The cartoon on the opinion page in today's Gazette is a good one. (Terrorist going through security at airport, toting gun and all but they say"he is ok, he has a flag pin". ha)
I believe we are taking the flag pin a little too far, expecially if those pins are made in China. duh!! I found at a thrift shop in Monroe, magnetic flags that are Made in Monroe! Hurray, not China!! Thank goodness for the good old thrift shops! As for Obama, I do not wish this mess the US is in now on anyone, Obama or Mc Cain. They have a hard road ahead of them. All we can do is support them!! It is just too bad that my company's CEO's (GM) make more than they will. And the CEO has no where's near the responsibility as they do!!

Democracy marches on despite the berating screams of the presumptuous pseudo-intellectuals.
First they try to shame others into their mindset. Then when that fails they try to berate the recalcitrant into submission. When those methods that work so well for many college professors fail and leave the haughty lecturer perplexed, he resorts to the equivalent of a raised voice and a shaken fist, like a cynic in Cynosarges barking at whomever displeases him. It brings to mind Diogenes, performing public displays for the reaction he hopes to provoke and the gratification he receives.

News Flash Obama isn't running against George W. Bush. Macain is far from George W. Bush and his policies. Just look at his record (he actually has a record in the senate unlike his opponent). I'm not a fan of Macain but, the lesser of two evils Macain is the better candidate in my opinion.

OBAMA'S TERM WAS PRECEDED BY PRESIDENCY OF HARVARD LAW REVIEW, EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY WORK AND LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE POOR, TWO TERMS SERVICE IN THE ILLINOIS SENATE, AND VICTORY IN THE US SENATE RACE HOLDING HIS NATIONALLY KNOWN OPPONENT TO 27%. BUSH WAS SKIPPING CLASSES, HARDLY LAW SCHOOL MATERIAL, PARTYING WITH THE FRAT BRATS AND THE RICH, AND SENDING BUSINESSES BELLY UP, BAILING OUT WITH SAUDI HELP AND INSIDER SELLOUTS TO MAKE MARTHA STEWART BLUSH. AND HIS TIME IN THE SENATE, OR ANY NATIONAL OFFICE, WAS ABSOLUTE ZERO. WHENCE OUR INTERNATIONALIST DESTROYER.

CHECK OBAMA OUT BEFORE LIMPBAUGH-MOUTHPIECING, AND YOU MAY FIND SOMEONE WHO IS A BIT ADMIRABLE.

BY THE WAY, WHY ARE YOU GUN FREAKS SO INACCURATELY PARANOID? NO ONE EVER THREATENED MY GUNS IN WISCONSIN, THO I DON'T MUCH FANCY OUZIES. SEEMS YOU DON'T THINK MUCH BEYOND THE RABID NRA. IN FACT AT AN EMBASSY FUNCTION LAST NIGHT IN ANOTHER COUNTRY, AN AMERICAN TOLD ME SHE WASN'T VOTING FOR OBAMA BECAUSE HE HAD BIGGER GUNS THAN SHE. GO FIGURE. DEMOCRACY MARCHES INEXORABLY ON.

Liberals need not worry Obama is not a centrist and will not govern as one. He has to sway towards the middle in the general election so us god loving gun owners will vote for him. Talk about experience Obama was in the US senate a total of 144 days before he decided to start a Presidential exploratory committee he thought with 144 days in the US senate that was enough experience to run for commander and chief.

Newbs: You found an encyclopedia: Congratulations. Now how about the Mabuse part? Maybe then we can talk about Heraclitus, Schopenhauer, Hieronymus Bosch or onomatopoeia, instead of asinine Fatman Limpbaugh trash. But, for now, whether Domitian or the Bushes are responsible for more deaths is an interesting question. Certainly we know who the biggest liar is. And I certainly agree with you that "Derision for those you feel superior to is hardly a virtue," but isn't that what PC is all about? Try to look at it from the other person's shoes - the homeless black, the struggling migrant in the sun, the gay gang-pummeled to near death in an anonymous city evening, the sincere God-respecting Muslim blackened by endless stereotyped political cartoons in our good old "e pluribus unum" USA.

Fldpn's assertion that the more socialist countries' doing well is due to NAFTA is too ludicrous for words. And I will just repeat this inane statement without words: "Students are being taught in our public schools and reinforced by our liberal mainstream news media, and entertainment industry that OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WERE EVIL FOR EVEN ESTABLISHING the United States of America and that WHITES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERY ILL in society." (Emphasis mine)

Afterthought: Lad must have one jolly colorful set of self-instructive videos at home.

Dub I do live in Wisconsin, all summer long. I spend my winters lately in California. I'm starting to regret buying that property...

JohnDoe:
What has McCain done as a politician, you are joking right? I think he has a much longer track record than obimbo. Changing ones positions when you see the results before your eyes is not flip flopping. Saying one thing on a given day, and something else the very next day is flip flopping. Case in point: obimbo said one day that Iran was a small country and no real threat to the US. Then the very NEXT day he said it was. Truth is, he really doesn't have a clue when it comes to foreign policy.

mabusejuvenalis:
Just what I figured I would get for a response. Double talking unintelligent BS from a child.

This isn't first century A.D. Rome, and the people that post here are not the hated Titus Flavius Domitianus, and you, mabusejuvenalis, bear little resemblance to Decimus Junius Juvenalis. "One path alone leads to a life of peace: The path of virtue." Juvenalis A.D.55-127.
Derision for those you feel superior to is hardly a virtue.

Fldpan, you live in California? I thought you once said you lived in and grew up in Wisconsin?
Mabuse, don't forget about Liberals taking everything for granted.

Traditional American values are on their death bed. The "melting pot" (proud of becoming American first and your ethnicity comes second) has been replaced with the politically correct cult of "multi-culturalism" which is actually separating the races by teaching ethnic pride and hatred for America. Our country is no longer unified (or even close to it) by any common cause or belief. Our new immigrants are being taught in Mexico and the US that they should not assimilate into American culture, that they should not have any allegiance or respect for our American institutions especially if they don't conform to their culture and language. I live in a Mexican town but it’s in Southern California. 99% of homes do not fly the US flag for the weekends of Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Veterans Day. The practice of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is gone in most California public schools. Students are being taught in our public schools and reinforced by our liberal mainstream news media, and entertainment industry that our founding fathers were evil for even establishing the United States of America and that Whites are responsible for every ill in society.
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Mabus, are those the only ones you think are untrue? If so I did pretty good! I am adding a few more, Cramming political correctness down people's throats, the Liberals are good at that. Don't forget Anti-Semitism, and Trying to abolish both the Constitution and the Bible!
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I will only say I respect your opinion, and that the countries you claim are doing so well, are mostly doing so well because of AMERICA, and your precious Clinton's NAFTA. Joy for them!

Dear Whatdid,

Re your request that I itemize erroneous items in fldn's platitudinous attempt at analysis? humor? insight? - what would one call such tripe?: Do it yourself. I am not your teacher, and am not interested in wasting my time with the ineducable. Carry on with your, fldpn's, et al's hate-spewed craziness, keep using your favorite word "rant" to characterize opponents, and you will titillate that clueless 5 % of our populace who love to bleat as if they were 99%.

Those of us in the real world, dealing daily with real world problems of policy and inter institutional realtionships, have to deal with reality. It ain't elitist boasting, child, it's fact, and the international stereotyping of us Americans around your and Bush's types is absolutely no help whatsoever.

Too often you hear the old adage...it doesn't matter who you vote for, just vote.
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That's bull. An uninformed voter does more damage than an informed one with a differing opinion..
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I can respect an opposing view as long as it's based on factual information.

True...but hopefully the people that vote do not do so blindly...(although I'm afraid many do) and can at least differentiate between true facts and opinions of "journalists."
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There is no excuse for not doing your homework before you vote.
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If you don't have time to study for the "exam", take a pass, America will (or should) thank you for it.

JohnDoe:
Surely you're not claiming that no one's opinions and research has had any affect on you? No one person can possibly compile enough knowledge from independent research. We all have influences. Presenting them for others to examine should be encouraged as we all can benefit from exposure to new ideas.

Thekid3477:
Capital Gains is any profit made from buying and selling things such as real estate you don't live in or that you do live in if it sells for more than a certain amount. It also applies to stocks that are not held for the minimum amount of time and a great many other things that are bought and then sold for a profit such as household furnishings, coins, art, antiquities and even cars. It especially applies to businesses when they buy and sell things not in inventory but used in their business such as plants and offices and equipment used to make product and things like trucks and warehouses. If you sell personal use things such as your home or car for less than you paid, too bad as the loss is not deductible.
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc409.html
When the government lowered these rates it resulted in impressive economic stimulation and actually increased the amount of money the government collected on capital gains, and when it exempted most home sales it made it possible for a great many people to sell their homes and keep the appreciation for themselves. That seems like a good deal since homeowners all pay property taxes every year and it was onerous to have to pay capital gains taxes as well when they sold their homes especially since most of the appreciation is due to inflation.

Oh there's unbiased journalism...
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How 'bout we all do our own research and think for ouselves? That's a novel concept.

Watch Glenn Beck if you're wanting to know anything about the economy and the guys running for president.
http://www.glennbeck.com/

Point is...they're all the same....

And flip flop on a couple other things?

And Kennedy on something else?

Oh yah..didn't he hook up with Feingold on something?

What exactly has McCain done as a politician?

Vote for obimbo and you'll get change, but change is not always for better. I'm still waiting for someone to tell me exactly what obimbo has done so far as a politician, his voting record is abysmal. He changes his positions from day to day, depending on who he is speaking to. NOBAMA in 08!

dub190 wrote...
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"Dear Mr. Obama,
You claim to support the troops but if you really did you would separate and pass the part of the bill that raises pay for the military. If you really support the troops that's the least you could do."
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What about McCain consistantly voting against bills that would improve veterans benefits?
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Isn't that the least he could do?

what i think is funny and one of the beautiful things about this country is that the facts dont change. but peoples interpretations of those facts are SOOOOOOO different. i think you all make valid points. i actually have a question....people keep talkin about how president obama wants to raise the taxes on over 250k income. im safe...for now;) but he also wants to raise the 'capitol gains' tax. the capitol gains tax applies only when you sell a house you havent lived in, like rental property, correct, or when else would it apply??

It's time for real change that we can believe in. America has hope and that hope's name is Obama.

whybesad: Sorry but WHY do people who have a differing opinion ALWAYS say "love it or leave it". This is SUPPOSED to be America...a DEMOCRACY where ALL opinions are equally valid, valued, and have the opportunity to be heard. When anyone suggests others leave their nation, they reveal that they don't understand how a real democracy functions. Civil and social rights aren't just for those with whom you agree but, even more importantly, for those with whom you disagree!

Very well said. If it's that bad LEAVE!!!!

mabusejuvenalis is too busy engaging in self-aggrandizing comparisons to actually waste his time attempting to offer enlightening counterpoints, especially since he has debased himself enough by offering a glimpse of his superior intellect by even bothering to respond to the "self-gratifying mindlessness run amok" which he seems to similarly classify every opinion he disagrees with.
As far as Russia and China are concerned, I am sure we all now can see, due to his insight, that our government should immediately adopt those models of economic and social justice. Look at all the people flocking to those countries for refuge from the tyranny we suffer here. Consider the plight of those countries that broke away from Russia when the Soviet Union fell and are now petitioning the Russians to take them back. Observe the rebellion by Tibetans everywhere at the prospect of Tibet being freed from the benevolent administration of Chinese rule. Note the clamoring of the Taiwanese as they long for reunification with the mainland under communist rule.
Meantime the “German Athens” under socialist rule has become the very flower of Wisconsin. Soon, the bulk of the population of the state will live within its borders as the allure of the people’s paradise is too strong for most to resist what with its sterling educational system, the efficient and trustworthy government, the wonderful legal system‘s elimination of street gangs and its achievement of racial justice and equality for all. All we need do is vote for more Democrats (socialists) so that they can do for the whole county what they’ve done for Milwaukee, Russia and China. Then perhaps we can join the European Union and give up our sovereignty, and all the evil that goes with it, too.

mabusejuvenalis:
Instead of a rant, point out which items in fldpans list are incorrect. I would like to see your response. I'll be waiting.

I have to admit that Mr(s?)Fldpn's list of 21 criteria for being a liberal is probably the finest example of self-gratifying mindlessness run amok I have ever encountered. And as a self confessed political wonk, I cover a fair amount of territory in the statement. He/she cites Thos Jefferson. I doubt the intellect has ever read any Thos Jefferson. A few other beauts: believing the military starts wars (such as military dodgers Bush and Cheney?); Socialism hasn't worked: ever hear of Europe? Or Notice that China and Russia are about the fastest growing economies in the world?); Shoot a rapist or rape and murder a woman - now there's an existential conundrum all of us should ponder more thoughtfully over toast and coffee in the morning.

Wisconsin has a fine tradition of great leadership in “Battling Bob” and the many other Progressive LaFollettes, Gaylord Nelson, William Proxmire, Russ Feingold, etc; in noble leaders and visionaries such as Carl Schurtz, John Muir, Aldo Leopold, and Frank Lloyd Wright; and in the careful way the state formed its early development, and (socialist) Milwaukee being referred to as the German Athens. The right wing on the other hand has given us Tail Gunner Joe McCarthy, Gordon (can't tell margarine from butter) Roseleip, Tiny (Circus fat man) Krueger, and Chief Justice (triple my Placidyl) Little Billy Rehnquist.

Fldpn (with dub) neither knows of nor represents our finer Wisconsin traditions. He/she DOES represent all that makes reading these posts a desultory, capital waste of time so much of the time.

Right on Fldpan.

Dear Mr. Obama,
You claim to support the troops but if you really did you would separate and pass the part of the bill that raises pay for the military. If you really support the troops that's the least you could do.

You say that little or no progress has been made in Iraq. I guess the execution of Saddam and his maniacal sons was not a good thing. And the destruction or detainment of scores of Al Qaida operatives don't count.

Mr. Obama, I have been told by a high ranking officer serving in Iraq that they fight Al Qaida every day and that if we don't defeat them over there, they will come to America.

Just whose word do I take for that, a General who actually faces the enemy every day or an expensively coiffed Presidential candidate who says the war is just a bumper sticker?

It is truly a shame for a man who has lived through only a few wars, and many threats to this nation to make this statement, and I take absolutely no pleasure in making it. But the truth of the matter is that I am more afraid of you and your ilk than I am of the terrorists.

Why? Because you would try to micromanage our military and a war you obviously don't understand, you would do away with Guantanamo Bay and cut the heart out of the Homeland Security Act leaving America basically
impotent in the war on terror.
If you've noticed we've not been attacked in this country since 9-11 and that has not been because the enemy has not been trying. And I thank God for protecting this nation.

Could it be that you want to pull the troops out because they are making real headway and you're afraid it will hurt you politically?

If so I just don't have the vocabulary to express my contempt for you.

Mr. Obama et al, if you really want to do something worthwhile why don't you pass a bill putting all terrorists on the extinct species list?

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The only good terrorist is a dead terrorist.

Pray for our troops.

What do you think?

God Bless America

12. You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good, because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.

13. You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more important to American history than Thomas Jefferson, General Robert E. Lee, or Thomas Edison.

14. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides aren't.

15. You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.

16. You have to believe conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and a sex offender belongs in the White House.

17. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag, transvestites and bestiality should be Constitutionally protected and manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.

18. You have to believe that illegal Democratic party funding by the Chinese is somehow in the best interest of the United States.

19. You have to believe that anyone who beats you in an intellectual arguments is a bigot.

And finally...

20. You have to believe Richard Nixon obstructed justice by having an 18 1/2 minute gap in one tape of his recorded conversations and that it was an innocent mistake that one year's worth of Al Gore's e-mails got erased.

And, wouldn't you know that these e-mails of Al's just happen to be the ones subpoenaed by a White House committee and a federal grand jury in their continuing investigation of campaign finance abuses and other matters.

Bonus belief of a liberal:

21. You have to believe that it's better for a woman to be raped and murdered than for a rapist to be shot.

Believe all of the above, and THEN you will be a really good liberal.

You say you're a liberal but don't agree with a bunch of these items? Maybe you're not a liberal after all.

HOW TO BE A GOOD LIBERAL

1. You have to believe the AIDS virus is spread by the lack of Federal funding.

2. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach 4th graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach the same kids about sex.

3. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese communists.

4. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.

5. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical, documented changes in the earth's climate, and more affected by yuppies driving SUV's.

6. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial but being homosexual is natural.

7. You have to be against capital punishment but support abortion on demand.

8. You have to believe that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity.

9. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but looney activists who've never been outside Seattle do.

10. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.

11. You have to believe that the military, not corrupt politicians, start wars.

Mr. Krauthammer is not acting as a journalist in this article . He's expressing an opinion and it's not his job to keep us aware of current events. It's up to each of us to stay aware of what's going on. Now if there's evidence that the writer has lied or is in error, I would like to see that. So far the only things I see here in critique is opinions about Krauthammer's opinions and a few derogatory comments about Krauthammer himself, which are the written equivalent of a Bronx cheer, emotionally satisfying but devoid of reason.

So the only quote (proof) of this flopping in the entire article is one Obama quote: “It’s time to be in a responsible, gradual withdrawal from Iraq.” And nothing to compare this quote with any other quote? We have to rely on the author of the story to tell us the rest.

There is a responsibility that a journalist has to the reader and Mr. Krauthammer has missed the mark.

Yeah they won't go up. He's going to raise the capital gains tax. He's going to socialize medicine and who's going to pay for it? We are with higher taxes. Obimbo thinks your wealthy if you have an income of $150K and that includes small business people that may structure their businesses in a S corporation. He's going to kill the small business owner. He's not a centrist at ALL. The MOST LIBERAL senator in the Senate. Above Kennedy and Kerry and they other Liberals in there. You may want to do a little more research on him if you think he's going to help the middle class. Why punish people that have done well for themselves? Quite whining about it and work to achieve the same income level as the upper class. Obama wasn't raised a poor black child like he would want you to think.

Serving up more right wing terror koolaid is Charlie Krautrammer. He and his regular middle income (38 million a year) buddy Rush Bimbaugh want you to vote for the Mcmillionaire who will keep giving Bush big buisness buddies bonus bucks while everyone else (we the people of the low and middle income) try to pay for their blunders.
If you make under 250k per year your taxes will not go up with Obama. Sorry Bimbaugh, sorry Krautrammer, sorry big media,buisness,oil.....your gonna have to start paying your fare share.
When it comes to flip/flopping, republicans have written the book on it Krautrammer but thanks for writing such a whiney article. And thanks for pointing out that Obama is "young sleek cool hip" which translates into....ppsssst did you notice Obama is black.