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Letters to the Editor: Oct. 15, 2008
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Letter of the Day: Big money, little impact for us
Editor, Daily News:
The bailout seems to benefit only investment banks and hedge funds.
It will free credit for banks, which will then lend money only to highly credit-worthy people, leaving homeowners in trouble right where they are.
There should be a moratorium on foreclosures for the homeowner’s principle residence (not speculator properties) and banks should be forced to negotiate to use the bailout funds to permit people and families to keep their homes. This would place fewer homes on the market, helping to stabilize it.
When the market crashed 777 points, this could only have been precipitated by hedge funds, selling to scare the populace who, as individual investors, could never have caused such a decline. It succeeded in changing their opinion for being against the bill to supporting it to save their own investments and 401(k)s.
The stock market will never stabilize until hedge funds and investment banks are regulated like mutual funds, as they have changed buying stocks on fundamentals to computer-generated programs which account for well over 50 percent of all daily trading.
Under the present atmosphere, the little investor can never win.
James R. Rehak, Naples
Back off the manager
Editor, Daily News:
I would like to make a comment about how Naples City Manager Bill Moss is being treated by Councilwoman Teresa Heitmann.
She is so condescending to Moss during the council meetings. It is pretty clear that she does not like him and attempts to make him look like he is not doing his job.
I was glad to see that Mayor Bill Barnett finally said to Heitmann that she needed to put her comments in writing to Moss and not bring them up during a council meeting.
I don’t know what Heitmann’s problem is, but it stands out like a “neon sign.”
Lynn Neal, Naples
Can we calm down?
Editor, Daily News:
Congratulations to John McCain for rebuking the prejudice and hatred that define the Republican Party.
Last Friday, McCain literally had to take the microphone away from a woman spouting anti-Obama hatred. Of course, the woman had been whipped into her frenzy by all the negative campaigning from the McCain organization.
Nonetheless, McCain is to be commended for injecting a little bit of reason into an out-of-control organization.
When I hear cries of “kill him” and ridiculous charges of “treason,” it becomes easy to understand how the likes of George W. Bush and Adolf Hitler came to power.
Gene Vaughter, Naples
It would take us backward
Editor, Daily News:
I am president of Certified Pest Control Operators of Southwest Florida.
The city of Bonita Springs is looking to adopt a fertilizer ordinance to help clean up our waterways.
Our industry has supported cleaning up our environment and our waterways. Back in 2000, our industry, along with the University of Florida, South Florida Water Management District, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, decided to create a manual called the Green Industries Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources in Florida (BMPs).
It was published in June 2002.
Since then, several counties and cities have interpreted the science to suit their needs based on public opinion and, in some cases. political pressures. They have steered away from the science.
This will cause a major impact on the economy, that is already struggling, by cutting jobs, bringing property values down and causing the overall appearance of homes and communities to decline. We are hoping that the council members do not rush in to adopt a feel-good ordinance that in the long run could cause more harm than good. Our industry is looking forward to working with them using the BMPs. Soon there will be a new publication coming out with the most updated science.
Nick Libretto, Cape Coral
They get the points
Editor, Daily News:
Re: Saturday article, “Flight of the CEOs.”
Thank you for picturing nine of the greedy, incompetent CEOs of some of the largest firms in the United States. Now I can at least put faces with the names of those who stole a huge chunk of my savings.
Those crooks and their golden handshakes, however, represent only a few of the most egregious of their ilk.
Since it seems there is nothing I can do to recover my losses, to alleviate some of the sting I have fashioned dolls in each of their likenesses in which I stick sharp pins — frequently!
Suzann Helber, Naples
No middle man
Editor, Daily News:
Remember?
Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you.
What is Barack Hussein Obama afraid of?
Lori Metzger, Naples
We can do it
Editor, Daily News:
It was with sadness that I read Liz Freeman’s article regarding the closing of the adult day program of the Sunrise Community of Collier County.
Having provided mental-health and substance-abuse services in the Collier County Jail for almost 15 years, I get a special view of the needy populations that are supported by community and government dollars and those who are not supported.
Someone who once resided in local government-subsidized housing observed that those other residents living in the complex, who had developmental disabilities, were picked up each day by van to participate in activities, while those with mental illness were simply hanging out, grubbing cigarettes, etc.
How really true that is I am not sure, but I can tell you that in my work in the jail, I have seen hundreds of persons with mental illness arrested; during the same period, only two handfuls of persons with developmental disabilities were arrested.
I work for a private company that provides services to 64 jails and prisons nationally and this statistic is a sharp contrast to other jurisdictions. In meetings and discussions I have always given credit to TECH, now Sunrise, for the wonderful work they do.
The reason I have chosen to write this letter is to make folks in the community aware that this is truly one of those nonprofits that will use the money you give to carry out the mission intended.
While these are tough times economically, perhaps 13 churches, companies or donors could commit to $1,000 monthly. It would mean so much and would go so far.
Vickie Freeman, Naples
Just tell us
Editor, Daily News:
I must say that I am quite gratified to note that all these political pundits who surround us in this absolutely endless presidential campaign are finally arriving at the same conclusion that I arrived at many months ago — and about which I wrote a letter to the Daily News that was published on Sept. 5 — namely the necessity of revealing the names of the advisers who will be leading this nation through its worst financial crisis ever.
“Who are they?” I asked then and I am asking still. I hear names like Warren Buffett, Rudy Giuliani and New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, among others, but no firmly committed names have emerged at this writing.
John McCain and Barack Obama have one more debate. The names of their financial advisers and key Cabinet members better be the first thing we hear. We have a right to know who these people are now in order to make an informed decision in two weeks’ time!
These are very serious times and these are the people whose decisions will determine what becomes of our country and ourselves for the foreseeable future.
Bette Dion, Naples
‘Too much to ask?!’
Editor, Daily News:
While the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seems to have “stolen a march” on its Collier County counterpart in “lining up at the trough” of congressional largess for controversial intercounty and intracounty arterial projects, the fact remains, there’s still a lot of spadework to be done before any redirected funds from the new
$9.2 million earmark will funnel into the two county coffers.
Any “equitable” agreement between the county MPOs at the imminent joint meeting on Friday must still pass muster with the Florida Department of Transportation and its Solomonic decision as to the efficacy of each request.
On the one hand, Collier County’s request for $2.5 million to purchase rights of way for right-turn lanes from Immokalee Road to Interstate 75 represents a long-sought-for conclusion to an active project of $16.9 million.
On the other hand, Lee County’s project involving interim improvements to the Bonita Beach Road interchange is still unfunded.
Let common sense prevail among the two county MPOs. Finish the active project in Collier County and then satisfactorily fund the Lee County project, with the blessing of FDOT.
Too much to ask?!
M.E. Stebner, Naples
Obama’s Wall Street blues
Editor, Daily News:
It seems that everyone attributes the recent downward spiral of the stock market to the banking/mortgage woes of the subprime lending fiasco. The banks are only partially to blame, because here is strong evidence that the problem was brought on to us initially by liberal legislators, followed up with a helping hand from President Bush’s administration. But regardless of cause, this crisis has had a severe effect upon the market.
However, there may be a second, less noticeable, negative force at work.
Part of the drastic decline could well be due to the spectre of Barack Hussein Obama becoming president. How large a part is problematical, but Obama’s anti-business stance coupled with his announced tax increases are surely giving second thoughts to would-be investors and causing others to reduce or liquidate their holdings, at least until the election results are in.
Robert Beckwith, Lely
Confused? Call us
Editor, Daily News:
Legalese of the Florida constitutional amendments got you confused?
Us too, so we developed an English language version. We analyzed the six constitutional amendments, the pros and cons, proponents and opponents and developed a comprehensive explanation of each amendment. All the information is available at our Web site — www.lwvcolliercounty.org — or call us at 263-4656 and we will mail you a copy.
We hope that, after reading our analysis, you will agree with us and Vote no on 2 and yes on 1, 3 and 6.
At that same Web site, we have information on the judicial candidates, the presidential candidates and candidates for tax collector, School Board, County Commission District 5, state Legislature, Congress (including voting records), fire districts and mosquito control.
No endorsements — just information to help you be an informed voter.
We have forums scheduled for Oct. 22 on the School Board and constitutional amendments. On Oct. 24 we will have the candidates for County Commission District 5 and state representative District 101. Watch Comcast 11 from 6-8 p.m.
Voter turnout is expected to be record-breaking, so why not vote from the comfort of your home? Request a mail-in ballot by calling the Supervisor of Elections Office at 252-8450 or go to her Web site: www.CollierVotes.com.
Still want to vote in person? Take advantage of early voting starting
Oct. 20. Need a ride to the polls? Call us. Still confused? Call us.
Like what we are doing? Join us.
Chris Straton, President, League of Women Voters of Collier County
So, you want change, eh?
Editor, Daily News:
Fight back!
Get out and vote for new leadership in our federal government, because your congresspersons, speaker of the House, vice president and president of our United States are all not doing their jobs.
These politicians have forgotten why we put them in office and it’s time we did something about it. All of the above political positions have let our economy go to pot and they do not seem to have the ability to take care of the economy of the U.S. and the voters who put them into office.
I’m from Texas and I’m ashamed to admit I supported George Bush and his campaign. He has been the worst president ever.
Vice President Dick Cheney, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and your congresspersons are lousy representatives of you, the voter.
We need new representation and I think it’s time we vote for the other person and not vote for the incumbents. They are not doing their jobs!
Next is the office of the new president and vice president. It’s hard to give a recommendation on these two positions, as both parties and their candidates stink. If things don’t change, I feel we need to strongly support a third party and get this country pointed in the right direction.
Our present Republican and Democratic parties are not aware of what this country needs. I’m tired of supporting do-nothing politicians!
Both candidates talk about change. This is change!
Ronald W. Moore, Naples
Last but not least
Editor, Daily News:
There is a great deal of distrust by the general public of the Collier County School Board and Superintendent Dennis Thompson.
Several unpleasant things have happened, such as replacing custodial staff and budget cutbacks.
The flexible-funding referendum is not about the superintendent or the School Board. It is about our children. Without this funding from our capital budget, anything not mandated by the state can — and probably will — be cut from our schools. This includes band, art, chorus, sports, Advanced Placement courses and more. (What a dreadful prospect for our children.)
Vote yes for the flexible-funding referendum. It is the last item on the
Nov. 4 ballot.
Pamela Gregory, Naples
Show them out
Editor, Daily News:
The American people would feel better about having confidence in a turnaround if the same people were not guarding the barn door.
The chairmen of the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking Committee need to be replaced now.
Glenn M. Chamberlain, Naples
’This is a sickness!’
Editor, Daily News:
I watch and listen to my Republican friends who are supposed to be intelligent, thoughtful and fair-minded as they talk about the candidates for national office.
Is there some sort of virus that has infected their brains, reducing their analytic qualities to zero?
Supposedly rational people listen to Sara Palin and John McCain spout their patently false claims that Barack Obama, Joe Biden and all Democrats are responsible for everything from global warming to the financial crisis. They listen to the gibberish that gushes from Palin and somehow think it has meaning in English. They somehow think that McCain’s selection of this person to possibly be leader of the free world shows thoughtful judgment.
They accept the McCarthyesque attacks on character and associations that spew forth from the campaign candidates and vitriolic talk-radio hosts, like Mandy Connell and her ilk, without consideration of evidence or recognition of half-truths.
This is a sickness! Not one of these people want to hear that in 2000, when the Republicans came to power, we had a surplus in the federal Treasury and our national debt was half of what it is now; that after eight years of mismanagement and seven years of an unnecessary war instigated by a Republican administration, our country is bankrupt and our global reputation for fairness, democracy and decency is severely tarnished at their hands.
Somehow they believe that re-electing Republicans — mavericks no less — is going to make that better!
Please! Someone create a vaccine, fast!
Larry Lancit, Naples
What the ... ?
Editor, Daily News:
I now hear a great deal of guilt by association, name-calling and recycled garbage coming mainly from a campaign that said it would not stoop to such practice.
Straight talk? Me thinks not. What is Sarah Palin’s, John McCain’s or Joe Biden’s middle name? One could easily describe such tactics as desperation.
I have heard people I know well say they cannot and will not vote for a black man. To me this is shameful.
If you use logic, reality is a clear picture. If you think a person is tainted by race, no matter how much you pray, you will never see the kingdom of Heaven.
Which party, which liar, which lies you embrace speak volumes of the person. So much is being said that is not true.
Oh my gosh! I don’t know what to believe. I do, though, believe that is the plan.
Robert Jenkins, Naples
Hooked on service
Editor, Daily News:
As a member of the Naples Fishing Club, I recently got the assignment to find out why fishing is not allowed at the regional park on Livingston Road.
Our club is primarily focused on saltwater fishing, but we decided someone needed to work on this issue. An e-mail we sent to Collier Commissioner Jim Coletta was forwarded to staffer Barry Williams. Apparently, his boss, Marla Ramsey, tried to get fishing permitted a while back and was unsuccessful.
The question was put to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) staff. The response came back that the county would have to install a water-treatment project for fishing to be allowed. With the current economic situation, this did not seem possible.
At this point we had more communications with the county staff and directly with the SFWMD. Our idea was to get the underlying reason for the rules put forth and see if by proposing catch and release we could get fishing allowed.
Before this approach got advanced, we received an e-mail from Clarence Tears of the SFWMD informing all the parties working on this that catch and release would be allowed. Considering the county’s investment in the park, getting greater utilization of the facility is a very good thing to do.
Kudos to all the government folks for working to add yet another activity for residents to enjoy at the park.
E.R. Russell , Naples
All figured out
Editor, Daily News:
In 1987, there were only 13 billionaires in the country. Today, 21 years later, there are more than 1,000.
Also, there are now more multimillionaires than ever before.
Hedge-fund managers, investment bankers and their like were able to amass huge fortunes in a relatively short period of time. They were aided and abetted by the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act, which had placed limits on usurious interest rates and provided a degree of regulation over banks.
In the Ronald Reagan era and thereafter, the supply side (voodoo economics) people were in control. They urged further deregulation of banks, business and the securities industry, and they were successful. Thus, we created a new gilded age, with an upper class, with all of its excesses, which once again held sway over the middle class and the poor.
Today 1 percent of the population has more wealth than 90 percent below them. This concentration of wealth in the hands of the few corresponds to the situations that existed during the 1907 financial panic and the excesses of the 1920s that led to the 1929 crash and the Depression of the 1930s.
Thus, we find ourselves in this financial mess resulting from the creation of structured investment vehicles (SIVs), collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), credit default swaps and derivatives. These instruments are mostly unregulated and lack transparency.
All of this brought down Enron, WorldCom, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, AIG, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the end is not in sight.
The regulators such as the Securities Exchange Commission, Committee on Regional Trade Agreements, Congress and the Fed failed to do their job of oversight.
Thus, the chickens are coming home to roost and we are reaping the whirlwind.
Stanley Tralins, Naples
Earning our trust
Editor, Daily News:
We need a highly qualified individual — with strong fire and emergency services experience — to serve on the North Naples Fire District Board.
James Quigley began his career in 1964 as a volunteer firefighter, a position he held for 10 years until he became an employed firefighter with the fire district. Quigley retired at the rank of deputy fire marshal after serving the North Naples Fire and Rescue District for almost 29 years.
Following his retirement from the North Naples Fire and Rescue District, Quigley was appointed to the district’s board in 2003. He was elected in 2004 to continue his valued service on the board.
A community member since 1957, Quigley served as president of the Pine Ridge Civic Association during two separate terms. In addition, he served as president of the Second District Association, informing associations about fire district matters for more than six years. Fire Commissioner Quigley has dedicated his life to the fire and emergency services field.
I strongly recommend James Quigley for commissioner for the North Naples Fire and Rescue District. He has the right credentials!
Merlin Lickhalter, Naples
Free to move about the country
Editor, Daily News:
Citizens and voters often hear what they want to hear.
We just went through a crisis essentially because people heard they could have “free” mortgages.
Now voters are rushing headlong to elect a man who is telling them that health care (and everything else) can be “free.”
Donavin Baumgartner Jr. , Naples
Did he have it right?
Editor, Daily News:
Say it isn’t so.
Remember back in the 1960s when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev visited the United States?
He declared that America should not worry about the Soviet Union destroying America. America will destroy itself!
Pray to God he was wrong.
Marie Lawson, Bonita Springs
Now we know
Editor, Daily News:
I and many other people I spoke with didn’t quite understand how this whole mess started with the bailout.
In the Oct. 5 edition of the Daily News, a column by Brent Batten makes it clear and simple. It’s written well enough to be printed again.
By the way, remember the good old days when people actually bought a home to live in and enjoy?
Dorie DesLauries, Naples
Very funny
Editor, Daily News:
Elections questions for letter writers:
Will Fred (Tobias) be too biased?
Will Jane (Varner) garner lots of votes?
Has Eddie (Filer) filed?
Will we find out how Bob (Moates) votes?
Ted Petterson, Naples
Just say ...
Editor, Daily News:
Gratefully, my own position was summed up recently on a bumper sticker in just one word:
“NOBAMA.”
James F. Cantwell Jr., Naples
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Does McCain always have to do something the day after Obama?
#1 Posted by dooley on October 14, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Of course he does. He's a day late and a dollar short.
TIME FOR CHANGE!!!!!!!!!
TIME FOR THE OBAMANATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
time for mini me mcsames nap.
#2 Posted by boulderbilly on October 14, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't understand how anyone could be undecided as to who to vote for at this late date. The campaign has been in progress for almost 2 years. If anyone doesn't know who to vote for after all this time, must not have a brain to think with.
I'm not going to vote for a man. I'm going to vote for idealogy. I'm voting for the person who is most liberal and who I think will best be able to help the people. I don't want another conservative in the White House. George W. Bush has almost ruined the country, and I don't want someone that is anything like him.
I want someone in the White House that will give us a better health care system than we have now. I want someone who is pro choice. I want someone who will appoint liberal judges to the Supreme Court. I want someone who has progressive ideas. I want someone who will be a friend of the gay community. I want someone who cares about the environment. I want someone who will give tax breaks to poor and middle class citizens and raise taxes on those who can afford to pay high taxes. It is time to take special privileges from the wealthy.
I guess you all know who fits that description. He is the only one worth voting for.
#3 Posted by rationalman on October 14, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Canuck #71 on 14th
It is malicious to just point out some facts that you previously posted, which seem to have "changed" regularly, trying your best to cover flaws in that system?
Always told my kids, it is easy to remember the truth, but difficult to remember lies.
Also, check to see if you have made numerous malicious posts concerning your imagined adversaries and others here with your pecksniffian attitude.
Actually, it was more than 9 1/2 weeks. Recently you reduced the time to 9 1/2 weeks. Check your posts. Your earlier posts indicated 3 month delay if I recall.
But again, check your original posts. I sure you'll see how easy it is to not remember the lies.
More importantly, why would you lie about something like this??? All very perplexing.
Are mental disorders covered in Canada???? You show many mental abnormalities in the way you discuss some topics and your need for reaffirmation from complete strangers that post here. And the anal nit picking of inane subjects.
If you won't seek help because of the retirement stifling parking fees, I'll pay for your parking.
#4 Posted by Bricklin75 on October 14, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bricklin75...you are not only ignorant you are a complete jerk..you got personal with me about my wife and you crossed a line...and now you call me a liar.....do everybody a favour...get banned again...... but in the meantime do not address anything to me as I only want to dialogue with decent and ethical people
#5 Posted by Canuck on October 14, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AtlasfoughtBack...it does not look like Steven Harper will get his mandate...he will be re-elected but with a minority goverment...which is what he had when he broke his own rule and called this snap election because he thought he could get the majority.....he was the architect of a bill which passed in the house of commons to only hold elections every four years...(unless a minority goverment was defeated by a vote of confidence)...he desperately wanted a majority goverment so the minority will be looked at as a slight defeat
it will be interesting on how he will get along with Obama as Harper was more of a "Bush man"
#6 Posted by Canuck on October 14, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Canuck
Go back and review the "facts" in your previous posts.
I am certain what you posted. Just as I know you are confused as to what your lie was.
See, if you always tell the truth, you never have to remember what the lie was.
Acting offended and outraged and name calling does not change the facts of your story.
P.S. Remember, you selected the topic, not me.
#7 Posted by Bricklin75 on October 14, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Support the flexible funding referendum. Don't let money sit in an account (capital funds) to be wasted on artificial turf or flat screen tvs when it can go to the classrooms for real supplies and to save programs. It won't cost more out of your pocket.
#8 Posted by teachurkids on October 15, 2008 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bricklin75...this is the last time I address you but your post#8 requires an answer!!!!
as for my wife's timeline for which you are calling me a liar:
Posted on September 19 at 9:23 p.m.
"#153 Bricklin75.....I have already posted the timeline for my wife's illness...which included two ultra sounds...two CT scans...two CA 125 ovarian cancer test and a MRI before it was determined where the cancer cell were and how far they have spread......had her operation within a week of the final diagnosis....."
posted September 21: #19 4:34 pm
"show me my post on this subject where I did not mention 9 1/2 weeks as the timeline for my wife as this has always been front and centre.....
just another try to sneak in a lie
and another twist of the truth in your post....my wife had 7 tests before surgery...9 1/2 divided by 7 does not equate to two weeks for each procedure
I listen to my American friends and your system would be hard pressed to equal the service my wife got...unless you are paying extra to the providers for "concierge service"
you have a very annoying habit of misquoting statements and outright lying about what was said but you always seem to be caught!!!!!
you are calling me a liar and saying my wife's timeline was caused by the system and not by her difficult diagnosis of her cancer..... and you know absolutely nothing about her medical chart!!!! who is the fool here???"
not only are you a fool, you are also a gasbag who can only insult and call people liars who prove you wrong time and time again!!!
BTW you never did show me the post where you claim I never said 9 1/2 weeks.....coward!!!
as for who initiated this subject..you are either senile or you forget your post to me ....YESTERDAY.. on another subject where you threw in this snide remark
"Did you ever get that hospital parking refund?
You often expressed how important it was to you to not go into your retirement funds for things like health care.
#49 Posted by Bricklin75 on October 14, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)"
you were despicable to post your comments yesterday and you continue today....go hassle someone else as I am finished with you!!!!
#9 Posted by Canuck on October 15, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Canuck
Again, YOU, for some inane reason, chose the subject matter, not I.
You need to go further back in time to when you previously posted your facts and time lines.
The posts where you were mentioning only the costs and how you didn't have to use personal funds and ruin your "lifestyle".
I'm not the despicable person here fabricating facts.
Your anal manipulation of facts and posts and insertion of "new" fabrications do not change the real facts that you lied to make a story meet your claims.
Your various explanations over time have varied greatly, which many people would consider to be falsehoods.
I am just challenging your manipulation and changing of facts.
Please do not call me a coward for for your failure to produce the true facts. Point out the original post that conflict with my claims. Simple enough?? Ball is in your court.
Again, YOU, for some inane reason, chose the subject matter, not I.
#10 Posted by Bricklin75 on October 15, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I have heard people I know well say they cannot and will not vote for a black man. To me this is shameful."
Robert Jenkins, Naples
Is it really any more shameful than voting for someone BECAUSE he is a black man, regardless of whether one agrees with his policies?
#11 Posted by BigG on October 15, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"show me my post on this subject where I did not mention 9 1/2 weeks as the timeline for my wife as this has always been front and centre....."
"BTW you never did show me the post where you claim I never said 9 1/2 weeks.....coward!!!"
"as for who initiated this subject..you are either senile or you forget your post to me ....YESTERDAY.. on another subject where you threw in this snide remark
"Did you ever get that hospital parking refund?
You often expressed how important it was to you to not go into your retirement funds...etc
typical right wing rhetoric...call somebody a liar and then demand THEY prove are not!!
what a pathetic creature...GO AWAY!!!
#12 Posted by Canuck on October 15, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Big G,
I must admit that you are a first. I had never imagined anyone would claim that being black in America would be an asset for anyone seeking the White House. Must be another example of that crazy affirmative action stuff, eh? Jeez, ya never thought you would see one of them as president in your life, did ya?
#13 Posted by boulderbilly on October 15, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Obama is more White than African-American, why is he being called the first African-American Presidential hopeful?
#14 Posted by GatorBite on October 15, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
naplesbob, we are all of mixed race here in the US.
I am 50% German, 25% Irish and 25% Dutch. If I were running for office I would not say that I am the first German to run for President. Would that be right?
#15 Posted by GatorBite on October 15, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If Obama was white, he wouldn't be where he is. Hillary would be the dem nominee.
Hussein has no experience, but somehow he has many of you duped.
#16 Posted by GoneFishin on October 15, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Big G,
Something to ponder. The white male is now the newest minority in this country. Best hope society takes better care of you than when the white males called the shots. If not, ya might be in for a rough ride. Could possibly be an incentive to treat everyone with a little more respect.
Or don't.
#17 Posted by boulderbilly on October 15, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who knows if any of the past Presidents, or Presidential hopefuls had even the smallest percentage of African-American blood in their background.
My point is, why does Obama portray himself as an African-American when he really isn't? Only a small portion. It's almost as if he denies his White heritage.
#18 Posted by GatorBite on October 15, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Donavin Baumgartner Jr.:
You wrote "We just went through a crises essentially because people heard they could have "free" mortgages. Now voters are rushing headlong to elect a man who is telling them that health care (and everything else) can be 'free'."
You sure are a confused person. I've never heard any candidate say that mortgages or health care or anything else is free. Universal health casre would not be free. It would be paid for through our taxes. If we pay taxes we won't get it for free.
I do support universal health care, because it would give a person peace of mind knowing that medical care wouldn't be unattainable or that it might bankrupt a person.
Why do people who write letters against Obama say things that aren't true?
I think we should quit calling Obama an African American. He is an American. Yes, he is part black, but his mother and grandparents who raised him were white. To me he is an American, regardless of what his skin color is. I wish we could get beyond race and the color of our skin.
#19 Posted by rationalman on October 15, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you rationalman, that's exactly what I am saying. Obama is an American, period. He should be running as an American, not African-American.
#20 Posted by GatorBite on October 15, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Those who oppose Obama, condemn him for past associations. If we condemn people for what they did in the past, most of us would be condemned. I admit I've done things in the past that I'm not proud of, but I don't think I should be condemned because of it. People change and go on with their lives.
I can't get in Obama's brain, but I think he did a lot of things because he thought he was doing the right thing.
I'm not too concerned with who Obama associated with in the past. I'm more concerned with what he will do for the people in this country. He can't be too socialistic to suit me. There are a lot of changes that should take place. It's time for the wealthy to pay their fair share. Most of the wealthy don't get rich because of hard work. They get rich by doing things that are unethical and taking from those who can barely survive. Down with the aristocracy!
#21 Posted by rationalman on October 15, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When I read all the posts and responses by the "Naples" type conservatives, I'm reminded of just how provencial, backward and, yes, prejudiced these republican conservatives are. You are the spearheads of hate, vitriol, ignorance and stupidity that the republican party has become. It's no wonder that so many thinking republicans are fed up with what the Rush Limbaugh's have made of the former GOP. John McCain (who has conducted the dirtiest campaign I have ever seen) will lose by a landslide and deservedly so. Happy Days are (nearly) here again.
#22 Posted by Colorado on October 15, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rationalman for Prez!!!!!!!!!
Most common sense I've read in a while.
#23 Posted by boulderbilly on October 15, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Everyone is out to destroy Palin - but it's Obama's past we should examine"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/artic...
#24 Posted by GoneFishin on October 15, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, my! I'm provencial, backward and prejudiced.
Colorado, take a look at some of the things that have been plastered all over the internet about Sarah Palin, then go look in the mirror you turkey.
Here is a great example of the vitriolic hatred spewing from the left.
(could be NSFW, though not graphic.)
http://imagebot.org/debate.jpg
Yea, democrats: the party of hate.
#25 Posted by GoneFishin on October 15, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh my gonefishin, I believe you are foaming at the mouth. You need a break.
#26 Posted by Colorado on October 15, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
#34 Gonefishin............geez....can you not find anything but a column by "Britain's leading right wing voice"?
and you call me out for commenting on your elections!!!!!
whatever fits your agenda!!
#27 Posted by Canuck on October 15, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Colorado, you prove yourself an idiot.
Canuck, since you opened the floodgates, if we're going to have to hear from a moonbat from Canada whose supposed beliefs are in direct conflict with that of the American candidate he espouses, we get to hear from one of our strongest allies about the character of Hussein.
#28 Posted by GoneFishin on October 15, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GoneFishin:
Stop calling other people who you disagree with an idiot. I'm getting sick of people calling each other idiot. I guess it's too much for people on this forum to be civil to each other. Sometimes I feel like it's hopeless to expect civility. Is the election so important that we have to resort to calling each other vile names? Yes, liberals do it too.
I don't think people that are conservative are idiots. I just think they are misled.
#29 Posted by rationalman on October 15, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Eddie, did you read Colorado's post 32?
And you want to speak of misled? Poor you can't get a happy word in anywhere, so obviously you have been misled somewhere. Cheer up! (for just once, maybe.)
#30 Posted by GoneFishin on October 15, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Canuck
I do apologize for saying your original story was that it was three months. Actually, according to your post it was 13 1/2 weeks, which is over three months and slightly more than your lie of 9 1/2 weeks.
Does this statement ring a bell????
......and it did not cost one dime..except for parking...now you may be able to better the time frame in the US but if you did not have insurance..for which you pay a pretty penny..you would have to mortgage your house to pay for it.......
Why I used the term pathetic is because many years ago, members of my family mortgaged our homes to help a relative whose child was ill and the heath insurance policy did not cover a experimental procedure in Asia. This was done for a detached family member, not a spouse.
God forbid you should have to forgo a round of golf or two "to better the time frame".
#31 Posted by Bricklin75 on October 15, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to E.R. Russell.
Now perhaps we can figure out how our local youth groups can utilize the soccer and softball fields. Kids are piled up on over used fields in other areas of the county while the lights are off at North Collier Regional Park.
#32 Posted by drillbit on October 15, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Big G,
Something to ponder. The white male is now the newest minority in this country. Best hope society takes better care of you than when the white males called the shots. If not, ya might be in for a rough ride. Could possibly be an incentive to treat everyone with a little more respect.
Or don't.
boulderbilly
I have not disrespected anyone. I personally don't care if the president is purple with orange spots, as long as he does right by this country.
I was simply pointing out that a lot of black people will vote for Obama because of his color and not because of his policies. To me, that is as bad as not voting for him because of his color.
FYI, one of my great-grandparents was a slave and I'm proud of that fact, so don't go inferring that I'm racist.
#33 Posted by BigG on October 15, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad someone fully exposed that pompous Canadian for being one of the greedy non caring people he says he hates.
"Pecksniffian" --- great word
Describes him perfectly.
#34 Posted by galgos on October 15, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
posted August 4: 10:19 am
"Justiss..ask a Canadian that just went through a knee replace...a hip replace and a wife with ovarian cancer if we waited that long for surgery...6 weeks for te knee...5 weeks for the hip and 9 weeks for the cancer but that included two ultra sounds..two CA125 blood tests ..an MRI and the referral to two specialists
and our total cost was $35 for parking"
Posted on August 7 at 3:50 p.m.
"another right winger heard from...MikeM ..I suggest you reread my post about healthcare carefully....if you say each word slowly you may understand....
first it was NINE WEEKS from discovery to surgery for my wife's cancer....included in that time was two ultra sounds...two CA125 blood tests ..a CT scan...an MRI.... and referrals to two gynocologist specialists
now tell me with your high priced health care..(highest in the world) if you could have had surgery any sooner given my wife's condition
BTW....as I posted... I PAID THE PARKING which was my only cost'
#35 Posted by Canuck on October 15, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Canuck
Keep going back in your history to find you original story. You will find two possibilities:
1- you lied
2- there are 2 Canucks posting
You are going to keep up the denial?
Next time you lie about something, choose a different subject.
Please continue to denigrate yourself. There is no charge.
#36 Posted by Bricklin75 on October 15, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Marie Lawson's op ed quoted Khrushchev who declared America should not worry about the Soviet Union destroying America. America will destroy itself.
Well, the Soviets went first, and we're following behind.
We were happy about their collapse, just as our enemies are revelling in our financial woes, weakening us to a paper tiger.
Greed will get you every time. We just couldn't be satisfied to have a great country, making progress and becoming wealthy here. We had to go over and start invading other countries, countries that were no threat to us, just countries that had what we wanted.
Now, we can either be smart and stop our nonsense that's taking us down financially, or we can continue with our invasions and occupations until the decision is out of our hands.
The debate tonight will be interesting. I'm sure they'll be focusing on the economy.
However, for all of you on the Right worried about Barack spending money on helping people in this country, why don't you complain about spending all our money on virtual welfare in other countries, mainly Iraq?
At least spending here on our people stays in our economy, creates jobs and cares for our people. What we doing in the Middle East is playing wrecking crew and then clean up followed by wrecking crew and then clean up again, over and over. And that money isn't spent here,unless you count the money going to Halliburton and the likes that most likely keep their gains off shore so we don't even get any taxes receipts from them.
#37 Posted by truthmatters on October 15, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
naplesbob, no, I was referring to boulderbilly's "Jeez, ya never thought you would see one of them as president in your life, did ya?"
Seems to me that an African American voting for an African American just because he's an African American is just as vile as a white person not voting for him for the same reason.
I believe the ability to do the job and to stand close scruntiny of one's past achievements and associates are more important than race.
#38 Posted by BigG on October 15, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Barack sponsored a bill to spend .7% of our GNP in Global Poverty every year.
It's called the Global Poverty Act.
It doesn't matter if we have a auto Mfg bailout, a war, a recession or anything else where we should spend money for our citizens. WE MUST spend this money for Global Poverty EVERY YEAR, no matter what our domestic needs are!!!!
.7% doesn't sound like much, does it. Over ten years it will be well over $1 trillion.
Count on the USA being the biggest advocate of the UN under an Obama administration and funding all its programs and weakening our position in the world.
More news from Ohio. Another “Voter Group” is registering residents of New York to vote in Ohio. They are all registered out of one house. Will be voting with absentee ballots so it will be impossible to catch the fraud.
Of course they belong to a liberal group.
#39 Posted by Bricklin75 on October 15, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We're all minorities in one way or another. Even whites of European descent are diverse. Some are blonde, some are brunette, some are tall, some are short, some are fat, some are thin, some are smart, some aren't too smart and on and on.
Even when women weren't in the minority, years ago we had very few rights. We couldn't even get an education. We couldn't inherit money. And even in our America History we even were tried as witches. The Salem witch trials.
So, women have come a long way, but some men on the Right still want to control our own bodies, disallowing us the right of our own choices. Today it is with abortion. Not too long ago, we weren't allowed even contraception. And, much of it comes from religious belief that woman is inferior and subservient to man. In that way, religion has often dealt women a cruel blow.
But, it's not really the fault of God per se, but the usefulness of religion to allow one person or one group to control another. It's pretty much about control.
So, Gatorbite, I'm with you. We have to quit slicing ourselves into pieces and see ourselves as Americans, equal under the law. And everyone should be judged, as Dr. King said, by the content of their character.
#40 Posted by truthmatters on October 15, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bricklin75, I don't agree with Obama's proposal for world aid. He did say that at a time before we found ourselves in this mess; however, I still think it's way out of line considering our big debt. We can't keep giving what we don't have.
We have to make ourselves whole again before we start handing out money all over the world. We cannot help others if we ourselves go under.
I think the question should be posed to Obama again. He may now have a revised answer in the light of recent circumstances.
#41 Posted by truthmatters on October 15, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post it Bricklin75 ...I am waiting
#42 Posted by Canuck on October 15, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
On page 16A in today's paper there is an article titled "Palin, the reformer, has checkered history on ethics." There are two columns enumerating some of the things that Palin has done that were unethical.
Doesn't it seem strange that those who are dredging up Obama's past, are overlooking Palin's past misdeeds? After all the evidence, I can support Obama with a clear conscience. I can't support McCain and Palin when there is too much evidence that they would not make a good presidency. Obama has a lot of bright people behind him and intelligent advisers. I can't see much intelligence coming from Palin.
#43 Posted by rationalman on October 15, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Canuck
Another lie in #12.
One week after diagnosis??? 3 week delay is what you previously stated. Why the lie??
Pathetic is being kind.
Are you trying to be trying??
Please continue to denigrate yourself. There is no charge.
#44 Posted by Bricklin75 on October 15, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
naplesbob,
And perhaps this will help you to understand my point;
Color, of skin or eyes, matter not to me. Qualifications for the job, do.
My objection is to those who vote based on color instead of merit, whether it be for or against a candidate.
Is that simple enough for you?
#45 Posted by BigG on October 15, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Any one know if the fundamentals of our economy are still strong this week?
Guess mini me mcsame will share his economic wisdom tonight.
#46 Posted by boulderbilly on October 15, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
post it Bricklin....I'me waiting!!!
#47 Posted by Canuck on October 15, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He may now have a revised answer in the light of recent circumstances.
#53 Posted by truthmatters on October 15, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.
Truthmatters
You're wright. He may have a revised answer. Just like his policies to win the D nomination is COMPLETELY different than the general election.
Remember when you were cheering Him on when He proposed immediate withdrawal??? And when he said NO to confronting Iran, and how he loved Israel. Now he is acting Presidential so He can win the election.
What promises will He keep, if any, if He is elected? I'll gander a guess of 3%. How about you truth, which promises will he keep, if any.
He has both sides of any argument covered since he has multiple policies on all of them.
#48 Posted by Bricklin75 on October 15, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bricklin, the circumstances we so quickly have found ourselves in differ than 8 months ago. It is that If one says something like McCain said, that the fundamentals are strong when we were already experiencing this problem, is a real switcheroo.
Obama has been for setting a time table for withdrawal from Iraq. He has said within 16 months. That's what he plans. If some major catastrophe changes the circumstances, he will have to take that into consideration.
For myself, I want us out as quickly as our troops can be withdrawn. I see no change in the situation happening, so why not leave now?
I will say, if Obama has moved his positions slightly that's nothing next to McCain who flip flops quicker than you can grasp what he just said.
He has his finger in the wind all the time, and that's evident by the fact that the positions he takes today are nothing like those he took a few years ago. It's called political expediency. They all do it, however, some do it worse than others.
Basically I know that with Obama we have a chance of having a different foreign policy than the disastrous one we've had under Bush. And I know McCain will not only continue Bush's foreign policy, he will rev it up. McCain is a hawk, and I see him easily invading Iran no matter what we're going through here.
No, to me McCain is one dangerous cookie. I have this funny notion that I want to live. I want my family to live, I want America to live.
And, have you thought, that maybe we're in the mess we're in is because Bush and the Republicans have broken every tenet of what we believe in? Have you thought that maybe our disregarding what our founding fathers and history has told us that foreign entanglements and imperialism kills a country?
No, Bricklin, I must go with Obama. He's our best chance. To me, McCain is no chance at all.
#49 Posted by truthmatters on October 15, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rationalman, there're a lot of misdeeds in the past for both Palin and McCain. It's just that Obama has tried to keep to the issues. He's trying not to bog people down with trivia about the past unless they've done something illegal or unethical themselves.
I happen to think abuse of power by a governor is fairly serious. Funny how that's glossed over.
I haven't read the full paper yet. I plan to when I log off. I'll look for the article on Palin.
Thanks.
#50 Posted by truthmatters on October 15, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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