I see there's going to be a new coffee shop in downtown Auburn. Was that a vote by the union from the city workers?
I'd like to comment on North Street and South Street, how horrible they are traffic wise, especially the big trucks. I think that's one of the biggest problems downtown Auburn has and no one seems to address it.
I can't imagine any parent with a sound mind exposing their child to a snake or any dangerous animal.
I've been voting here for quite a few years and these council members and heads of the cities have no idea what's going on.
Two Cents will be updated online as new submissions are called or e-mailed. To contribute new Two Cents items, please call 253-5311 ext. 292 or e-mail twocents@lee.net.
The Citizens' Say
There are 145 comment(s)
AJ wrote on Aug 30, 2008 6:30 PM:
Anyhow, more dirt on Palin - she is looking VERY scary!! Except for the radical evangelicals, which I think hardly constitute a majority, I doubt she'll have very much support and will prove to be a liability more than anything, assuming, of course, the media doesn't "spin" her as something she is not.
Here is some dirt I received in my inbox today I highly recommend.
"John McCain's vice presidential choice, Sarah Palin, has a history as a small town mayor and novice Alaska governor of petty squabbles and retaliation, as Jason Leopold reports.
For the full story, go to Consortiumnews.com" "
karl wrote on Aug 30, 2008 5:27 PM:
http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/08/29/did-palin-really-fight-the-bridge-to-nowhere.aspx
"Here's what she told the Anchorage Daily News on October 22, 2006, during the race for the governor's seat (via Nexis):
5. Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?
'Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist.'
So she was very much for the bridge and insisted that Alaska had to act quickly—the party of Ted Stevens and Don Young might soon lose its majority, after all." "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 30, 2008 5:03 PM:
She is a radical Evangelical Christian.
BAD
She opposes Abortion in EVERY case--whether in cases of Rape, Incest, or Life-of-Mother issues.
TERRIBLE
She supports the teaching of Creationism in schools.
BAD
She opposes stem cell research.
I am ambivalent on this one.
She supports blocking access to family planning services for women.
TERRIBLE
She opposes the right to die.
REALLY TERRIBLE
She supports a constitutional amendment to deny Gay Americans’ equality of marriage rights.
NEUTRAL
She opposes the right of members of same sex marriages to visit their spouses in the hospital and obtain health benefits through their marriages.
BAD
So, every time I hear about her, she stinks more. McCain is wretched as well, so I am feeling ever more compelled to vote for the candidate most likely to defeat McCain -- not that I like Obama, but I must do what I can to keep McCain and Palin out of the White House.
Sorry, AJ -- I understand completely your desire to vote for a palatable candidate. I've done the same many times myself, but this time, I have to do what I can to keep the really bad nutters out of the Presidency, even though it means voting for a lesser evil. "
karl wrote on Aug 30, 2008 3:44 PM:
She is a radical Evangelical Christian.
She opposes Abortion in EVERY case--whether in cases of Rape, Incest, or Life-of-Mother issues.
She supports the teaching of Creationism in schools.
She opposes stem cell research.
She supports blocking access to family planning services for women.
She opposes the right to die.
She supports a constitutional amendment to deny Gay Americans’ equality of marriage rights.
She opposes the right of members of same sex marriages to visit their spouses in the hospital and obtain health benefits through their marriages.
Research it yourself--don't take my word for it.
Here's the thing that p***es me off the most--in making this choice, John McCain has put the security and well-being of the entire nation at risk.
Instead of choosing a competent, able candidate, he chose an ideological "gift" to the Radical Religious Right.
Same old pandering to radical elements on the Right.
Same old selling-out the nation's interests to divisive theocrats and demagogues.
John McCain has made the security of America his campaign platform. Now, when polls show things looking worse for him after Obama's phenomenal speech at the DNC, he sells out once again to try to get votes.
John McCain--putting personal ambition and lust-for-power ahead of the good of the Nation! "
movedsouth wrote on Aug 30, 2008 2:34 PM:
Friday, October 20, 2006 11:43 PM PDT
By Associated Press
Print Printable version E-mail E-mail this article 0 comment(s)
Font Size:
JUNEAU, Alaska -- The Bridge to Nowhere may be headed somewhere, with Alaska's outgoing governor planning to award a contract in his final days of office worth up to $30 million.
The contract would be for road work on Gravina Island leading to the planned bridge to Ketchikan in southeast Alaska. The $328 million project became a symbol of pork-barrel spending in Congress last year. That debate gave rise to the "nowhere" moniker that has angered residents who believe the bridge will expand the region's economy.
Alaska Department of Transportation officials overseeing the project have been ordered to hurry the bidding process so that a contractor can be named on Dec. 1.
"That's been our charge," special-projects manager Jim Lowell said Friday.
The work, estimated by Lowell to be between $20 million and $30 million would not begin until next spring.
Gov. Frank Murkowski leaves office Dec. 4.
"We don't know what the next governor is going to do, but we believe it's appropriate to move forward on the project," Murkowski spokesman John Manly said. "It's something we've been trying to get moved forward for the last four years."
Democratic candidate Tony Knowles' spokeswoman, Patty Ginsburg, said Murkowski should defer such large commitments to the next governor.
"It's a little upsetting to see Gov. Murkowski try to fence the next governor in," Ginsburg said." "
brew1234 wrote on Aug 30, 2008 1:48 PM:
1234567890p wrote on Aug 30, 2008 11:27 AM:
movedsouth wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:30 AM:
irritated wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:36 AM:
brew wrote on Aug 30, 2008 12:39 AM:
cm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:22 PM:
Just because she made her personal choice doesnt mean she believes all laws MUST be pro-life. "
cm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:01 PM:
does your heart bleed for this "I HOPE to be INJECTED" person:
DAYTON, Ohio (Aug. 29) - A mother was convicted Friday of killing her month-old daughter by burning her in a microwave oven, China Arnold, 28, Arnold intentionally put her baby in the microwave oven and cooked the child to death after a fight with her boyfriend was found guilty of aggravated murder and could be sentenced to death.
NOT could be, SHOULD BE!! "
interested wrote on Aug 29, 2008 10:48 PM:
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 10:07 PM:
Excellent point!
Palin also would outlaw Abortion EVEN IN CASES OF RAPE OR INCEST!!!
This dame is as batty and sick as they come! "
quiveringthigh wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:49 PM:
AJ wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:15 PM:
" KARL YOU HAVE NO CLUE. GO TO BED. "
More inane commentary from the peanut gallery. Ho Hum...
Karl, I'm with you on the abortion thing. That woman has no business holding public office, except dog catcher, and that is questionable. I just wonder if the media is going to make the issue out of it it deserves to be.
Frightening, indeed. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:03 PM:
More reasons not to vote McCain/Palin.... "
movedsouth wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:39 PM:
theking wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:28 PM:
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 5:29 PM:
Think about that, seriously.
She would force a woman to die--other kids or husband be damned, sorry!--in order to give birth to a baby which might not even survive!
She would remove a woman's right to choose her own fate! Her own reproductive choices!
THAT Should scare you enough!
She was cruel enough to bring a Down's Syndrome baby into the world, and would force others to do the same--or worse!
This woman is the WORST example of religious-based fanaticism that I can think of. "
AJ wrote on Aug 29, 2008 5:00 PM:
cm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 4:29 PM:
hoping for a tranquil evening! "
cm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 4:24 PM:
no matter who the winner is, CHANGE will be very little.
The other 535 have their pockets lined, why would they change?
I would rather have all my money go the war than go to ONE ILLEGAL.
the economy is always up or down, gas prices are lower and the dollar is stronger, and inflation will ALWAYS be
(inflation of prices not pay)
There will always be TAXES that one of us disagrees with, no health care program will benefit all, and like drilling or building refineries its in the making for years to come.
THERE IS NO QUICK FIX..
Each person has their version of the stimulas check.
for the poor it was rent and food
for the middle class it was mortgage and gas
for the rich it wasnt worth collecting interest on..
it was not intended to be a bail-out for everyones yearly expenses. "
cm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 4:09 PM:
this really coming from you?
YOU, the robin hood of the welfare stoopers? "
cm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 4:05 PM:
My guess is you wouldnt be so upset, if McCain had picked a total loser. But he picked someone who has a backbone, and you hate to admit that.
AJ:
no matter who wins the circus, its still the 536 as a whole, true change can only happen if the slate is wiped clean and we start over, we all know, its way too late for that! "
nature lover wrote on Aug 29, 2008 4:01 PM:
nature lover wrote on Aug 29, 2008 3:58 PM:
movedsouth wrote on Aug 29, 2008 3:44 PM:
Andy b wrote on Aug 29, 2008 3:17 PM:
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 3:13 PM:
F.O.S.
That's you. "
AJ wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:50 PM:
This country has gone so far down the tubes in the last 30 years it is pathetic, and I do not see it ever getting better. There are just too many friggin idiots all over the place buying into all the nonsense because they know so little about history and OD'd on kool aid. HItler would be so proud.
What a disgrace. "
longboard315 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:39 PM:
" The democrats have suddenly developed a keen sense of morality. John Edwards has been banned from making a speech at the Democrat convention, for having an affair and lying about it.
In his place, Bill Clinton will be speaking.
If it weren't for double standards, liberals wouldn't have any standards at all. "
You said it Chris....Im just reminding you of YOUR BOY, SPITZER. Dirty sex scandal stuff is on both sides of the coin. Later Nerd. "
movedsouth wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:37 PM:
cm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:35 PM:
everytime something comes up against him he runs with his tail between his legs.
1. love my pastor--bye bye pastor
2. love my church--bye bye church
3. flag pin-NO WAY---hello flagpin
why not just stand your ground no matter what the media says?
I semi-liked Hillary until she choose the 'party' over the people..
WE THE PEOPLE...
Obama caves to please the Party, I say one cannot create change if he is always conforming!
McCain's pick is a great choice. I was planning on a write in--but his VP (Palin) just got my vote! "
movedsouth wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:28 PM:
chris van note wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:25 PM:
and Chris Van Note? How about your boy Spizter? Dont throw stones in a glass house Fig Nutz!
My boy Spitzer? You need some reading comprehension lessons slick.
I wouldn't have voted for Spitzer in a million years. "
1234567890p wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:13 PM:
dd wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:56 PM:
AJ wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:53 PM:
longboard315 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:46 PM:
and Chris Van Note? How about your boy Spizter? Dont throw stones in a glass house Fig Nutz!
You geeks are too easy, peace - im outta here :-) "
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:44 PM:
"She is for domestic drilling and working on a $60 billion pipeline for natural gas."
EXACTLY! Another Big Oil flunky!!
Another person deluded into thinking that we should just drill our way out of our dependence on foreign oil, and oil in general.
NO THANKS!!!!
I'll say it again--NO THANKS!!! "
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:42 PM:
NOTHING!
More silly Right wing anti-Democratic rhetoric and smoke...I'm bored, really...
movedsouth, you too--so much for your argument about Obama's alleged "lack of experience"!
Let's talk about John McCain's judgment here?! Nominating a woman who is basically a nod to the extreme Conservative wing of the party--she's anti-abortion, lifelong gun nut--hell, even that loon Glenn Beck is crowing about her? And all the Evangelical nutcases. The Family Research council---"overjoyed" with picking her. What does that say about McCain's "judgment"?
The fact that John McCain PUTS IDEOLOGY OVER COMPETENCE, EXPERIENCE, OR COMMON SENSE!
KOWTOWING TO THE CONSERVATIVE/RELIGIOUS BASE AGAIN--SAME OLD CORRUPT WASHINGTON POLITICS!!!!!! "
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:35 PM:
movedsouth wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:10 PM:
chris van note wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:02 PM:
In his place, Bill Clinton will be speaking.
If it weren't for double standards, liberals wouldn't have any standards at all. "
Andy b wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:47 PM:
chris van note wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:44 PM:
" John McCain's VP pick IS MARRIED TO AN OIL WORKER/MEMBER.
Forget about Alternate forms of energy if John McCain is elected!
Forget about breaking the dependence on oil! "
Ooooh Nooos. She was born in Idaho so she must be in the pocket of the powerful potato mafia.
She has 5 kids so she must be aligned with the Gerber Baby Food evildoers.
She wore the crown of Miss Wasilla in 1984 so she must be in the pocket of the Bush/Cheney Beauty Pagents of Evil.
And, this is the crazy part, her husband works in the oil industry in Alaska!!!! Palin's husband is a commercial fisherman. Outside the fishing season, Todd works for BP energy corporation at an oil field on Alaska's North Slope and is a champion snowmobiler, winning the 2000-mile "Iron Dog" race four times.
And, my gosh, he snowmobiles!!! In Alaska no less!!! "
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:40 PM:
"She is married to Todd Palin, an oil production operator on Alaska's North Slope."
From http://us.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/palin.republican.vp.candidate/index.html "
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:37 PM:
The scandal broke after the Alaska Commissioner of Public Safety Walter Monegan left office, and alleged that he had been bumped out because he would not terminate a state trooper once married to Palin's sister, who was then involved in a child custody dispute.
Earlier this month. Palin released an audio recording that detailed an aide's attempt to pressure the Public Safety Department to fire the state trooper, according to The Anchorage Daily News.
Palin said that her staff had made about two dozen contacts with public safety officials about the trooper, according to the Anchorage newspaper."--more of the same nepotist "Washington politics" from a Republican! "
Auburncuse61 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:36 PM:
Auburncuse61 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:25 PM:
Sarah Palin was born Sarah Heath on February 11, 1964 at Sandpoint in Idaho. She is married and her husband, Todd is a commercial fisherman and works in the North Slope. Of her four children, the eldest is a son, Track who joined the army in September, 2007. The other children are Bristol, Piper and Willow. They live in Wasilla, north of Anchorage. Incidentally, Sarah was the former mayor of Wasilla. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:20 PM:
More reasons to vote against McCain. "
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:03 PM:
WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO KID?!?!
YOURSELF?!?!
Boy--more than ANYTHING--this statement just PROVES how COMPLETELY F.O.S you are!
F.O.S.!!!!! "
longboard315 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:02 PM:
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:01 PM:
Obama ALSO said:
"We must also admit that fulfilling America's promise will require more than just money. It will require a renewed sense of responsibility from each of us to recover what John F Kennedy called our "intellectual and moral strength". Yes, government must lead on energy independence, but each of us must do our part to make our homes and businesses more efficient. Yes, we must provide more ladders to success for young men who fall into lives of crime and despair. But we must also admit that programmes alone can't replace parents; that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need.
Individual responsibility and mutual responsibility - that's the essence of America's promise."
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY, CHRIS!!!!
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY!!!!
You have just further completely demolished your credibility once again!
"The unwashed masses", huh?!
Boy, oh boy--if that alone doesn't speak VOLUMES about your attitude toward your fellow man!
Intereting too, that YOU DIDN'T COMMENT ON JOHN MCCAIN'S PICK FOR VP?
A woman who has governed a town of less than 10,000 for only two years?!
Wanna talk about "lack f experience"?!
Wanna talk about "Lack of judgment"?!?
LMFAO, Chris--L-M-F-A-O!!!!!!! "
cm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:54 AM:
However, I would have given him better slack if he had NOT denounced his 20+years with this church.
...the media prints and he cowers..
If Obama had been an occasional visitor, I would also not 'scold him' as the media did.
BUT he was an involved member, and gave lots of monies and personal time to this church--it is a no brainer to see that he was more than the average sunday worshiper! "
movedsouth wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:54 AM:
movedsouth wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:51 AM:
Andy b wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:34 AM:
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:26 AM:
Forget about Alternate forms of energy if John McCain is elected!
Forget about breaking the dependence on oil! "
chris van note wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:25 AM:
"In Washington, they call this the Ownership Society, but what it really means is - you’re on your own. Out of work? Tough luck. No health care? The market will fix it. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps - even if you don’t have boots. You’re on your own."
His speech was OK, a lot of generalities and extremely light on the specifics. With regard to the above passage, wow!!! expected to make something of yourself…ON YOUR OWN? No way! How could government allow this? Why don’t they understand they are supposed to hold our hands and give us handouts if we fall on hard times. They can’t actually expect us to be mature adults and take responsibility for our actions, our work ethic, and our perseverance can they?
That is the mindset of the common liberal, and its a weak pathetic mindset that typifies those who want everything handed to them on a silver platter. "Its not my fault and I won't do anything to change my situation"... "
dd wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:08 AM:
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:05 AM:
Hello?!
Here's a guy who's SEVENTY TWO YEARS OLD, and might likely die in office, and THIS "noob" would then be running the country?!
Where's her experience?
Where would be her foreign policy knowledge/experience?!
What are her qualifications, except that she's a Conservative??!?!?
YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!!! "
karl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:02 AM:
It people like you, with you silly, stupid decisions based on ignorance and pride which are to blame for the country being where it is today.
HOW STOOOOPID!!! "
nature lover wrote on Aug 29, 2008 10:41 AM:
longboard315 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:41 AM:
cm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:22 AM:
once a duck always a duck.. "
cm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:20 AM:
The short version is:
1. after 21yrs of marriage, 'going thru the Big D and dont mean dallas'
2. the 9yr old has spiked a 104 fever 12 days this month alone.
3. the electric was off for 3 days,
loved saying 'honey I am home' at the 24yr old apartment!
lost a frig full..
4. I partially has to sell my soul to the likes of 'a good christian'
the good sides are:
1. happier 21 yrs to come.
2. I work seasonally, so I have time to deal with feverishchild, dr.appts,etc.
when I do work-she can go with me.
3. I saved some money on next months electric bill. I needed to clean the frig anyways!
4. It was fun hanging with son and grandson!
5. Plan better to save myself from dealing with the christian!
6. Shocking: the nasty sis offered her name and social but I didnt take it,
however though I know shes gloating inside, she was trying to be helpful.
dont give me sympathy, I am not looking for it..
I plan to be optimistic, things happen for a reason.
its friday, bagging homeless lunch sandwiches & awaiting the doctor to call. "
brew1234 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:28 AM:
quiveringthigh wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:15 PM:
AJ wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:37 PM:
Karl, I'm totally with you about outlawing the neocon Republiscums. And the criminal syndicate in power now needs to thrown in prison for life and forced to do hard labor on a chain gang. Somewhere where it is really HOT!! "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:49 PM:
I feel we must elect someone other than McCain, but not that we need to embrace Obama -- more like we'll have to stomach him as less awful. I'll concede that he may even have a few good things up his sleeve, but there are some bad things there too, and I never trust such a popular politician on general principle.
Pax, as always. "
karl wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:11 PM:
Just to clear it up---I don't think that Obama is any "perfect" candidate, nor am I "enamored" of him. I just feel that whatever small imperfections he has, compared to ANY Republiscum this year, the country must, MUST embrace him and give the Democrats the White House.
The Neocons are obviously still dominating the Republiscum Party, and they should be outlawed like the Nazi's were after WWII for what they did to this country. I'm not speaking in hyperbole. My outrage and anger is palpable and real about this. I am sick of seeing criminals in charge of our lives and futures. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 28, 2008 2:10 PM:
However, I do NOT feel the need to rant on the subject, on the one hand, and on the other, I will not whitewash Obama or become his cheerleader when I feel there are problems with him as well.
(Ouch, no pun intended).
I don't feel Obama is the "best man for the job" -- he's just a less bad choice than McCain. I do feel the need to point out problems with candidates when I see them, and I don't care which candidate it is. When I see something I don't like, and I am very likely to mention it -- with no sacred cows on either side of the pasture.
I do feel the need to speak out against blind adoration when the object of said adoration is flawed, yes, I do. And that goes for Obama as much as McCain. I am an equal opportunity pointer-out of the idol's stone feet.
Does it make me feel more intelligent or insightful? I'll let other judge that (and not worry about their judgements) -- that's not my motivation. "
1234567890p wrote on Aug 28, 2008 2:04 PM:
AJ wrote on Aug 28, 2008 1:19 PM:
Karl, I just do not understand your myopia. Is Obama better than McCain? You bet! But that's like saying a Ford Pinto is better than a Yugo. Well, so I'm not great with analogies. lol..
What I am saying is don't get your hopes up too much. BOTH parties have been taken over by corporate influence - the system is corrupted beyond anything I could have ever imagined even just 10 years ago.
On another note, with regard to "Thermal Expansion". As most of you are probably aware, this new menace could take down existing high rises at any time there is a fire. If anyone here has stock in any controlled demolition companies, you may want to get out of them now, and start shorting. Their jobs just got much less complicated. In fact, my guess is this new phoenomena should put them out of business. Now anyone with a torch, a wrench to turn off the water supply, and some business cards, can get into the demolition business. Isn't it fascinating how things you've taken for granted for so long just stop working as you'd expect?
Anyhow, here is a link to a great video which explains things a bit:
http://911blogger.com/node/17395
The video is VERY funny. "
karl wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:47 PM:
If McCain has "obvious problems", then don;t be shy about vocalizing them! People need to know how truly "nutter" he is--because he and his policies ARE DANGEROUS! He is just the SAME as Bush--and the media is almost ignoring that!
Shout it from the mountaintop!
What is it about Americans that we feel we need to tear down the best man for the job? Does it make us feel superior? More intelligent or insightful?
Do you get what I'm saying?! "
karl wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:43 PM:
What I'm lamenting is the anticipated insanity of SOME Americans who will obviously b!tch about how bad things are, and yet then keep doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a change in direction and philosophy in our highly-dysfunctional government!
If we keep electing aging, Conservative, White Christian Males who lean toward using War as a policy tool and who have more bluster and "personality" than competence, then we're going to utterly ruin what little future this country has left.
I don't care WHO McCain's opponent is--THE REPUBLICANS CAN NOT BE GIVEN THE REINS TO STEER THIS COUNTRY DOWN THE DISASTROUS ROAD THEY'VE TAKEN US FOR THE LAST 8 LONG, MISERABLE YEARS!!!
THAT is the crux of the argument! "
nature lover wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:35 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:22 PM:
I wouldn't get your hopes up to high for "something better" with Obama. Something different, maybe, and absolutely something less catastrophic than if McCain were to win, but don't be counting on "better."
I am way too cynical to allow myself much hope when talking about government and politicians. Hope (with politicians) is a broken rollercoaster -- you get high on hope, then reality sets in with a deep fall and a crash. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:17 PM:
It's just that when talking about McCain, I can usually sum it up without needing to exposulate for paragraphs! ;-) "
dd wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:47 AM:
karl wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:43 AM:
Sheesh! When are you people going to get it?
McCain's positions on nearly EVERYTHING is so $crewed-up and WRONG FOR AMERICA, and here we have people like you and AJ railing against the only hope we have of dismissing 8 years of utter crapolla for leadership! Why don't you talk about McCain and his pathetic flip-flops, his belligerence, his temper, his cluelessness on the economy?!
Honestly, talk about cutting off your nose...! "
Leon Kapowski wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:38 AM:
Farmers Gal wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:28 AM:
The war: It is not possible to win a war on "terrorism." The best way, in my view, to minimize it is A) secure your own borders better and B) work to have more just, fair and even-handed foreign relations. That means fewer hand-outs to favorites and more minding our own business.
Immigration/Border Control: I have no issue with people who come into this country legally. Those who don't are breaking the law (de facto) and often for nefarious purposes (drug running comes to mind, among other things). Others just siphon off our resources, particularly social services and allow employers the ability to exploit low-wage workers while making decent-wage manual labor jobs scarce for American citizens. We should secure our borders and throw out the illegals (before they bear children here). My view on that is -- if you don't want your family broken up, don't cross our border illegally to have your children here -- the PARENTS are responsible for putting the family in such a situation in the first place if that happens, not our government for enforcing our laws.
And other issues (of which I can't think at the moment).
I would love to see him have the desire and then the gumption to truly take on the corporations and their controlling stranglehold over our government. He might just have enough charisma to inspire and build support among the rest of our government which would be needed to stand a chance at real reform.
But he has to WANT to, then he has to have the NERVE to try, and the BRAINS to put together a feasible plan, and then he still has to be capable of INSPIRING the rest of the government to risk their political futures to back him and go up against The Machine. And that's a tall order for any politician, much less one that has actually made it onto a national ballot.
The one thing I feel certain about is that McCain is worse on all of the above. "
karl wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:10 AM:
At last glance, some 70%-plus disagree with the direction that the country is moving. Even more than that believe that the economy is worse than ever, and are worried for their futures.
Given that, there is NO LOGICAL REASON why ANYONE would vote for a candidate like McCain who has reincarnated himself as the de facto, bonafide "King George the Second".
More war. (which = more debt and corruption/profiteering by contractors)
More economic policies favoring the Rich.
More of a leader who is not too bright but who swaggers around carrying a big stick and using blustery rhetoric.
More divisive, unproductive politics on the Hill--and lets not forget that Democrats are going to additionally further pick up seats in other positions as well...
Since I--perhaps naively--refuse to believe that Americans are really that STUPID to vote for an unprincipled buffoon like McCain, the only reason that could explain Americans' reticence in voting for a change, for a new direction, is because they are uncomfortable with that agent of change at a deep, visceral level--something that counteracts Reason and Logic.
And that reason HAS to be something as illogical and silly as Racism. "
Farmers Gal wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:10 AM:
Well, I'd just like to see the lines painted, for safety sake, by WHOMEVER is the responsible party. "
brew1234 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:09 AM:
brew wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:04 AM:
quiveringthigh wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:16 PM:
horseradish wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:41 PM:
umm, a child, like any other human, IS AN ANIMAL. oh my god...what has happened to the world. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:41 PM:
(BTW, the difference between McCain and Obama at this point is that McCain has already employed this dishonest technique and Obama has only been accused of being GOING TO employ it -- condemned for something he hasn't done (yet). Maybe he will, maybe he won't -- as AJ notes, he's only marginally better than McCain. But McCain is already doing it, plus he's nucking futs and has PTSD, whether he has acknowledged it or not).
Jackson and Sharpton use the technique I describe constantly. They make me sick. My point is that McCain is using it as well -- that should make you sick too.
Ever read Tom Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities? Has a character called Rev. Bacon who would be a parody of Sharpton -- except it could just as easily be a straight description. BTW -- the book was published BEFORE the Tawana Brawley incident brought Sharpton to national attention. (The movie didn't even come close to the book and was awful).
Mackenzie Phillips has been getting arrested for drugs since her sitcom days, what is it, 25-30 years ago? Hardly news. Maybe she should have married Eddie VanHalen instead of Valerie Bertinelli marrying him....
Good for you, quiver -- enjoy your new band! "
horseradish wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:39 PM:
really? this must be a joke, no one could really be that dumb...could they? "
quiveringthigh wrote on Aug 27, 2008 5:58 PM:
AJ wrote on Aug 27, 2008 5:07 PM:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/35647
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/35603 "
quiveringthigh wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:55 PM:
Wow! Wall st. and running the show. I believe that! Don't forget about the "drug war". "
AJ wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:27 PM:
This bickering by both sides is incredibly tiring when you consider how bad they both are.
McCain is as crooked a politician as they come with a scandalous history. He has one foot in the grave, is scenile, and is beholden to the death industry (war), the oil industry, and the banks. He is responsible for the worst carrier fire post world war II, constantly lies through his teeth with no compunction. The man cannot be trusted - I wouldn't believe a word he says without it being backed up by a hundred or more people - he is SLIME. Period.
Obama has a less than stellar voting record, speaks in such general terms and lofty rhetoric that everyone seems to be believing in him what they want to believe. But if you dig deep enough, it is clear where he stands. First and foremost, he is ANYTHING BUT a progressive or liberal. Check it out. With Obama, you'll get more of the same, only in what appears to be a kinder gentler package. Don't believe the hype, Obama is better than McCain, but not by a lot. Wall St will still be running the show as always.
This election is a f'n charade and cruel joke. "
quiveringthigh wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:03 PM:
" Wait and see...When Nobama loses the election, the first thing that will be played will be the race card by the left.
"He wasn't elected because he is black" will be posted on every moronic, liberal website.
Not that he didn't get elected because he has no military, executive or foreign relations experience...and is an empty suit that people saw thru. "
I agree with that 100%. I think the Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton gang will push that as an issue. Typical, very typical. "
FREBUS49 wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:57 PM:
There you go again. Insults,insults,insults!!!!! "
chris van note wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:49 PM:
"He wasn't elected because he is black" will be posted on every moronic, liberal website.
Not that he didn't get elected because he has no military, executive or foreign relations experience...and is an empty suit that people saw thru. "
quiveringthigh wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:19 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:07 PM:
(I don't know if you want to call that a back-handed compliment or a forward criticism -- I'm just calling them as I see them).
In this case, no disrespect to Vietnam veterans or anyone else who has suffered the level of physical and psychological abuse as do prisoners of war -- Karl makes a good point about the playing of a card.
It's no different than playing the race card. It's taking legitimate suffering and using it to divert attention away from the issue at hand. It's a clever ploy. It works on most people. And for those on whom it doesn't work, if they bring it up, they are accused of being disrespectful and insensitive.
That was the whole idea. By using legitimate suffering as a dodge, you set up a no-win situation for anyone who is sharp enough to notice what you're up to -- you divert attention away from a question you didn't want to answer, and if anyone complains, you make them look bad.
People suffer in war. John McCain suffered in a war. He did what he felt he had to do for his men and deserves credit for that. Many other vets suffered in that war and in other wars since then. But none of that has anything whatsoever to do with McCain's stance on the economy, how many houses he owns today, or how many oil wells he and his wife own.
By answering questions about unrelated issues with the "suffering prisoner" response, McCain is the one who is disrespecting all those who suffered as prisoners of war. He is cheapening their suffering to use it as a political ploy in service of his own selfish ends to get elected.
For that, he should be ashamed -- no less than Obama should if he uses the race card in a similar fashion. "
FREBUS49 wrote on Aug 27, 2008 1:37 PM:
I have been a Democrat since I could vote(1970)and a lot of your comments are what gives Democrats a bad name.
I served two tours in nam and I am offended at your comments about Mc Cain.
Why don't you run for office. It's aparant that you have all the answears.Then again, it may be all that loud music that has deformed your brain "
chris van note wrote on Aug 27, 2008 1:23 PM:
As a POW, McCain turned down the offer of repatriation; he would only accept the offer if every man taken in before him was released as well. He refused to leave his men even after just spending 2 years in solitary confinement.
He has more integrity in his little finger than Obama and the leftards have in their entire being. "
chris van note wrote on Aug 27, 2008 1:15 PM:
Deval Patrick, Gov. of Mass.-was elected as a Harvard-trained Chicago lawyer with little relevant experience, who ran to the left of the more established candidate.
"This year's state budget included a whopping $16 billion in new debt — that's more than half the state's entire annual budget. And that's just the new debt. Massachusetts taxpayers were already carrying the highest debt burden per capita in the nation. But that hasn't slowed down Gov. Patrick.
As the Boston Herald reported this week, Gov. Patrick has added nearly 2,000 new state employees to the payroll after 18 months in office. He's also raised his own office's budget by 80 percent in a year — not even gas prices jumped as fast." "
karl wrote on Aug 27, 2008 1:03 PM:
"What's your stance on the economy, Senator McCain?
"WE DIDN'T HAVE MONEY IN THE PRISONER PITS!"
"How many houses do you own Senator McCain?"
THERE WERE YEARS THAT I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE A KITCHEN TABLE!"
"How many oil wells do you own, Senator McCain?"
"WHATEVER OIL WELLS I MAY OWN, THEY'RE NOT AS DEEP AS THE HOLES I SPENT 5 YEARS IN IN THE 'NAM!"
Sheesh---does this guy have no shame, to EXPLOIT the plight of Prisoners of War for his own cynical political purposes?!?
This proves what I have always said--that this whack-job is 1, still stuck in Viet Nam in his muddled head, and 2, that all he has to offer the country is his own sad morbid pursuit of vindicating his damaged manhood through more war, war, WAR!
Vote for Peace, and Prosperity--GOBAMAAAAAAAA!!!!!! "
karl wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:55 PM:
Doesn't matter one bit.
"National Review Online."?!? Tells me everything I need to know.
Next.
Polls?
Don't matter one bit--most young people have cell phones and cannot be polled like us old folks!
John McCain is doomed because he's a Republican, and Republicans have ruined the country. That will be his downfall.
GOBAMA!
GOBAMA!
GOOOOOOOOO BAMAAAAAAAAA!!!! "
chris van note wrote on Aug 27, 2008 10:13 AM:
The UIC (University of Illinois - Chicago) records show that Obama and Ayers attended board meetings, retreats and at least one news conference together as the education program got under way. The two continued to attend meetings together during the 1995-2001 operation of the program, records show.
At a Democratic debate this year when the association between Obama and Ayers was raised, Obama said: “This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood. . . . He’s not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis.” Obama called Ayers’ past radical acts detestable.
But critics note that Obama visited Ayers’ home for a meeting at the start of his first state Senate bid in the mid-’90s.
The UIC records showed that Ayers was instrumental in securing the $50 million education grant to reform Chicago Public Schools, part of a national initiative funded by the late Ambassador Walter Annenberg. . After Chicago was awarded the money, Obama served as president of the Challenge’s board of directors, the fiscal arm that disbursed the grants to schools and raised private matching funds. Ayers participated in a second entity known as the Chicago School Reform Collaborative, the operational arm that worked with the grant recipients.
Paraphrased from National Review Online. "
movedsouth wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:38 AM:
http://www.atlah.org/broadcast/ndnr07-28-08.html " "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:26 AM:
movedsouth wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:23 AM:
AJ wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:16 AM:
AJ wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:38 PM:
AJ wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:25 PM:
When I drive past you after you've discovered that you really didn't have a clue and were forced to BEG for work, a decent place to stay, and food, I'll be laughing. "
theking wrote on Aug 26, 2008 2:48 PM:
karl wrote on Aug 26, 2008 2:12 PM:
You're so full of asparagus you make my semi-vegan nose tickle and my mouth water.
You know that if McCain could still impregnate his wife and if she could still bear children, they'd be parading those little vote-getters ALL OVER the stage and media! "
AJ wrote on Aug 26, 2008 2:09 PM:
" can someone please limit the amount of text one can type on here? it really takes the point of this column overboard. "
Or maybe you could take a speed reading class. :) "
karl wrote on Aug 26, 2008 2:03 PM:
How's that for short and sweet? "
AJ wrote on Aug 26, 2008 1:04 PM:
mark wrote on Aug 26, 2008 1:01 PM:
AJ wrote on Aug 26, 2008 12:27 PM:
I honestly do not understand your sudden interest in having a candidate who is more like the average person. Since you supported Reagan and both Bush's, something doesn't quite add up. But then that is par for the course, isn't it? "
jmw53 wrote on Aug 26, 2008 12:21 PM:
Andy b wrote on Aug 26, 2008 12:20 PM:
Andy b wrote on Aug 26, 2008 12:17 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:54 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:53 AM:
I don't lack the chutzpah to complain when I feel it could be productive (witness my complaints to Hess Corporation). But in a case like this, I decided it wasn't worth it to beg to be served. It's not like they have the best food in the county, or the best atmosphere, or that there isn't anywhere else to go. It's more like they are reverse snobs -- if you aren't low-brow enough, they pretend they don't even see you. Well, it's not worth making myself low-brow so I can fit in there.
If I thought the new owners might actually do something about it, I might complain. But I can more easily imagine a scenario where they all tell stories about that woman who came in and complained, and sit around laughing about it. Let them find fodder for their fun elsewhere.
It's a variation on a theme I have seen out in the countryside since I moved here ca. 1982. If not only your parents, but also your grandparents weren't born here, you will always be an outsider. My kids were born here, but they will always be outsiders. Your opinions don't count for much, it's not worth listening to you, and your business isn't worth courting either. You find this attitude in varying degrees, some mild and some pretty pronounced. I'm not sure it is always entirely conscious.
Don't get me wrong -- I have met kind, generous, friendly people too -- like Farmer Guy, for example. But there are plenty of the kind I describe here too.
I am who I am. People can either like me or not like me, or choose to not bother with me without even knowing me -- I'm not into trying to bend myself to fit in. I try to accept other folks as they are, or to leave them to their own thing if I am not comfortable with their ways -- and that's what I am doing here. If the "woodchuck" element in Genoa wants to be exclusive unto themselves, let them. It's no skin off my nose in the long run.
But I'd rather not go picking a fight with neighbors a hefty stone's throw from my new home -- esp. not a bar known for serious alkies and barroom brawling. If they are not interested in being an open, friendly, local community kind of establishment, but rather want to keep their place to themselves, well, I hope they stick to their end of it. "
cm wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:09 AM:
Obama was 'abusing his girls' as karl would say the bible thumpers are at wegmans!
if they want their families to stay out of it--then leave them out!
personally a convention is not a place I would take a child to begin with!
I just recieved this joke:
Electile Dysfunction:
The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for President put forth by either party in the 2008 election year !!! "
movedsouth wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:03 AM:
dd wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:34 AM:
nature lover wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:39 AM:
cm wrote on Aug 26, 2008 7:54 AM:
I agree at times it is needed to complain. I did just that at a local Dennys.
My 9yr old loves Dennys-her choice when she gets good grades,etc. So its a place we go often.
within a month we had been there 3 times and each time the service was worse than before. I finally went online and complained.
within 24 hrs I had the local district supervisor calling me.
within a month--new management-new staff--all is great!
If a business is very busy, I give them slack because I know how it is when a busload out of nowhere rolls in!
one morning at 5am-one manager, one cook, and one server(ME) and 68 tables full..it wasn't easy but we were 'frantically awesome'--moments like then, great service is impossible.
in FG's case the owner/manager needs to address the problem. "
cm wrote on Aug 26, 2008 6:19 AM:
There is Family Rest. on one end, Hunters Diner and the donut shop on the other end..
how much coffee can one drink? "
cm wrote on Aug 26, 2008 6:16 AM:
I watched the movie 'No reservations' when the customer kept complaining his steak was not RARE and the chef put it on the grill flipped it over and she served it--was so me with a burger!
only I added a toothpick with a sticker(flag-shaped) that said MOO on it!
HAS anyone gone to the fair? I have been to alot of state fairs and NY's the best!! CA's fair is the worst! "
quiveringthigh wrote on Aug 26, 2008 12:39 AM:
Some say your nose, some say your toes,
I THINK IT'S YOUR MIND!
a little Frank Zappa for the putty heads! "
karl wrote on Aug 25, 2008 11:48 PM:
See, the problem is that you walked out. Most people like you don't have the guts to complain--and so the problem never gets solved, and nothing improves. Give up the name--I'd love to drift in their one night and make it known that I won't be ignored. "
interested wrote on Aug 25, 2008 11:40 PM:
excnyer wrote on Aug 25, 2008 8:05 PM:
quiveringthigh wrote on Aug 25, 2008 7:55 PM:
Good, Auburn could use a coffee shop. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 25, 2008 6:26 PM:
I brought their food, things got busy, I checked back once in a while as best I could. When they were done, they called me over and held up the ticket (bill) and said This isn't spaghetti! We aren't going to pay for it! They sat there for better than an hour, gossiping and enjoying their meal and only AFTER it was over did they want their money back because the spaghetti wasn't "American" -- which they had been told more than once!
I called my boss out. She was generally a very sweet and mild-mannered lady. But, boy, she gave them a tongue-lashing -- She reminded them they had been told it was Chinese spaghetti, and if they hadn't liked it they could have told us immediately and now they were going to have to pay for it. They did, but they were mad. When I went to clear their table, they had dumped the plum sauce together with the soy sauce all over the table, then sprinkled it with the entire contents of the sugar dispenser and let the kids stir it all around.
Fine example of behavior for their children!
So, believe me -- I know the customer is not always right! "
cm wrote on Aug 25, 2008 3:02 PM:
being in retail for 14+ years, its terrible how some can be when it comes to customer service.
They either have none or overly maul you.
Our local mall has these lotion salespeople--they start with "can I ask you a question" I always say "you just did!" I can walk by them 10 times in an hour and they will ask the same thing!
Every person is a blur to them.
Some chase you down..which is against mall policy..stay within your lease lines!
but on the flip side--I dislike horrible customers! sorry but they are NOT always right!
I was behind a lady last week throwing a fit at walmart over her returns, she has no receipt and she wanted monies back on clothes she bought 2 years ago!
DAH!!!
walmart as well as other stores have added dates to their sku numbers-so they know when it was in stock!
Another issue is food! if someone buys a steak-gets to their car and changes their mind, they want cash back and the store takes a loss.
I had a lady say put it back on the shelf!???
I said 'once it leaves the employees eyesite' who knows what may have been done to it?!
Would YOU buy that package of steak not knowing 100% if it is safe??
the gall of some people! "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 25, 2008 2:50 PM:
They all stink. Sigh. "
1234567890p wrote on Aug 25, 2008 2:21 PM:
Citizen editors wrote on Aug 25, 2008 1:37 PM:
http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/08/24/opinion/two_cents.txt "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 25, 2008 1:30 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Aug 25, 2008 12:37 PM:
Bad service: My new house is just a very short distance from a bar on the main drag in Genoa. My sons and I had been busting our tails unpacking and working to put the house together, and were awfully tired for making dinner. So, I suggested we walk down and try their chicken wings. One son declined. I changed into clean but not fancy or pretentious clothes, and off we went. As we stepped in, as you can imagine in a small town like this, everyone took a look. We sat down in the very middle of the bar, people on either side checking us out, though not in a particularly unfriendly fashion. And there we sat -- as the bartender paraded back and forth, back and forth, chattering with a young man who was her help and with some customers, blatantly refusing to even look at us, pretending we were not even there. She wasn't busy waiting on people who were there before us - she was just puttering around -- and making a point of not making eye contact or looking at us, much less offering to serve us. We sat for a while, when another customer came in and she had a beer for him almost before he was done sitting down, then she went back to wandering back and forth ignoring us. We got up and left -- I'm not about to beg to be served by someone with so little class as that. I had thought it might be handy to be able to stop in once in a while when the place is so close (Peyton Manning could probably just about throw a football from my front yard to the place), but it isn't worth being insulted.
I waited tables in high school, but you don't even need that much experience to know that you don't ignore new customers, especially those who can pay their bills without a running tab, and you don't serve a newly arrived customer before you serve those who are already waiting. But as Farmer Guy says, places like that hire young girls in tight clothes (which is exactly the case) who don't know diddly about bartending because they think it will bring in the old guys to oogle and the young guys to hit on her and make them lots of money. Truth is, in places like that, the regulars will be in drinking and won't care if the bartender is an unshaven fat old man so long as he keeps the drinks coming when they want them.
The management would do well to think twice about the crummy service these snippy little things are offering their potential custopmers -- they just lost one, right down the street.
Beef of the Day: If we are grumbling about traffic-related issues in Auburn, here's a simple way they could make things a whole lot safer -- would they PLEASE re-paint the striping in the entranceway to Walmart and Lowe's? There was a big pickup coming out of Lowe's as I was going in to Walmart and he was way over the line into oncoming traffic -- except there was no line painted to tell. "