Thank you, Michael.

In Hawaii right now milk $8.00 gal bread $5.00
Cereal $6.00
All due to what BushCo. did for the oil companies and big ag. ethanol
Which helps oil,(shows alternative fuel not good), and big ag (corn) at the same time. Brilliant

Gas in (Lahaina) $4.19 reg
4.40 premium
you don't want to know about diesel

But, I have to tell you that 15cents a gal. is really going to help me. Now that I don't drive anymore, except for emmergency, and have quit buying milk, bread and cereal.
TIC Presently picking guavas off the trees, but harder and harder as more people are poaching, and don't have gas to go find more trees.

Tryed to give everyone a little giggle, but turned out not so funny. sorry

From Michael:
McCain fundraising email today: "I'm sure I don't have to remind you how important even one vote on the Supreme Court can be. Issues concerning states' rights, abortion, affirmative action, the Second Amendment and religious freedom have all been decided by a very slim 5-4 margin."

I have to tell you this would make me vote bush/clinton,-----being a Californian, and fighting the struggle on many different levels to make the feds. stop controlling what we want to do in our state, and loosing every battle as they overrule our democratic votes for change, ie/fed. laws trump state laws.

oh yea---second amendment, do I need to show the videos again in Louisianna when our national guard was ordered in from all the states to take the lawfully owned guns away from the citizen during a most traumatic time in their lives.

WOW, I JUST SAW DEAN ON CNN GOING AT MCCAIN.

He was right on and blantant. No nambi pambi there. Great

Good afternoon fellow Democrats.

Obama \ Clinton 2008

Yes we can!

Si se puede!

Change we can believe in!

Sen. Clinton's website.

Boo you ate correct. Almost every college town is for Obama and unlike during the election of 2004, they are voting and it appears - in larger then anticipated numbers! It was also reported that in Goshen IN, there is a very small college and they alone, with the help of the Obama peon signed up over 600 new voters and many of these voted early which means mostly support for Obama.

More later as it comes in from northern Indiana

Posted by Kathy_from_Indiana on May 6, 2008 at 02:01 PM

Keep the news flowing, Kathy. The spotlight is on you today.

Come to the battleground Edwards and Gore to do battle against McCain. Every times he enters a city follow him with the truth, and look into the area of what Republicans have given them. Hand tie McCain with Bush and His Bohemian Brothers Ambassadors.

Question:
How is the Iraq occupation being spun and how are our troops being put in danger because of the McCain presidential campaign?
Does anyone not believe that this is being done?
What part has Patreaus agreed to play---as he protends to have the safety of our troops as a top concern with "winning" the occupation as a goal?
Nothing in Iraq now has to do with anything but keeping a repub prez----I believe it is Bush.

Posted by highserenity on May 6, 2008 at 02:22 PM

GEN Petraeus' only part in the Iraq quagmire is following the orders of his Commander in Chief; the person ultimately responsible for this mess. GEN Petraeus has done better than any of his predecessors in beating the square peg of President Bush's ill-advised invasion into the round hole of Iraq. Look no further than the civilian leadership when you're looking for your scapegoats.

McCain castigates Obama on judges

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Republican John McCain criticized Democratic rival Barack Obama for voting against John Roberts as U.S. chief justice, reaching out to the Christian right on one of their chief concerns: the proper role of judges in government.

Link

John Roberts has already shown his Bush side of corporate preference, and against "We the people" Civil Liberties.

Judges of Corporate welfare are being planted to dilute the Constitution from individual rights into Executive Privilege rights of CEO's, a President, or things like university's. Where they have the right to demand Bama cards from students, which if unused, the cash reverts back to the university, not the student in need. They demand $3000 or more dollars beyond tuitions. I think they demand them on Veterans also.

Hillary instead of giving a tax holiday, so oil companies can raise there prices. Why not cap the prices for the holidays where they cannot go beyond these limits. They can use the price of gasoline in the last three months of the station, or if no records the surrounding stations. This give money for bridges and protects from excessive Cheney inflated gas prices. This solution helps every one except the oil companies. Obama can you use this format to work from by putting a freeze on gas prices between the Holidays. Obama can you investigate the spot market and who is manipulating oil, food, and necessities. By putting a freeze on petroleum prices it will force the Oil Companies to fix Cheney manipulations or have to pay for them.

Gingrich warns GOP of ‘real disaster' this fall

By Jackie Kucinich
Posted: 05/06/08 01:57 PM [ET]

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) is calling on Republicans to seek "real change to avoid a real disaster" in the wake of another Democratic victory in a special election on Saturday.

In a letter to House Republicans posted on www.newt.org, Gingrich urges House leaders to call an “emergency meeting” of House Republicans to address what he describes as a “catastrophic collapse of trust in Republicans.”

“If a majority of the House Republicans vote for real change, they should instruct Republican Leader John Boehner [Ohio] and his team to come back with a new plan by the Wednesday before the Memorial Day recess,” Gingrich wrote. “This plan should involve real change in legislative, communications, and campaign strategy and involve immediate, real action, including a complete overhaul of the Congressional Campaign Committee.”

Gingrich then outlined nine acts of “real change” including the gas tax holiday and an earmark moratorium.

Michael Steel, a Boehner spokesman, said, “Leader Boehner certainly agrees - and has said repeatedly -- that Republicans can only succeed this year by being agents of change and reform. The American people know that Washington is broken, and we have to convince them that we can fix it. We have been clear over the past year that we have two jobs: defining the Democrats and defining ourselves. In the coming weeks, we will be laying out Republican policies that embody the sort of changes we need.”

Democrats triumphed in a special election on Saturday in Louisiana for retired Rep. Richard Baker’s (R-La.) seat. In March, Democrats also won retired Rep. Dennis Hastert's (R-Ill.) seat in a special election.

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gingrich-warns-gop-of-real-disaster-this-fall-2008-05-06.html

If they take the former Speaker's advice, look for another Contract With America stunt this fall at the GOP Convention. The gimmicks, such as the gas tax holiday, will come fast and furious.

The GOP is scared to death of this election. If this party is smart enough to nominate Sen. Obama (D-IL) we could still recreate a 1976-esque victory though I believe a 1964-esque victory is now outside the real of possibility in light of the manufactured issue concerning Rev. Wright.

And even if we nominate Sen. Clinton (D-NY), all she has to do is to win the states that Sen. Kerry (D-MA) won in 2004 plus FL or OH; both of which she is polling quite well in. Yes, IMHO, she will polarize the electorate as President Bush has however, who would you rather have nominating SCOTUS Justices; "President McCain" or "President H. R. Clinton"?

Despite all of our bickering; despite all of our hurt feelings; we can still win this election on 4NOV08. The tide of history and the flagrant examples of Republican incompetence are with us. Caveat emptor my fellow Democrats; seize the day!

Saw a copy of the Great Falls Tribune today. There was a cartoon on the editorial page. Showed a little guy with a ladder getting ready to change the prices on a gas station sign. Big fat guy was telling him "Don't bother to change the sign, we're raising the price 18 cents."

LG Sanchez is saying Bush's war policy is driven by election politics? That's funny, I though it was driven by Big Oil wanting their money's worth out of this administration.

Hey Gov. Dean, what about these rules?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiM-6ZnW2LI

BobVA 2:28
I was refering to michaels link
Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ricardo Sanchez: Iraq policy driven by Bush reelection politics.

If what you say is true, then Sanchez is lying?

Hey Kathy In IN.

I should have flown in there for today, and stood outside a polling place with you with signs, etc. You will be surprised the conversations you get going with people on their way into the polls! Keep us in the loop as to what is happening on the ground there.

I have seen more than one analyst on TV say that Rush Limbaugh has not really had much influence on driving Republicans to the polls to vote for Hillary. Although people listen to him and his fairy tales, they will not specifically go out and vote for a Dem. I think they all see the writing on the wall and know that the Repug party is going down! And many of them believe it deserves it. They too are sick to death of this illegal occupation, this deficit, BIG government, loss of rights, etc.

Update from northern Indiana: They are once again reporting record primary voter turnouts!!! They will not release any numbers until the polls close at 6:00 pm but already they are saying g very heavy at some poll.

I got a call from a friend on her break as a poll worker a d she said that it was very busy but that the abse tee ballots were very high ..

More as I get it........

Posted by connfloyd on May 6, 2008 at 03:00 PM

Isn't it just TOO TOO unusual that you CARE about Rules now, when FL and MI didn't give a SHIT about RULES when they broke them!

Give us a freaken break !

Posted by highserenity on May 6, 2008 at 03:02 PM

I think LGEN Sanchez is spot on with his remarks about war policy being politically motivated. However, it is the politicians, not the military, who are beholden to politics. It is the civilian leadership who sets policy. The military implements the policy given to it by the civilians. That is why I believe the Iraq debacle is the fault of one person and one person alone, President George W. Bush. The buck stops in the Oval Office and nowhere else.

Well folks it looks like Clinton is cleaning up in Indiana. She is great, really knows how to run this Country and is already making some very useful suggestions to Bush. He changes them a bit and usually follows her lead. I wish you well my lady.

conny
In light of how Hillary has run such a corrupt campaign, and Obama will continue to counter attack when attacked---it would not be a good idea to point out some minimal thing a supporter has done, against instructions---
believe me---if Obama decides to counter attack and point out what Hillary is doing visa vi election fraud---you will be unhappy

and beyond that---
is that all you have to bring to this site in support of your candidate?
this is the reason to vote for Hillary instead of Obama?
displays a desperacy and frustration with your candidate imo

Well folks it looks like Clinton is cleaning up in Indiana. She is great, really knows how to run this Country and is already making some very useful suggestions to Bush. He changes them a bit and usually follows her lead. I wish you well my lady.

Pamb, I would have expected that you care about federal election laws, oh I guess not. Obama broke rules by campaigning and having ads in Florida and now this. Come on that doesn't even look like a homemade sign. I looks like one from the Obama campaign. You people are so ridiculous wanting your candidate you don't even care about the rules he has and still breaking!! You only care about the one Fl and MI broke, Right?

John Bolton: US should bomb Iranian camps

By Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent
Last Updated: 3:35PM BST 06/05/2008

John Bolton, America�s ex-ambassador to the United Nations, has called for US air strikes on Iranian camps where insurgents are trained for war in Iraq.

Mr Bolton said that striking Iran would represent a major step towards victory in Iraq. While he acknowledged that the risk of a hostile Iranian response harming American�s overseas interests existed, he said the damage inflicted by Tehran would be �far higher� if Washington took no action.

�This is a case where the use of military force against a training camp to show the Iranians we�re not going to tolerate this is really the most prudent thing to do,� he said. �Then the ball would be in Iran�s court to draw the appropriate lesson to stop harming our troops.�

Mr Bolton, an influential former member of President George W Bush�s inner circle, dismissed as �dead wrong� reported British intelligence conclusions that the US military had overstated the support that Iran was providing to Iraqi fighters.

A US military spokesman revealed last week that the elite Quds Force of Iran�s Revolutionary Guards had drafted in personnel from Lebanon�s Hizbollah to train fighters from Iraq�s Shia militias.

Colonel Donald Bacon, a spokesman for the coalition in Baghdad, said captured fighters had told interrogators that thousands of Iraqi fighters were undergoing training in the Islamic Republic.

The main camp is located near the town of Jalil Azad, near Tehran, according to coalition officials...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1931520/John-Bolton-US-should-bomb-Iranian-camps.html

Jeez, you'd think they could figure out a way to stop the Iranian interference in Iraq without starting WW3 but, then again, these are the NeoCons. Bomb first, kill everything in sight, then ask questions later.

Here's a novel approach. How about securing the darn border! Aw hell, what am I saying? We won't even secure our own borders.

Thanks Kathy for the news! As much as I work on being detached from the outcome of Indiana and North Carolina the anguish becomes hard to live with. Every day I pray that we get our country back!I don`t know this country anymore.It`s like our country has been turned into this sick vile monster.I know the people in this country will turn it around in spite of MSM.Just knowing that great numbers of people are turning out tells me that people have had enough!

Bob
IIMU Sanchez quit because he was told to run the war in Iraq wrongly due to repub pressures to win election
What is Petraus doing?
Do you really think he is not being told how to run the occupation over there so public oppinion will bode for repub election?
Isn't it clear he is agreeing to do just that?

thanks for not being mad that I am addressing hot buttons
Michael brought it up LOL :-)

Ignore the ignorant, Pam. That has nothing to do with Dr. Dean nor the DNC. It's a COUNTY thing. If Miss Congeniality had half a brain she'd know that.

Posted by connfloyd on May 6, 2008 at 03:33 PM
______________________________________________

YOUR ARE WRONG
I don't care about MI and Fl breaking the rules

I care about Hillary supporting them to do so and telling them she will fix it afterward and make sure they don't have consequences.
Then attacking DEAN and OBAMA because she is not getting her way after telling FL and MI that a Clinton can throw their weight around and the DNC will bow.

What do we have here tag team wrestling?Give it a break folks.All you are going to get with these remarks are hostility.Grow up!(Referring to oneforall&connofloyd)This is an election not a pissing contest.

Bob,
Do you think the British (or anyone else with clout) will come to the aid of Iran, when they clearly know and object to what BushCo is doing?

Everything that is going on with commanding generals it really simple.You either relinquish to wh command or your out.In other words do what you are told.If they are not yes people they`re gone.

virgo,
That is what I have been trying to answer
Doesn't that make Patreus a yes person and evident that we don't really know how Iraq is being handled visa vi the upcoming elections?

She is great, really knows how to run this Country and is already making some very useful suggestions to Bush. He changes them a bit and usually follows her lead. I wish you well my lady.

Posted by oneforall on May 6, 2008 at 03:28 PM
______________________________________

Had to smile when I read this----as I have been over to the Clinton blogs a few times, and it never seems to matter what is posted for discussion----the same message, like above, is just repeated over and over with very little variation----except, I have to admit, this is the first time I have heard about her advising Bush and him following her advice.

Oneforall seems to be oblivious that she is posting on the DNC web-blog.
It would be much more appropriate on the RNC, if she is hoping to get the votes from the repub 19%.
Like that is going to happen!!!!!!!!1

Posted by highserenity on May 6, 2008 at 03:50 PM

High, I know that you sent this question to Bob but I just couldn't help but answer:
The british are afraid that, if they do that, the dub and mcsame will then put them in the axis of evil and come up with excuses to bomb them!

Goos GOLLY! Miss Molly!

Bushco can't be bothered with fixing the barracks at Ft. Bragg or cleaning up Walter Reed or rebuilding NOLA, but they are wasting time planning TIGRIS WOODS??

putting a new spin to the phrase..."bunker shot"

Come to the battleground Edwards and Gore to do battle against McCain. Every times he enters a city follow him with the truth, and look into the area of what Republicans have given them.

Posted by YoungPoet on May 6, 2008 at 02:10 PM

Excellent YP, we should all be echoing this. We need to get someone on his trail, a truth brigaide. Gore and Edwards would fill this spot perfectly.

Highserenity!Bingo!Betreaus can`t even go before any committee hearing before getting his paperwork on what to say from the wh. This war is portrayed in the media and every inch of the way. If you can`t follow wh instructions, your services are no longer required.That`s why w says his generals are free to speak freely.They know if they speak out of line they`ll be replaced.No more advancements,etc.,

On the Hillary FL-Mi deal. Hillary has actually signed off on that and is now trying to conviently forget now that things are getting a little desparate.

What's this about the FBI raiding a special council office? Tell me I'm dreaming.

Hope,ALL, the people will see the light and get in behind the one that has received corporation from the Republicans and knows how to get their help again. Look at her she is making suggestions and the Republicans are trying to fall in line with her. Open your eyes to see the real Presidental Material.

BBL,got campaigning to do for Tom Allen for senate in Maine!Tough road,but I think we can do it!

Posted by Big_Yellow_Dog on May 6, 2008 at 04:28 PM

Good afternoon! Good to see you.
What Special Council Office? When, where? Can you provide an address or link?

Here 'tis.

FBI Agents Raid Special Counsel’s Home, Office In Corruption Investigation

Posted by BobVADemHawk-Obama08 on May 6, 2008 at 03:33 PM

...and Bob, how is that possible? Iran and Iraq have been joined at the hip for centuries. It's Shite as is the majority in Iraq. Even during the conflict between Iraq and Iran (which by the way we fueled and supported financially) you would have been hard pressed to find Shia support for that war. Saddam was Sunni which is no secret. It is completely obvious that Iran, as a Shia country will always have an influence in Iraq.

The goal then should be, how do we work with the Shia's and Iran.

Anything else is a waste of time, money and blood.

You can not bomb two countries into submission.

Thanks DBDBD. Going there right now!

McSame just said he would follow Bush and appoint SC Justices like Alito, Scalia, Roberts, and that partisan racist Renquist.

DEMOCRATS MUST WIN IN 2008!

BBL,got campaigning to do for Tom Allen for senate in Maine!Tough road,but I think we can do it!Posted by virgo on May 6, 2008 at 04:32 PM

hey virgo, I have thrown donations at Tom allen over the last 6 months or so. I have my fingers crossed on that one! Stupid Lieberman fund raising for the old bitty, Collins!

Hi MaryMac,

How are you? I just heard part of that on the news. Check the wires, or maybe something like the Bradblog, for details. Maybe I didn't hear it correctly... because it does sound like the KGB.

I read an article earlier. There are several colonels who are challenging the direction that Petraeus and his minions are taking the Army with the publication of the new version of Field Manual (FM)3-24.
Field Manuals give the direction and policy of the Army, and this one, by giving emphasis to counter insurgency is leading the Army away from conventional warfare, and quite possibly down the primrose path.
The colonels feel that, although counterinsurgency is important in current operations, the loss of conventional capability, including emphasis for training field artillery units will handicap the Army in the future.
Considering that many higher ranking officers tend to fight the last war instead of looking toward the future, I feel that it is quite possible that these colonel have a valid concern.
Our role in the counterinsurgency in Iraq is not going to last forever. We have not the resources nor the will to continue this bloody fiasco, and to look at all future wars as wars against counter insurgency leads to a chilling conclusion of what the Bushiato and the neo-cons have planned for our future. Both abroad and here in the US.
As long as we have other and more enduring commitments in the world, and as long as both China and, thanks to the Bushiato, now Russia are rocket rattling, to suddenly decide that counter-insurgency is the only way to go with military training is short sighted, and serving only the whims of Big Business the way gunboat diplomacy did in the early part of the last century.
These brown-nosing generals who have survived the Bushiato purge of the military are writing plans for the destruction of our military and our country.
For more information go to Google, and type in "colonels army conventional war"

Just like this administration, getting the fox to guard the hen house! Just like Clean Air, Consumer Products Safety, etc.

Posted by Big_Yellow_Dog on May 6, 2008 at 04:55 PM

DBDBD posted a link to Think Progress where the story is posted. I'm doing okay today, how about you?

Hope,ALL, the people will see the light and get in behind the one that has received corporation from the Republicans and knows how to get their help again. Look at her she is making suggestions and the Republicans are trying to fall in line with her. Open your eyes to see the real Presidental Material.

Posted by oneforall on May 6, 2008 at 04:31 PM
_________________________
Boy, that is the first thing I can agree with you on---but you don't have to tell us here, we already know. just didn't think you did--

we know which candidates are getting CORPORATION from the Republicans and knows how to get their help

Posted by highserenity on May 6, 2008 at 01:33 PM

State's Rights is just a euphimism for discrimination. Racial minorities, Women, Homosexuals are in danger if there aren't federal equality laws!

Marines ignore Taliban cash crop to not upset Afghan locals

Link

Have the government buy the crop and destroy it, and have them raise crops for Ethanol instead. The government is giving rewards for Talibans, let give them a reward for turning over their crops.

Some say destroy it and that will only drive them toward the Taliban. To leave it only forces them to search out buyers.

There is one critical criteria for a Federal Judge that they abide by the Constitution and its separation of power doctrine with due process Scales of Justice. Supreme Court Roberts has bid business interests over Civil Liberties "We the people" interests. Support teaching the Constitution to our school children before it is too late being redefined in Guantanamo redefinitions.

Mission Accomplished banners do not even work in Afghanistan. I am not sure where they could be used in the Bush White House, especially not in New Orleans. In McCain backgrounds maybe that would work.

With 3 Clinton's, FoxNews, McCain, and Clintonite's, Obama is doing great by himself and with former Clinonite's, others backing him. Here you have a true leader, who stand up against all these Clinton's at once and smile with a "We the people" spirit that needs no negativity.

Posted by highserenity on May 6, 2008 at 03:42 PM

...What is Petraus doing? Do you really think he is not being told how to run the occupation over there so public oppinion will bode for repub election? Isn't it clear he is agreeing to do just that?...

GEN Petraeus is following orders, the orders of the CIC. He really doesn't have a choice in the matter other than to follow orders or resign. So the way you frame the question, technically he is agreeing to do just that.

Posted by Michigan_Dave on May 6, 2008 at 04:44 PM

Dave, from what I understand Arab Shia, as in Iraq, is different from Persian Shia, as in Iran. Hence, the botched raid on Iranian backed Shia forces a few weeks ago by Iraqi Shia forces.

The goal then should be, how do we work with the Shia's and Iran.

That my fellow Democrat is what is commonly referred to in the vanacular as a truism. I agree 100%.

You can not bomb two countries into submission.

Germany, Italy, and especially Japan may differ with you on that though I perfectly understand what you're saying and I agree in principle.

margo
that is not my understanding---I will go look for links.
this is my uneducated thoughts on that:
the feds are only supposed to protect us from what we cannot protect ourselves from (like attack and corrupt corporations) and be influencial in health, environment, where one state affects us all.
I want strong individual states rights, where if my state is not the kind of place I want to live, I will go to a state that has my values.

I think when everyone starts moving to the states that honor all individuals equally, and our freedoms to do as we wish, as long as we are not hurting anyone else, then it will force bigot states to stop, or they will have tiny tax base.

Pretty immature thinking huh?

youngpoet
I know you understand the importance for this government to keep the drugs coming into this country.
why do you think your "way too simple" solution hasn't been addressed?

It also follow that our government needs the terrorist organizations funded, covertly.

We the people buy the drugs, so it is not the governments fault that we the people are funding the terrorist.

I'm doing okay. I'm not happy with the way things are shaping up. Can you imagine if Democrats wind up with a candidate WITHOUT out the courage to stand up to the Oil Companies, and the Financial sector, and not DEMAND more regualation/penalties?

Why am I not surprised that the corporate owned and funded MSM has the perfect match-up for November? Two choices who are against regulation... some choice. No wonder the non-profit study found that Obama is getting many more positive stories than all the other Dems.

I will support the nominee. McCain is more Bush.

Have you been kicking *** in honky tonks again? :P
Did you see when the troll referenced you?

McCain Says Obama, Clinton Favor `Activist' Judges

Link

McCain support Corporate Judges that support limiting human and civil liberties with White House John Woo Executive Privilege warrant less power. They want a Bohemian Supreme Court for their Corporate Republic curtailing Constitutional Freedom and Democracy. Look at Bush that explains what McBush wants.

Posted by marymac_memphis on May 6, 2008 at 04:13 PM
_______________________________________

thanks I forget not to address to one person, when hoping for response from anyone.

Whenever I post to one person, am glad to hear from anyone. LOL :-)
I know it is not proper blog etiquette, but I forget

Posted by highserenity on May 6, 2008 at 05:21 PM

It seems elements hidden in our government may be in dealing with drugs, but the Taliban are not in the chain, at least I hope not.

As a 58plus year old woman, I have to say I am so tired of hearing the reports on the after polls the huge percent of Hillary voters, who say they will vote for McCain if Hillary doesn't get elected.
1. Has Hillary really not educated them to the difference and what is at stake? If they don't understand this, why are they voting for Hillary?

2. Has Hillary told them to say that so it will scare us into voting for Hillary?

I can't think of 3 and 4.

I am becoming a woman hater. Who would have thunk?

...and Bob, how is that possible? Iran and Iraq have been joined at the hip for centuries. It's Shite as is the majority in Iraq. Even during the conflict between Iraq and Iran (which by the way we fueled and supported financially) you would have been hard pressed to find Shia support for that war. Saddam was Sunni which is no secret. It is completely obvious that Iran, as a Shia country will always have an influence in Iraq.

Posted by Michigan_Dave on May 6, 2008 at 04:44 PM

You are 100% correct here Dave. But, I would add that it is also no secret to commanders on the ground in Iraq that Saudi Arabians have had far more to do with the growth of Anti-American forces than Iranians have. We haven't heard the media talk about this aspect, or any other aspect of Iraq for that matter, but the word on the ground is that 40% of all explosive materials used in the production of roadside bombs has come out of Saudi Arabia while most of what remains is produced inside Iraq itself. Iran supplies, at most, 20% of roadside bomb materials and, though hi-tech, these roadside bombs produce fewer casualties than the average Sunni produced bomb.

This is a great point to illustrate just how big a mess these Bush types have created over the years in the Middle East. Go back just a few decades and we find relations with the nations of Iraq and Iran going quite well. But then we failed to respond to a changing diplomatic environment inside Iran, choosing instead to use covert operations inside that country in an attempt to end that transformation. As a result, we were driven entirely from Iran.

Shortly thereafter we began supporting Saddam Hussein who eventually took Iraq to war with Iran. Some time after this began, Cheney and Rumsfeld, then with the CIA, decided that it would smart to support both sides. (Iran/Contra)

As you might expect, this upset locals, eventually leading to the growth of Al Queda in Saudia Arabia, where a young Osama bin Laden recently back from another U.S. funded war with Russia in Afghanistan was instrumental. For a time the forces traded blows via covert strikes, which often involved members of the CIA.

Today, as you can clearly see, this conflict has taken on a life of its own. There are so many facets to it that the original players themselves can not begin to make sense of it, let alone bring it to a close. To be blunt, everything that they have tried has blown up in their face.

Yes, the military option has been nearly exhausted and we have not yet begun to use the diplomatic option as we were accustomed to doing before everything went south.

Posted by highserenity on May 6, 2008 at 05:18 PM

I agree that the states do have rights, but where to draw the line is the question. And, if you look at the issues such as equality, the states that pushed back took the "State's Rights" position.

So, I do agree that states have rights, but more importantly to me, America has rights and values. People can't go to one state and be subject to different rules on issues such as race and gender.

It seems elements hidden in our government may be in dealing with drugs, but the Taliban are not in the chain, at least I hope not.

Posted by YoungPoet on May 6, 2008 at 05:35 PM
________________________________

Wasn't refering to those "elements"
Don't really need them

Just make sure the poppy fields thrive and are necessary for Afghans survival---(ie/don't help them replace with good crops)---and the drug will easily find it's way into our country to keep an element of our citizens addicted and controllable.

margo
People can't go to one state and be subject to different rules on issues such as race and gender.

If they could, it might be a good idea. Keep the bigots and haters in one place and most would migrate to the states that support freedom, thus the tax base in those states would grow.
Eventually, bigot/hater states would have to change to support themselves, as their tax base would be so tiny :-)

It would take a few years, but migration would immediately become obvious.

Okey Doke.

The polls close in the yellow zone in 5 minutes, 1 hour later in the blue zones.

Let the spin begin.

Let the spin begin.

Posted by Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo on May 6, 2008 at 05:55 PM

I have to say that I'm kind of glad I'm tv-less these days. Life is easier without talking heads.

Let the spin begin.

Posted by Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo on May 6, 2008 at 05:55 PM

I have to say that I'm kind of glad I'm tv-less these days. Life is easier without talking heads.

margo
I am California girl---San Franciso---etc. and Maui Girl
Maybe most non-judgemental places in America.

I have chosen these places because of this, and now I have no where to run. the last 10 years of federal interferance now is almost more than I can stand.

We always had fed laws that we acknowledged, but ignored.
We have experienced more BIG BALLOONING fed government digging into our personal lives (while telling us they stand for smaller fed government) than ever in my history.

Now they have locked up the borders so I can't leave without being tracked. I have always been able to leave anytime I wanted without worry.
TOTAL FREEDOM I have always loved central and south america. It is where I go to breath. FOR 50 YEARS NOW I CAN'T

BIG BALLOONING fed government now wants to track me over the border to watch what I am doing.

Have you been kicking *** in honky tonks again? :P
Did you see when the troll referenced you?

Posted by Big_Yellow_Dog on May 6, 2008 at 05:25 PM

OMG - you must have seen me dancing on the table! LOL ;-0 It's always that one last beer that puts me over the line! (Especially since I rarely drink - so the first is also the last!)

Yeah, the trolls hate me as much as I hate them. I usually just ignore them since I saw here once that they are paid by the number of responses; but, sometimes it's just plain fun to bash them.

Anyway, I will be very glad when we have a candidate to unite behind. I'm beginning to get scared of the fracture in the party; but, I sure won't call for unity again, at least not on this web site! - I sure learned my lesson there! LOL
I think that you are 100% correct that We've got to avoid - at all costs - lamebrain mcsame!
Thanks for all of your support and, at the risk of being slammed
GO DEMOCRATS GO!

Not enough ballots, this seems to continue to be a problem----how could it be, with so many primaries already having suffered from this issue.

Precinct official Gerald Britton tells us that the County Clerk has delivered 100 additional ballots. This may still prove troublesome as that amount may barely meet the need of those waiting in line.

Mr. Britton has also already placed another order for a round of ballots.

Indiana Statute requires ballots to be delivered sealed….they weren’t in this case. In addition, Marion County officials have told us that it is “policy” that ballots are delivered in the custody of a bipartisan team…again not the case in this instance:

http://www.electionjournal.org/

Much of the history I just relayed to you came from my education and training while a Marine. Our Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen are taught the same.

I have a difficult time accepting the current strategy knowing all of this, just as I find it difficult to accept the words of those who consistently deny it. Now, I can't speak for everyone out there but the training I received required that we use the history of the conflict itself as we set out to resolve it. So it is troubling when I look out there and see that this is only being done on a very basic level, with the small unit commander who is looking for a way to adapt his tactics to defeat those of his enemy.

In the end I guess what I am saying is that I am entirely unsatisfied with the orders that have come done from above. And while it is true that Bush is behind this, it must also be said that others have contributed to this misunderstanding simply becuase they themselves were not as well informed as they should have been. This included leaders from both political parties who supported our initial invasion of Iraq, apparently taking it for granted that momentum would follow us from Afghanistan, where most inhabitants of the Middle East supported our actions, to Iraq.

Here I have trouble, regardless of whether that individual responsible for authorizing the conflict believed the lies told about WMD or not. I have trouble because the decision itself was made without any apparent consideration for how the mission in Iraq would play into the overall strategy. I have trouble because it was apparent from the start that those authorizing the war hadn't even thought to ask themselves how any of this was going to play out.

high, I understand (but am scared of since I live in such a red state) what you mean about allowing states to have more control but Republicans are like the uni-bomber, they love isolation and want to turn back the clock to the time of a survival of the fittest enviornment. Be careful, don't into their hands. I'm so jealous that you live in a more 'blue' envoirnment! Lucky, lucky you.

bbl

REPUKE FAMILY VALUES AT WORK? SAN DIEGO IS A HOTBED OF NEOCON CRIMINALS. GO FIGURE.

75 students arrested in San Diego State University drug bust

Posted by marymac_memphis on May 6, 2008 at 06:01 PM

Hey Mary, you have hit the big time if the trolls are zeroing in on you. Way to go! If they're twitching about what you're saying then you must be doing something right.

New "election results" open thread!!

I'm beginning to get scared of the fracture in the party; but, I sure won't call for unity again, at least not on this web site! - I sure learned my lesson there! LOL

Posted by marymac_memphis on May 6, 08 at 06:01 PM

But you were right. Forget what the haters, and special CANDIDATE interests say. Unity is a must.

Let me try my try MY straight talk here. Some polls are showing that HALF of Clinton's supporters will not vote for Obama, should he get the nomination. By the same token, a good amount of Obama's supporters will not support Hillary, should she get the nomination. So... the only way to get everybody on-board for the Democratic ticket is to have a Clinton/Obama ticket, or an Obama/Clinton ticket. The only question is who should lead the ticket, IMO.

I will note that some politicians will pick a candidate based on things OTHER that "what is best for the party." For example, some will pick who they need to campaign for them during his/her next election. For example, Sen. Casey (PA), known as conservative, knows that he will need a strong showing in the urban areas, if he wants to be re-elected. Having someone like Obama stump for him in Philly will greatly help his chances.

My point is that SOMETIMES these supers are doing what is best for THEM in the future. This is no surprise. I just think some are under-estimating the selfish reasoning of the supers.

You also have situation of people supporting the person who they think will win so they are IN with the IN crowd. And then you have the issue of who has PAID CONTRIBUTIONS to the supers' PACs. My point is that Supers are not ALWAYS voting for who they think will stand best against McCain, as we are being told by the MSM.

In conclusion, if people TRULY want to have unity and win, they will support a "dream ticket." I do.
Talk about a way to make EVERYBODY bury the hatchet pretty fast. I don't think we can under-estimate the benefits of that too.

So there you have it... The Big Yellow Dog Straight Talk Express. Vote Democratic!

I have to say that I'm kind of glad I'm tv-less these days. Life is easier without talking heads.

Posted by margotb822 on May 6, 2008 at 05:58 PM

NO TV! No Faux News?
No Corporate News Network?
No Neo-con Broadcasting Conspiracy?
No Corporate Broadcasting Syndicate?
No All Business Commentary?
You poor, poor soul.
How do you know what to think? How do you hear the spin and lies that they pin on Democrats?

PamB,Just wanted you to know that I read your post on donating to Tom Allen!Thank you,Thank you, Thank you!We really need him in the senate! Collins has voted for every inch of the war and all the tax cuts for the wealthy.Bushie baby couldn`t do this crap without her support or Lieberrat.These people need to go!By the way Tom Allen voted against going to war in 2002 when it was considered unpatriotic.I`d like to Stepenopolis stick that on his pin questions!

hahahahaha Newt wants the republicans to try to convince the american people that they are for change. If they really wanted change they would have let Ron Paul have a voice instead of treating him like crap. Oh yeah, that really made some hard core young internet republicans not trust you repugs. Good luck with that, copying Obama's promise. We'll see if you can fool the american people three times hahahahahahaha

Michelle Obama has a great sense of fashion. Compared to John McCain's 100 millionaire wife, who only knows how to wear matching sets, usually all bright yellow, orange, really not hip. But Michelle puts stuff together that is so natural and classic, Oh and she doesn't bleach her hair.