this double standard..."weed,bad/ booze O.K."





~ Comments by "Skazski," aka Regan's mom.

O Frabjous Day

O , Frabjous Day !......what an astonishing and inspirational event.....the feelings of joy and hope were palpable to those of us who watched the ceremonies at home and listened to the radio at work....." Farewell night , welcome day"

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Some times its hard to be an optimist.......Republicans ( Conservative ) are still up to their old obstructive tricks , putting their political aspirations ahead of the welfare of the country.....guess the " winds of change " have blown right over their heads.!

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Conspiracy theories leave me cold...but an unpleasant thought came to me while watching the news.....could the delay over the confirmation of the new AG appointee be due to the GOP wanting assurance that there will be no " war crimes " investigation/ action taken by this Administration against the previous one? President Obama has said that he only wants to "look forward not to the past ".....yet by saying that he tacitly condones those criminal acts and could set a precedent for future Administrations. This is a very thorny situation and not bound to be popular with " Main Street "......Pres. Obama can try to repair the damage done to our Constitution and to the erosion of our civil liberties without ruffling too many feathers....but this war crimes issue concerns not only America but the whole world.

Palestinians vs. Israelis

For those of us who had such high hopes for a new cast of characters and a new way of doing business in Washington....we got Clinton retreads....in this huge country were there no other capable , intelligent people to fill these jobs? I fear that being " all inclusive" there will be so many arguments between those different factions that nothing will be accomplished and it will be back to the same old quagmire of inaction.

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re Palestinians vs. Israelis....can we put aside our old prejudices for a moment? When one group of people are subjected to daily harassment , kept in a state of abject poverty and forced to live in an environment that echoes the Stalags of another era....is it not any wonder that a deep sense of resentment and anger exists? these conditions provided a perfect breeding ground for terrorist groups to thrive....just perhaps , if Israel had been a more com passionate e neighbor some of this enmity could have been averted and Hamas would not have become so powerful and popular. There is plenty of blame to be shared , by both sides and , sadly , no sense of morality , humanity or integrity.. This attitude ( of Israel ) that " we are stronger than you and we will smash you " is not likely to inspire any Arab with a sense of awe or to cause a sudden burst of affection among the warring factions....remember the old saying....you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar?...shalom

To state the obvious....between Black and White there are many shades of Grey....one can be empathetic to the plight of the victims of wars without condoning the perpetrators of those wars.ideally people would look at a situation from all points of view before leaping , blindly , to a judgement...I think that is one of our greatest faults in dealing with most of our problems.

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Not only am I old but not terribly bright .....my daughter is visiting me this week-end and showed me how to access " comments " on the mirror blog......thank you , Ray for your input, and Lesley and others who have taken the trouble to respond.


~ Comments by "Skazski," aka Regan's mom.