No Child Left

US News

‘The System Worked,’ Napolitano Says; It Did? Americans Wonder

Vince I see my post was judged as off topic...LOL and I'm cluleless..I may have been I forgot to say she should wear a big clown hat and big red nose and be portrayed as the clown she is I forgot the words incompetent and liar...if anyone is clueless it is Janet Don't forget that this is a holiday week. I think the second team is evaluating these posts.  (5 hrs ago | post #40)

US News

‘The System Worked,’ Napolitano Says; It Did? Americans Wonder

I have no patience for the nattering of the incompetents in positions of authority. I admire the Dutch National who took matters into his own hands and believe that security is by necessity a matter of awareness of oneself, one's surroundings and those in our environment. On the "official " level, political correctness far outweighs safety as a value. The only thing that amazes me about this incident is that the gentleman who subdued the Burning Bush was not charged with something like assault or a hate crime against a protected minority. Maybe that will be next.  (7 hrs ago | post #31)

US Politics

Al-Qaida in Yemen threatened US

Didn't we just send some guests from Gitmo back to Yemen?  (22 hrs ago | post #20)

US News

WE MUST START PROFILING MUSLIMS AT AIRPORTS

After the IRA bombing in Omagh, a friend and I were traveling on an Aer Lingus flight to a family reunion in Ireland. The presence of security was very obvious, with rather burly looking Irishmen walking the aisles,carrying two-ways, and stopping occasionally and pleasantly conversing with passengers. I didn't feel in any way threatened and just assumed that this was business as usual. It was only after we arrived at Shannon that I learned that the security people were looking for specific people who might have in some way been associated with the bombings or with the IRA generally,and their conversations, while seeming to just pass the time of night, as it were, were intentional assessments of the passengers and their business in Ireland. No one felt in the least bit threatened as far as I could see. I know it would be very expensive, but cost means nothing when we are dealing with passengers and crews who would have no way of escaping a catastrophe such as the one planned for the Amsterdam-Detroit flight. Perhaps it wuld be a good idea, in addition to the screenings at the airports, to place professionally trained security people on flights and instead of having them masquerade as passengers, make their presence known and highly visible. Trained security are also aware of nuances that the ordinary person would miss. Personally, I am just sick of the nonsense. As the expression goes, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is probably a duck. I agree that this is all PC gone wild.  (Yesterday | post #13)

US Politics

US plane incident an 'attempted act of terrorism': official

My 29 year-old daughter was randomly snagged by security at Newark Airport last summer. She had been traveling in Ireland with me (a middle-aged retired schoolteacher) and an Oxford educated government archivist from London whom we joined at Shannon. Upon our return, her luggage was torn apart, she was asked if she had more than $10,000 in her possession and grilled for about 45 minutes on the purpose of her trip and whom she met there. Given OUR ages, she was tucked into bed by 11 every night. And strangely, I was the one with the "contraband. "(my prescribed anxiety medication.) I realize the need for safety precautions at both ends, and maybe in flight in some way, but my daughter is probably one of the most unlikely people to have been stopped and humiliated in the name of security. One wonders how these crackpots even get ON the planes, when the common herd (ourselves) must go through such stringent examinations. Perhaps we need to stop worrying about being politically incorrect and start looking at likely suspects. Perhaps they will be offended, but so were we, and NO ONE CARES.  (Saturday | post #26)

US Politics

Obama promises unlimited financial assistance to Fannie Mae, Fr...

I know this is old but I've been told that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Hopefully, the men in the white coats with the butterfly nets will be arriving en masse after the Christmas break.  (Friday Dec 25 | post #18)

US Politics

Obama prepares for family holiday

I was very worried that he and the family would have nowhere to go. Maybe Bill AYres, Stern, from the SEIU, Anita Dunn, Van Jones and Eric Holdren all had prior commitments for whatever it is they observe during this time of year. (The Great Ice Age? of the woolly mammoth? ) Now I can rest, knowing that at least, this dilemma has been solved.  (Thursday Dec 24 | post #64)

US Politics

Griffith Cites Opposition to Health Care Reform Bill in Defecti...

TerryE"]Corre ct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Spector originally a democrat, who switched to the republicans? He was never a real Republican anway. Regards, Terry You are correct. Specter started out as a Democrat but jumped ship many years ago. He has enjoyed campaign financing and support from the Republican party for a number of terms. He has suddenly decided to revert to his "roots" because he has a strong Republican challenger who will have the support of the party statewide. I brought up Specter because he is self-serving, self-promoting and determined to hang on to his seat without any regard for the wishes of his constituents. I am hoping that Griffiths is making this switch for his people, not for political expediency. You are pretty sharp to have picked up on this. How is this off topic? It is always newsworthy when a politician joins the loyal opposition. I was hoping to demonstrate that it is not always altruism that will cause such a move. For the sake of the country, I am hoping Griffiths is sincere, and not just trying to hang on to his seat. In contrast, Specter pretty much admitted that he knew he could not beat Toomey in the primary so he switched to save himself. There is a difference between choosing a side more in keeping with your own philosophy and the agenda you have presented to your constituents, and, like Specter, being the first rat to scurry off a presumably sinking ship.  (Thursday Dec 24 | post #73)

US Politics

Griffith Cites Opposition to Health Care Reform Bill in Defecti...

="TerryE "]Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Spector originally a democrat, who switched to the republicans? He was never a real Republican anway. Regards, Terry You are correct. Specter started out as a Democrat but jumped ship many years ago. He has enjoyed campaign financing and support from the Republican party for a number of terms. He has suddenly decided to revert to his "roots" because he has a strong Republican challenger who will have the support of the party statewide. Congressman Sestak is more of the same so Specter can probably beat him in the primary. The polls are indicating this at the present time. However, in the case of Toomey, Specter would be spanked if the primary were held tomorrow. Specter does not want to lose his seat (He as much as said this last year.) so he will sit on whatever side of the aisle is most advantageous. This does not indicate a person with commitment to the ideals, philosophy or agenda of either side, only to promoting himself. If he could be mummified and strapped to a chair in the senate, it would be indicated in his will. The little problem with voice vots could be rectified by recording his voice prior to his demise. I brought up Specter because he is self-serving, self-promoting and determined to hang on to his seat without any regard for the wishes of his constituents. I am hoping that Griffiths is making this switch for his people, not for political expediency. You are pretty sharp to have picked up on this. Merry Christmas! (Or Happy Holidays, whichever you prefer.)  (Thursday Dec 24 | post #67)

US Politics

Griffith Cites Opposition to Health Care Reform Bill in Defecti...

Arlen Specter jumped shipped to the Democrats when polls were showing that he couldn't beat Pat Toomey in the 2010 primary in Pennsylvania. He has been a rabid supporter of any and all Democratic legislation since. There was nothing altruistic about his mindset; he simply wants to rival Senator Byrd for longevity in the Senate, the people of Pennsylvania be damned. In this case, Griffiths may have truly listened to his constituents if they are indeed opposed to this government take-over of the health care system, with its front-loaded taxes and back room deals. (I really hope so.) On the other hand, he might also be reading the polls and seeing that the health care issue alone (and we didn't even get into the real war over cap 'n tax yet) will determine whether he retains his seat. I don't think it is yet time for the minority party to stand up and cheer, but it does appear that recently elected Congressmen and people like Specter are going to have a real fight on their hands in 2010. I hope Griffiths is sincere and wishes to use his position to challenge this bill constitutionally since there seems to be a number of issues, including the fact that after it is passed, it can NEVER be revised or repealed. I know Specter's decision was strictly self-serving. He can easily beat Sestak in the Democratic primary but he will still face Toomey in the fall. Many Pennsylvnnians are very unhappy with both our House and Senate representation. (And don't even get me started on that weasel, Kanjorski.)  (Wednesday Dec 23 | post #35)

US Politics

Glenn Beck Named "Misinformer Of The Year"

I saw the origin of the article and immediately thought "consider the source." I've been watching Beck since he joined FOX last January and while he appeared to be a novelty at first, I began to realize that information reported and discussed found its way belatedly into the other media. I knew it was time for Charlie Gibson to pack it in when he laughingly admitted that he had never heard of ACORN. I knew all about the organization and its self-promoting leadership from GB. Although Obama tipped me off in his short interchange with the briefly famous Joe the Plumber, I had no idea that there were "czars" with anti-American agendae crawling out of the White House woodwork until I heard it on Beck's show. In spite of all of the jokes about the old-fashioned blackboard, I think Beck would have made a great teacher...the kind that we used to have who taught lessons instead of propoganda. The video that most profoundly affected me was Mrs. Dunn addressing a graduating class in a church, no less, and trying to justify her admiration for Chairman Mao by oxymoronically comparing him to the great humanitarian, Mother Teresa. I have seen very few people look so ridiculous. I could go on, but if you watch the show, you know what I mean. Those who don't or who stubbornly resist the evidence that's out there, do so at their own peril. Someone said that if Obama were to be elected, we wouldn't know this country by Christmas. I honestly think that Beck is one of the few beacons of light in the murky world of corruption and downright sedition that is destroying our wonderful country.  (Tuesday Dec 22 | post #44)

US Politics

Senators broker own special deals

Although it is not politically correct to even mention this, I find it so ironic, at this special time of year, that every principle held dear by the Judeo-Christian ethic upon which this county was founded has been bastardized by this "august" body. Probably the only thing Congress hasn't done to get this travesty through is kill somebody. (That might be on next year's agenda.) I feel shame that these elected officials represent me and the rest of the average "Joe's" out there who do NOT lie, cheat, steal or knowingly harm anyone else. It is a rare example of the sludge rising to the top. Merry Christmas to those who follow this belief, Happy Hannnukah to our Jewish friends, and the best of the holidays to all. Sadly, the joy has been tarnished by the shameless chicanery of those who envision themselves as leaders. Inexplicably, they believe that they possess integrity. Integrity cannot be bought.  (Tuesday Dec 22 | post #16)

Scranton, PA

Pro-lifers in Day 2 of Vigil at Senator Casey's Home in Scranto...

I don't think I am getting my point across. I was shocked that a newspaper in Mississippi is covering "news" about our very own Senator that is not being covered locally. I tried to explain that local news is "filtered " to put the best possible spin on our hometown hero. Voting for a person because of his family's record is, as you say, not a good idea. Unfortunately, this was part of Casey's campaign platform...a continuance of the political views held by his father. Governor Casey was not universally beloved but he was respected because he called it as he saw it, and no one could fault his integrity. You know what to expect when there is no duplicity involved. You misunderstand the meaning of the "ad hominem" argument. I am addressing Senator Casey's record because he is a public figure who was elected as a moderate Democrat. His position on the issues that have beeen hotly debated in the last year indicate otherwise. Your attacking me as a right wing nut job is an example of an "ad hominem argument." This is the usual technique in shutting down someone who does not share your view by labeling him in some negative way. Senator Casey is the topic; he is not part of the give and take of this discussion. I said that it is rare for people to obtain abortions in this state; I did not say it was impossible. For many, it is easier to slip across the borders to NY or NJ than it is to stay here. Many prefer this because they do not want to chance being seen at an abortion clinic. (Sorry, that's just the way it is.) The ACORN issue is a hot topic because of the apparently questionable management of the group as well as some of the techniques used in its efforts to "community organize." Just as you object to a sorry little group of people standing in the street at Senator Casey's house, there have been numerous incidents, some in your own state, of busloads of ACORN members descending upon the homes of AIG and officials of financial institutions, disrupting neighborhoods and causing fear, or even terror among some residents. It is also true that ACORN picketed some of the banks who were conservative in their lending practices, forcing them to grant mortgages that bank officers knew would never be repaid. Better to take it on the chin than have such negative publicity. ACORN is not a wing of the federal government and should not be subsidized with taxpayers' money. I admire your family's achievements but fail to see what that has to do with this discussion. You have personally attacked me without knowing anything about my affiliations, background, life experience or even age.You continue to focus on the abortion issue. To me, Senator Casey's position is a betrayal of all of the people who voted for him because of how he presented himself in his campaign. My concern with abortion itself is that it opens the door for other means of therapeutic murder, such as euthenasia. Having legalized eliminating life before it begins, I believe that it is only a matter of time before those at the end of life will be discarded, however benignly. In an efficient totalitarian state, the unproductive must be eliminated.  (Monday Dec 21 | post #13)

Scranton, PA

Pro-lifers in Day 2 of Vigil at Senator Casey's Home in Scranto...

PBLA, I also do not agree with the tactics of haunting the Casey homestead. However,this was not the crux of my position. My comments were directed toward two things: one, that Casey misrepresented himself in order to win an election, and two, that because he is a Casey, the local powers that be are shielding him from criticism and selectively reporting on his activities. A few years ago, Congressman Don Sherwood, who was actually a nice guy, was plastered all over our "fishwrap " for an affair he had been carrying on with a South American woman. Once this became public knowledge, there was not a snowball's chance in hell that he would be re-elected in the 10th Congressional District.(As I said, people here are very conservative.) Chris Carney just about walked into the seat. Sherwood is a Republican. The local newspapers NEVER carried the story that was all over the DC papers about bribes allegedly accepted by former Congressman Joe McDade. It is true that he too was a Republican but he was of lace curtain Irish descent in a town where both the local government and the newspaper are run by lace curtain Irish. We also had never heard that he had divorced his first wife, Ellen and quietly married again. What outraged me is that I chanced upon the article in question which was published in MISSISSIPPI, for God's sake. Casey has shown himself to be dismissive of his constituents' wishes and a cheap vote for the majority party. As an ostensibly "pro-life " Catholic, he could have at least held out like Mary Landru and Ben Nelson. Pennsylvania could have used a few hundred million as well as Louisiana. The only thing he's done since he's been in Washington is nod his head like those bobble-headed dogs we used to see in people's rear car windows.  (Sunday Dec 20 | post #9)

Scranton, PA

Pro-lifers in Day 2 of Vigil at Senator Casey's Home in Scranto...

My fellow posters do not live here. If you did, you would know that Pennsylvania is not a liberal state. One can rarely obtain a legal abortion here but must travel to New York or New Jersey in order to have the procedure done. My main objection, besides the fact that Casey was largely elected on the coattails of his father's strong pro-life agenda, is that he is being protected by our local press. The only news about him is positive, even to the point of fantasy. Yesterday, it was even suggested in the local "fishwrap " that he would be a good candidate in 2016 for president. Since the local press has not reported on his vote to continue funding for Acorn and he has allied himself with the extreme left of the party, only those who are watching carefully are aware of how he is failing the ideals of the people he represents. He is fully aware of the "culture " of the state, which was described as one politician as elite on either end with a broad strip of Alabama down the middle. Our current president disparaged us as people who cling to "their religion and their guns." (We are not snake-handling fundamentalists with gunracks on our pick-ups) I wouldn't say that Pennsylvania is especially unique in having a variety of viewpoints, but Mr. Casey was elected to represent the dominant one, and largely on the basis of the favorable image projected by his father and grandfather. I might also add that the typical response from the extreme left is to attack individuals for their views rather than try to understand why those views exist. This is called the "ad hominem" argument which takes attention away from the subject and attempts to silence the opposition by branding them stupid, uninformed, unsophisticated or uneducated. You are welcome to come here and meet us; you will find that we are not what you think. And I don't personally know anyone who wears a burgha. You will find that the disappointment in Casey is not necessarily in his pro-abortion stance, but instead, in his hypocrisy in espousing beliefs that helped him get elected and then by his actions, rejecting them.  (Sunday Dec 20 | post #7)