Two Cents

Friday, February 20, 2009 4:19 PM EST

One cannot afford to take their eyes off the sidewalk when walking, because of the dog walkers not cleaning up. It is especially offensive as the snow melts and reveals what has been left --- can't something be done?



The religious right say the truth will set you free, but they don't want to find the truth out about the Bush administration. Bush and his friends are responsible for 911, Iraq and the economy.

I think President's Day is a little mixed up. Regular people vote for the president, so why do all these government places close down; shouldn't the regular people have the day off and not the people that work for the government?

The Citizen should put Two Cents back in the paper; the heck with it being on the computers. It might add sales to your paper.

The city officials are coming around with this hiding of the city theft. If it was me or somebody else, it would be in the paper tomorrow.




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The Citizens' Say

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There are 119 comment(s)

Bobbo wrote on Feb 25, 2009 4:20 PM:

" Hey Karl, good to hear from you, its rare that i get to hear the point of view from an unrepentant communist such as yourself. But seriously, its amazing how quickly we forget the gains that our capitalist society has brought us and what we consider poor in this country. I mean think of all our luxuries and technologies that came to the common man from the free market within just the last ten years. ipods, cellphone cameras, gps, x boxes, plasma tv's, and a starbucks on every corner. But thats not enough for you! No, you want to take others peoples money and make them buy your cappuccinos. Oh and the poor in this country are wealthier than middle class Europeans. Average "poor" american has a tv, car, cell phone, and more living sq footage than the middle class European. But you crave their standard of living. Wait til they start rationing your health care. You have no problem living off the backs of rich, but god forbid you are asked to do your fair share, then you scream "EVIL RICH!." They're getting tired of your kind and we'll all be screw3d when they do. You should be grateful there is are people kind and wealthy enough to give you a job and EARN some of THEIR money, but no, you just want to take it with out earning it. "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 25, 2009 10:44 AM:

" Bobbo, you amuse me almost as much as NeoChris did, back when he was making pie-in-the-sky prognostications about how great the economy was. You have the temerity and short-memory to write:

"This class warfare is very successful in misleading the public into the cradle of socialism. But socialism itself, cannot fund an economy as fruitfully as capitalism, and we will certainly have to sacrifice much of our accustomed comforts if we continue on this path."

Give me a break! Your damned Repubs had a platform of "class warfare" for the last 10+ years, ever since Gingrich's diabolical "Contract WIth America"--shoulda been called "Contract ON AMerica!" for the way they killed the American Dream!

What your silly side calls "Socialism" is nothing but an evening of the playing field. The Rich scum have turned this nation's Middle Class into a nation of serfs and indentured servants, slaving away at service jobs and serving up burgers and fries, while they send REAL, life-building jobs to foreign countries so they can rape the poor people there for less money.

Honestly, I just want to scream at your type--WHERE THE HELL WAS ALL YOUR LOFTY, INSIGHTFUL RHETORIC THE LAST 10 YEARS???

Let's give Obama a chance. All I can think of is "Thank GOD that we don't have another Republican in office!"

Seriously--could you imagine McCain in there? He's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed! To say nothing of Caribou Barbie! "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 25, 2009 10:31 AM:

" anonymous, at least my nephew would have the sense and compassion to stop the car if he hit a family's beloved pet and have the courage and integrity to apologize to the owner for killing a lifelong friend.

More than can be said for you, right? "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 25, 2009 10:30 AM:

" movedsouth, what are you, now on NeoChris's mailing list?

YOu should be embarrassed to post whiny, crybaby posts like that--more b!tchin', complainin', whiny, crybaby stuff.

"WAAAH!!! OBAMA WON AND WE"RE SOOOO MAD!!! WAAAHH!!!!!"

Grow up and get over it. "

anonymous wrote on Feb 25, 2009 10:01 AM:

" You claim to not know the kid, they you claim the knife was dull. Even a dull knife has a point, as you attempt to prove on a daily basis. "

Bobbo wrote on Feb 25, 2009 9:15 AM:

" Hmmmm, i think you're right, and in the natural cycles of a capitalist economy, it is necessary that some will rise and some will fall, but out of the ashes rise some of the greatest achievements of mankind. For the G'ment to attempt to prolong the inevitable by spending my grandkids salary is another example of the tragically flawed nature of socialism. It simply won't work and will further drive us into debt. For Barack to hold a "fiscal responsibility" summit yesterday is like Octomom holding seminars on responsible parenting. hahahaha!!! "

Bobbo wrote on Feb 25, 2009 9:08 AM:

" FG, i hear what u r saying but i think your suspicions would be better served if focused on g'ment corruption, rather than private corruption. Private sector corruption and law breaking can be prosecuted, where as the g'ment has much more cover for it's destruction of the nation and it (and the media) spends an awful lot of time and money directing your attention away from there outrageous incompetency and redirecting it toward the "evil rich private sector" which funds this economy. This class warfare is very successful in misleading the public into the cradle of socialism. But socialism itself, cannot fund an economy as fruitfully as capitalism, and we will certainly have to sacrifice much of our accustomed comforts if we continue on this path. Rationing is key factor in socialism, and is the opposite of the freedoms intended by our forefathers. "

Bobbo wrote on Feb 25, 2009 8:36 AM:

" Brew, your right, when the Big G'ment and its bureaucracies legislate "no tolerance" laws that remove the discretion and common sense from its g'ment employees (judges, teachers, etc), it has become one step closer to a dictatorship and its citizens become the victim of the "laws of unintended consequences." Some ignorant fools embrace Big G'ment (Karl) for "cradle to grave" g'ment care, but this removes the "human" incentive for personal responsibility and the drive to better oneself through his own achievements. Hate crimes are a particularly scary example of these social engineering laws. What is a hate crime anyway? Aren't all violent crimes hateful? Smaller g'ment is the answer. "

auburnjet wrote on Feb 25, 2009 7:59 AM:

" As for all the people whining about "redistributing the wealth"

good luck with that one.

most likely there won't be any wealth to redistribute and you will just be a poor soul like the rest of us. have fun. "

auburnjet wrote on Feb 25, 2009 7:57 AM:

" the complaint about the dog crap his hilarious. its a good thing you live in such an easy time. can you imagine if you lived 100 years ago? you would have to deal with piles and piles of horse crap EVERYWHERE!

STOP COMPLAINING! "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 25, 2009 7:54 AM:

" Maybe this E-mail I got the other day should have been the speech last night. "

OBAMA'S TWO-WEEK RECAP

1, The American people elect a black president with a total of 42 days experience as a U S Senator from the most politically corrupt state in America whose governor is ousted from office. The President's first official act is to close Gitmo and make sure Terrorists civil rights are not violated.



2, The U.S. Congress rushes to confirm a black Attorney General, Eric Holder, whose law firm we later find out represents seventeen Gitmo Terrorists.



3, The CIA Boss, Leon Penetta with absolutely no experience, has a daughter Linda we find out, that is a true radical anti-American activist who is a supporter of all the Anti-American regimes in the western hemisphere.



4. We got the most corrupt female in America as Secretary of State; bought and paid for.



5. We got a Tax Cheat for Treasury Secretary who files his own taxes.



6. A Commerce Secretary nominee who withdrew due to corruption charges.



7. A Tax cheat nominee for Chief Performance Officer who withdrew under charges.



8. A Labor Sec'y nominee who withdrew under charges of unethical conduct.



9. A Sec'y HHS nominee who withdrew under charges of cheating on his taxes.

And that's just the first two weeks . . . but who's counting.



America is being run by the modern-day Three Stooges ~ Barrack, Nancy, and Harry ~ and they are still trying to define stimulus.



Stimulus is where the government gives a smidgen of your tax dollars back to you making you feel so good about yourself [stimulated] that you want to run out to Wal-Mart and buy a new Chinese-made HDTV and go home and watch Telemundo! "

hmmmm wrote on Feb 25, 2009 5:29 AM:

" The way I see it
The world became an over grown forest,
businesses on top of businesses
A fire has started and cant put it out
It needs to burn for it to regrow
And the process starts all over again

We became to big to fast and heres the consequences "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 25, 2009 4:57 AM:

" I'm one of those corporations-aren't-persons-and-should-not-have-"rights"-which-supercede-natural-persons'-rights kind of person -- like our Founding Fathers who put all kinds of controls in place to severely restrict the formation and activities of corporations, only to have their words twisted and purposely misinterpreted to let those big corporations run rampant in our country, destroying the economy and the environment with their greed. "

brew1234 wrote on Feb 25, 2009 2:43 AM:

" Here's a similar case. A 12 yr old girl had to stay with her grandmother for a few days while mom was in the hospital. Grandma packed her lunch for school and put an apple in the lunch box. She knew the girl liked her apple with the skin peeled off so she put a paring knife in the lunch box. A lunch monitor saw the knife and girl was permenently expelled from the school. This girl was an honor role student and never had any behavior problems in the school but they had a no tolerance rule with weapons. There is just something wrong every time I hear "no tolerance" "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 25, 2009 2:35 AM:

" Bobbo and Queenie, I'm ALL FOR BIG GOVERNMENT.

The short answer--we tried your Big Business-loving, tax-cutting, wealth redistributing Republiscum ways, and YOU IDIOTS sent the country into the toilet!

Time for a new change. Pay for my cable TV and my cappuccino, fools! "

theking wrote on Feb 24, 2009 9:05 PM:

" KARL I thought it was the Republicans fault?????????????? NYT Story in 1999. Yes I pasted it. This is from September 30th, 1999. Headline: "'Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending' -- In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders. The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring. Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.
''Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990's by reducing down payment requirements,' said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chairman and chief executive officer. 'Yet there remain too many borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market.' Demographic information on these borrowers is sketchy. But at least one study indicates that 18 percent of the loans in the subprime market went to black borrowers, compared to 5 per cent of loans in the conventional loan market. In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's." "

Bobbo wrote on Feb 24, 2009 7:20 PM:

" Oh, sorry FG, i thought you were one of the redistributing socialists, you know, the party of trial lawyers, and teachers unions that work to further dumb down our nation on a daily basis. Please accept my apologies. The founding fathers are turning in their graves, considering our nation was founded on freedom from overbearing government. And now here we are with an administration that will trade our freedoms for promises of a government to care for our "essential" needs (this will soon include plasma tv's). How foolish to think that a government can create any significant wealth. Government seizes and spends the wealth created in the private market (capitalism), thus punishing the creation of wealth and jobs. I never got a job from a poor person! I mean I don't see poor people making large investments in economies and creating jobs. G'ment needs to stop taking money from my employers and maybe they will invest it and make more wealth/jobs. Sorry, but i'm reading "atlas shrugged" right now and had to vent about the current mindset of our whining "but i'm entitled" nation. Over HALF the people pay no taxes at all!!!! they just take. Sooner or later the people who do create jobs and wealth will tire of being blamed for making money and just stop. God help us all if they do... "

Bobbo wrote on Feb 24, 2009 6:50 PM:

" Oh, sorry FG, i thought you were one of the redistributing socialists, you know, the party of trial lawyers, and teachers unions that work to further dumb down our nation on a daily basis. Please accept my apologies. The founding fathers are turning in their graves, considering our nation was founded on freedom from overbearing government. And now here we are with an administration that will trade our freedoms for promises of a government to care for our "essential" needs (this will soon include plasma tv's). How foolish to think that a government can create any significant wealth. Government seizes and spends the wealth created in the private market (capitalism), thus punishing the creation of wealth and jobs. I never got a job from a poor person! I mean I don't see poor people making large investments in economies and creating jobs. G'ment needs to stop taking money from my employers and maybe they will invest it and make more wealth/jobs. Sorry, but i'm reading "atlas shrugged" right now and had to vent about the current mindset of our whining "but i'm entitled" nation. Over HALF the people pay no taxes at all!!!! they just take. Sooner or later the people who do create jobs and wealth will tire of being blamed for making money and just stop. God help us all if they do... "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Feb 24, 2009 6:23 PM:

" First they dont make $100k 2nd if you did you woldnt want to give it up. "

To the bone:

I would really weigh my budget and wonder, "what is more important, losing my job, or earning less?" Think about it,
Job - less wages and benefits
No Job - no wages, other than unemployment, and no benefits.

Union mentality : defend slacking workers.

I was union before. People cried union all the time. Unfortunately, the union I belonged to pepped up the employee, but when it came to the company, the union put its tail between its legs and did NOTHING!
It is very possible and real for a company to move to a different country and hire workers that will work without a union and cheaper wages.
Unions aren't as strong as they were. One of the best unions in the USA is the Teamsters. They are the power of the industries. Without transportation, this country would fall on its face. Autos can be built in Canada and Mexico thanks to NAFTA. The auto makers know that they can make bank if they were to move to Mexico. US cars are not a popular item when there are people buying better quality cars for less. This includes Honda and Toyota. American Pride costs too much!
Just a little food for thought.
I would rather buy American, but when the quality is not acceptable...... I work HARD for my money. A lot of Americans "milk" their employers, thinking "they" owe us. Americans are a lazy bunch. Work my job for a week, and I guarantee, you would appreciate your paycheck on friday. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 24, 2009 6:10 PM:

" Here's one link, Doubting Thomas, and you can follow up with the info contained therein: http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2009/02/24/opinion/amy_goodman.txt "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 24, 2009 5:57 PM:

" The judges ARE corrupt, they pleaded guilty to corruption. karl posted a link to the story. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 24, 2009 5:11 PM:

" Bobbo, you've got the wrong picture all together. I'm the one who harks back to our Constitutional rights on a regular basis. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 24, 2009 5:10 PM:

" Not to mention that 9 months in prison, even a juvenile prison, is way beyond appropriate for a first-time offender who happened to have a 2.5 inch dull blade in his all-in-one tool in shop class -- which he had not used to harm or threaten anyone, he just had it with him, as he had had for some time apparently.

Do the crime, do the time -- give me a break. I suppose it would be OK with you if they sent you to the Auburn Correctional Facility for jaywalking, since you broke the law, you should serve your time and not complain. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 24, 2009 5:08 PM:

" I don't know the kid, but I have seen the news stories about the judges who have indeed been charged with dozens and dozens of cases of receiving kickbacks from the people who built the prison for every new prisoner they sent in. I'd say that's pretty corrupt. "

anonymous wrote on Feb 24, 2009 4:33 PM:

" Don't do the crime if you can't do the crime.

Gotta love losers who BREAK THE LAW and then whine that the system is corrupt.

IF YOU DIDNT BREAK THE LAW, you would not need to be subjected to the "corrupt system".

Again, you will never be able to get past a problem if you deny it is exists. "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 24, 2009 3:16 PM:

" No problem FG, I think we've all done it. "

the bone wrote on Feb 24, 2009 2:58 PM:

" Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 24, 2009 2:36 PM:

if a kid deserved to do jail time because he hadn't thought of an all-in-one tool which he'd been using in a shop class for weeks as a "weapon." (I had to chuck one at the airport once because I forgot it was in my purse).

A good kid with good grades, no behavior troubles, no previous record, goes before a judge KNOWN TO BE CORRUPT, taking kickbacks for every underage kid he sends to juvenile prison, stealing the better part of a year of a child's life for NOTHING, scarring him and hundreds of other innocent kids -- and some bozo has to make a crack like that. "
FG do you know for a fact that the judge is corrupt or its just hear say. Also do you know the kid. "

Bobbo wrote on Feb 24, 2009 2:54 PM:

" It's been a while since i've been on here, but i was just wondering if Karl, AJ, and Farmers Gal were still proudly trading their freedoms for "Big Government" rule? I think we all agree we had record government spending/growth problems under bush, but Barry's agenda is quickly breaking all those records. Not to mention the lies "I want the people to be able to read this bill before passing it" "i won't sign a stimulus bill with pork in it" or "there'll be no lobbyists in my White House" hahahahahahahahaha!!!!! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 24, 2009 2:37 PM:

" The New Process Gear people might not have wanted to give up their good pay, but the choice was less pay or NO pay, and they foolishly chose to hold out -- and will end up with no job and no pay. In the current economic times, it's not a good strategy to play chicken with your employer. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 24, 2009 2:36 PM:

" Re-reading, I must apologize again, movedsouth -- by putting the two separate responses in one post, it looks like I was was advising Karl not to react to you -- it was anonymous with his snotty comment about Karl's nephew I had in mind with my remark. As if a kid deserved to do jail time because he hadn't thought of an all-in-one tool which he'd been using in a shop class for weeks as a "weapon." (I had to chuck one at the airport once because I forgot it was in my purse).

A good kid with good grades, no behavior troubles, no previous record, goes before a judge KNOWN TO BE CORRUPT, taking kickbacks for every underage kid he sends to juvenile prison, stealing the better part of a year of a child's life for NOTHING, scarring him and hundreds of other innocent kids -- and some bozo has to make a crack like that. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 24, 2009 2:29 PM:

" Not you, movedsouth -- I put comments on two posts into one post and apologize if anyone thought I meant you with my rude German word. Someone else was starting something with Karl. "

the bone wrote on Feb 24, 2009 2:21 PM:

" bassistlearningdrums wrote on Feb 24, 2009 1:18 PM:

" Unknown... wrote on Feb 24, 2009 12:06 PM:
"I hear New Process Gear is moving. Sounds like the workers didn't want to give up a couple dollars an hour. Don't they make like $100,000 a year for pushing screws??? And it's not like they break a sweat. They should've saw the possible "bad" side of the potential outcome. "First they dont make $100k 2nd if you did you woldnt want to give it up. "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 24, 2009 1:52 PM:

" BTW, you probably wouldn't approve of my relative's 455 hp, 7 passenger station wagon either. "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 24, 2009 1:50 PM:

" FG, I was not being an A--hole!!!!!!!! I drive a 5 yr old car with 32,000 miles on it. Obviously it is not on the road all day long. I don't know what ruffled your feathers, but if it was the 300 hp Camaro, too bad. It will be the smallest engine you can get in the car. As for the "does not mean we can be irresponsible twoards our children, grandchildren and further descendants.", it is NOT being irresponsible driving a car like that. Maybe people should live closer to where they work! Get off your high horse. And NO, I didn't want to start anything with karl. If I did, there wold have been opportunity as was posted. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=arschloch "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Feb 24, 2009 1:18 PM:

" Unknown... wrote on Feb 24, 2009 12:06 PM:
" I hope there's a bailout waiting in the wings for Social Security when the time comes. "

Yeah, Really!!!


I hear New Process Gear is moving. Sounds like the workers didn't want to give up a couple dollars an hour. Don't they make like $100,000 a year for pushing screws??? And it's not like they break a sweat. They should've saw the possible "bad" side of the potential outcome. "

Unknown... wrote on Feb 24, 2009 12:06 PM:

" I hope there's a bailout waiting in the wings for Social Security when the time comes. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 24, 2009 12:04 PM:

" Ozone or no ozone, there is a finite amount of fossil fuel on the planet. Just because it may not run out in our lifetime does not mean we can be irresponsible twoards our children, grandchildren and further descendants.

Karl -- don't even respond, he's just being an Arschloch to try to get a rise out of you. Put yourself above that and let his behavior speak for itself. "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 24, 2009 9:56 AM:

" "Lose $60B ... So Borrow $60B More?

AIG to announce $60B quarterly loss, will seek additional $60B in taxpayer dollars and bailout restructure." NOW THAT'S A SAFE WAY TO RUN A BUSINESS. Just wait until we have to bailout the postal service, it could be next. Nice bonus for the postmaster general. I think the government is learning from the private sector. "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 24, 2009 9:22 AM:

" I believe that a person should drive whatever they like and can afford. We should also reduce our demand for foreign oil by more offshore drilling. We should be driving American cars, maybe we wouldn't have to bail them out again and again. I have a 6 passenger sedan getting 20/30 mpg and see no new car in the near future. I would not buy to improve mileage. Although the new Camaro 300 HP peaks my interest. And I don't believe in Ozone Al's global warming. "

anonymous wrote on Feb 24, 2009 8:37 AM:

" Anyone stupid enough to bring a knife to school, knowing there is a no weapons policy, is ignorant and needs to be locked up to protect society and himself from his ignorance.

I hear ignorance is hereditary. "

Farmers Gal wrote on Feb 24, 2009 8:10 AM:

" Obviously, larger vehicles which can get good fuel economy can be produced -- those top-of-the-line SUV hybrids prove it. Now the trick is to get the pricing in line with what people can afford.

At 5' 5" the smaller vehicle works fine for me -- it doesn't even seem small to me, having driven a much smaller car in high school (a tiny lime-green Toyota left to us when my Grandpa passed away -- it was the only car we had, and we had to keep using it after a minivan ran a red light and crushed in the passenger side -- we all had to get into the car through the driver's door, squeeze past the wheel, and between the seats to get into the back -- and that included my 6' 3" brother -- we just didn't have money for any other vehicle). By comparison -- my Corolla seems luxurious -- without being so big that I am uncomfortable operating it. I don't like the feeling that what I am operating is too far away -- I always move my seat up so I don't have to reach for the pedals, for example.

Obviously, a taller and/or larger person would feel more comfortable in a larger vehicle. So, we need to make them fuel efficient, safe and affordable in a variety of sizes. "

daydreamer wrote on Feb 24, 2009 7:07 AM:

" The corporations have won again. Instead of us citizens regulating the auto industry, we want to regulate ourselves. Also, there are many people who are 6' tall or more with long legs. This makes the smaller cars very un-comfortable to operate. "

Gator wrote on Feb 23, 2009 9:03 PM:

" FG -you mentioned your mileage was way off so I do believe these numbers may be somewhat inaccurate based on where you live. Her in Florida we do not do the hills, etc. Some times we have to give up economy to fill our needs, like a large family trying to transport a large family in a vehicle they can afford. I personally would never drive a Corolla or any car in that class, I do not like them period. I am 6'3" tall and am not comfortable at all, I weigh 195, I am not obese but I do not like my head hitting the roof of my car. But believe me I do try to find a vehicle that fits my needs, is as fuel efficient as I can get (I do not like spending lots of money on gas) but also is comfortable for me to drive. I am quite satisfied getting 26 MPG and if others don't approve I really am not very concerned. Please note I am not referring to you, just the others that may find it necessary to tell me I am selfish. "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 23, 2009 8:41 PM:

" mamimbe--blah, blah, blah--more Republican CRAP that proves one thing--if the Republican talking heads spent 1/10th the time that they do thinking of ways to disparage the Stimulus Plan and instead spent it thinking of a viable solution that they could then propose, this country and its people would not think so poorly of them!

More "nothing" from the "NO!" Party! "

mamimbe wrote on Feb 23, 2009 6:45 PM:

" Saw this else where.

Shortly after class, an economics student approaches his economics Professor and says, "I don't understand this stimulus bill. Can you Explain it to me?"

The professor replied, "I don't have any time to explain it at my Office, but if you come over to my house on Saturday and help me with my Weekend project, I'll be glad to explain it to you." The student agreed.

At the agreed-upon time, the student showed up at the professor's House. The professor stated that the weekend project involved his Backyard pool.

They both went out back to the pool, and the professor handed the Student a bucket. Demonstrating with his own bucket, the professor said, "First, go over to the deep end, and fill your bucket with as much water As you can." The student did as he was instructed.

The professor then continued, "Follow me over to the shallow end, and Then dump all the water from your bucket into it." The student was Naturally confused, but did as he was told.

The professor then explained they were going to do this many more times, And began walking back to the deep end of the pool.

The confused student asked, "Excuse me, but why are we doing this?"

The professor matter-of-factly stated that he was trying to make the Shallow end much deeper.

The student didn't think the economics professor was serious, but Figured that he would find out the real story soon enough.

However, after the 6th trip between the shallow end and the deep end, The student began to become worried that his economics professor had Gone mad. The student finally replied, "All we're doing is wasting Valuable time and effort on unproductive pursuits. Even worse, when this Process is all over, everything will be at the same level it was before, So all you'll really have accomplished is the destruction of what could Have been truly productive action!"

The professor put down his bucket and replied with a smile, "Congratulations. You now understand the stimulus bill "

hmmmm wrote on Feb 23, 2009 4:09 PM:

" Suggestion on dog poop -put a couple sponges on edge of sidewalk soaked with bacon grease,might solve the problem "

the bone wrote on Feb 23, 2009 4:00 PM:

" Farmer's Gal-- I agree and know what your are going through with the Drug Dealer. I have one on my block "DELEVAN street" and the Cops do nothing!!! I dont like the Big cars or trucks either.Most of the drivers drive like a jerk. "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 23, 2009 2:18 PM:

" Anybody see this editorial on jailing kids for cash?

http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2009/02/23/opinion/amy_goodman.txt

My nephew was one of the kids sent to a teen lockup for several moths by these corrupt judges!

He had taken an "All-tool"--you know, one of those "Leatherman"-type tools that have screwdrivers, wire cutters, etc; all the essential tools you'd need--to Shop class. He'd been taking it for weeks, using it in the class, when the school instituted some kind of policy against weapons. He was "caught" with it, and it had a tiny, 2.5 inch dull blade in it--and the school actually pressed charges against him.

He went before that corrupt judge, and instead of a probation period and a clarification of the policy, he was sent to a "reform" center for "reforming". This was a straight A & B+ student, who had no record of problems or violations of school policy whatsoever, and he was sent away as a "Juvenile offender"! My brother had to pay to have him incarcerated there--over $100 a week!

My brother is currently joining a class-action lawsuit against the bums! "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 23, 2009 12:26 PM:

" I interrupted my own thought and that last bit didn't come out making sense. The point was that weighing over 500 pounds, for example, might be a reason to NEED a larger vehicle, such as the one that neighbor will have to rent to get to his court date. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 23, 2009 11:53 AM:

" bone -- it has nothing to do with AFFORDING the SUV -- it has to do with waste of precious fuels, damage to the environment and accident risk on the road. For a business, that might be a reason for granting the permit. Weighing more than 500 pounds (like my apparent drug dealer neighbor, on the same street with the kid who was just charges with 6 years of statutory rape, will have to rent to get to the court parking lot so the judge can give him his indictment -- starting to wonder what kind of neighborhood we've got across the way on Maple St in Genoa -- there can't be more than 15-20 houses, tops, and 2 court cases in the news in one week!) "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 23, 2009 11:50 AM:

" I got the info for a number of vehicles, all 2009 from the government website my motorhead friend recommends as most accurate: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

At the top of the SUVs are the hybrids: Ford Escape Hybrid FWD, Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD and Mercury Mariner FWD. All had the same stats -- 34 highway/31 city, the fuel they use takes up 10.7 barrels of oil a year and their carbon footprints are all under 6.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is at the bottom of the SUV class, which includes jeeps and Hummers. It gets 14 Highway, 11 city, uses 28.6 barrels of oil and has a carbon footprint of 15.2.

I picked two others out of the middle -- chose them because I'd seen them on the road and recognized the names:

The Hummer H3 4WD gets 16/13 mpgs, uses 24.5 barrels/year and has a 11.4 carbon footprint.

The Chevy Trail Blazer gets 16/12, uses 24.5 barrels/yr and has a 13.1 carbon footprint. (That last has to do with emissions).

Then I looked at cars like the one I drive. Top of the heap:

Honda Civic Hybrid (that's what my boss drives): 45 mpg avg on the highway, 40 mpg for city driving. It takes up only 8.2 barrels a year, and has an impressively small 4.4 carbon footprint.

I picked two others:

2009 Toyota Corolla (automatic -- mine is a 2002 manual -- I'll come to that later): 35 highway/27 city, 11.4 barrels, 6.1 footprint.

2009 Mini Cooper -- I see more and more of these on the road: 37 highway/28 city, 10.7 barrels, 5.7 footprint.

My car is a 2002 Toyota Corolla (manual) -- it gets a LOT better mileage than the average apparently, because I get 43.2 average mps in summer (have topped 50 twice) and drops to 35-38 mpgs in winter (my worst ever was just shy of 31 mpg, during a time when my battery had to be jumped and I just let it sit and run for half an hour) If I go by the mpg stats, my actual footprint should be most similar to that of the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The government ratings for that vehicle are 37 highway/28 city, 11 gallons of oil and a footprint still under 6.

So, movedsouth is right that some of the new hybrid SUVs do indeed have comparable fuel economy and can still haul kids and stuff around.

I'll leave it to brew to share the safety ratings that have him concerned. "

justventing wrote on Feb 23, 2009 10:56 AM:

" I think one of the reason people drive big vehicles is because they cannot fit into the small ones. It really is sad people have gotton so large that a big vehicle really is needed. "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 23, 2009 9:41 AM:

" anonymous wrote;
"... Remember, the first step to recovery is recognizing the problem. "

--oh the de-LI-CIOUS irony!!!!

LMFAO!!!! "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Feb 23, 2009 8:28 AM:

" Thanks CM! "

cm wrote on Feb 23, 2009 8:17 AM:

" owning a hummer seems to be just a status statement.
BUT not knowing the person behind the wheel, how do I know he/she hadnt been in a horrific small car accident and simply feel safe in a hummer?

for me, with 2 grandkids in car seats, my daughter and her friends, my VAN, is perfect for me.
I hope to keep it until the loan is paid, but the EX has other plans=Repo! "

cm wrote on Feb 23, 2009 8:10 AM:

" BLD: the good memories will forever live in your heart, But someday they will be replaced with even better ones,
like 'a baby screaming at 2 am'
lol

ps. plan a yearly reunion date "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 23, 2009 8:05 AM:

" FG, brew, I agree the Hummer vehicle is a complete waste, but it is the exception, not the norm in SUVs. The bulk of SUVs are no larger than standard pickup trucks. Mileage wise, SUVs and pickup trucks are comparable. "

the bone wrote on Feb 23, 2009 8:05 AM:

" I own my own business and own a van. I get about 24 mpg which isn't to bad for a van. I would love to get 30+ but that wouldn't happen. I am a big guy so small cars/trucks and suv are not for me.Also brew1234 wrote on Feb 22, 2009 2:35 PM:

" I disagree with the need for SUVs on the roads. First of all they waste fuel and that affects all of us even if you can afford it. Secondly you are driving a weapon that can easily kill the occupants of smaller and more economical cars on the road. If you have a large family there are mini vans that can hold many people but not be a missle that outweighs more economical cars by 3xs their weight. The gas mileage requirements should be stringent enough that the SUV can no longer exist in it's present form. If an SUV is needed for business or security then it should require a special permit and extra insurance and a proof of actual need. All these should be expensive to mitigate the damage to the environment and the larger risk of damage and personal injury in accidents. They should also require a more difficult driving test to allow one to operate so that the drivers skill matches the risk of these vehicles being on the road. There is no reason for a soccer mom to drive a huge military type machine that is dangerous to other drivers and wasting energy resources. "Where do we live,you have the right to buy what ever you want and drive what ever? Why should i be taxed because I can afford a large SUV. You should be taxed because you cant afford it. Now doesn't that sound stupid. Just my opinion. "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 23, 2009 7:52 AM:

" "brew1234 wrote on Feb 22, 2009 2:35 PM:
" I disagree with the need for SUVs on the roads." If you need the room, there are mini vans? It sounded to me like a lack of knowledge about SUVs. The ignorant assessment was yours, not mine. Sorry brew I should have said your view point showed lack of knowledge about SUVs. As for SUVs weighing 3x the weight of an economical car, there are VERY FEW. Signed movefurthersouth! "

anonymous wrote on Feb 23, 2009 6:29 AM:

" Brew, I agree wholeheartedly with your comments about you and Karl. Remember, the first step to recovery is recognizing the problem. "

anonymous wrote on Feb 23, 2009 6:28 AM:

" BREW, "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 23, 2009 4:35 AM:

" movedsouth -- I was agreeing about limited permits for vehicles which can't get good enough fuel efficiency that they are wasteful. My issue is with gas hogs, whatever you call them. If you can find one of those big, lumpy things which averages over 30 mpgs, hybrid or not, sounds like a great vehicle.

Hummers are just plain ugly. I'll take a look, but are there any of them (Hummers) which truly, in real life, not on the test track or in advertising, get 30 mpg or more?

I'd worry about my car if it got such low mileage as 30 mpg, even though it has 120,000 + on it.

I have a friend who is a total motorhead - I'll check in with him for where to go for the best fuel efficiency info -- he'll know. Then I'll check back in here.

All of that, of course, is aside from the safety issue brew mentioned, and the headlights, which no one ever seem to mention. But as a person who goes in to work at 5 AM most days, believe me, I notice overkill headlights which blind other drivers even when they are on low beams. "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 22, 2009 10:55 PM:

" movedsouth, being that you thought that George W Bush and John McCain had "integrity", I completely understand why whatever you would consider "integrity" completely eludes me.

I can live with that. "

brew1234 wrote on Feb 22, 2009 10:23 PM:

" movefurthersouth, I am not talking only about mileage but also GVW and safety. What makes you think I don't know anything about SUVs? There are some compact SUVs that would not be lumped in this category. Why do you attack the person as well as their point of view? Karl is not man enough, I am ignorant. Why don't you deal with opinions not personalities? "

anonymous wrote on Feb 22, 2009 7:34 PM:

" You have never beaten me down. I may have chosen to ignore you and your ignorance, but you have never beaten me down. "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 22, 2009 7:28 PM:

" karl, man up, man enough, refers to integrity. I understand why these terms evade you. BTW, it was back when there was controversy of the type NOBODY wants to see again. "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 22, 2009 7:01 PM:

" movedsouth, I didn't even see where you asked me if I was "man enough", but if you did, let me just state for the record that, NO, I am not "man enough", OK? I don't play that hyper-exaggerated, masculinity BS game.

Neither do I "man up". I find the whole "man" word to be much overused--like the adjective "bad".

Let's just say that I march to the beat of my own Beta Maleness, ok? LOL! "

excnyer wrote on Feb 22, 2009 6:47 PM:

" bassistlearningdrums wrote on Feb 22, 2009 2:03 PM:
" I had my farewell gig last night. It went really well, other than blowing my amp!!! It really hit me as I was walking to the car. Kind of rained in the parking lot. I will miss my band family! "

Just think of this as the end of one chapter in your life. The next chapter can only get better. "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 22, 2009 6:28 PM:

" karl, on a separate note, when I asked are you man enough, it had nothing to do with your masculinity. I guess now it's PC to say "man up". Different generation. "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 22, 2009 6:22 PM:

" FG, with all due respect, you are agreeing with brew who doesn't know what he is talking about. There are more SUVs that get better mileage than minivans. To lump all SUVs in with Hummers, is foolish. Look at edmunds at SUVs and see what they are. Although, there's nothing wrong with a hummer. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 22, 2009 5:57 PM:

" Personally, I have never been able to tell the difference between all those big, bulky vehicles - SUVs, minivans, jeeps, hummers -- well, sometimes you can tell with the small jeeps, they still look like jeeps as I remember them as a kid, and Hummers are the most square and ugly ones. But honestly, I do lump them all together in my mind -- out on the road, they all look pretty much the same to me.

My concern is with fuel efficiency (and also with vehicles whose headlights are blinding the eyes of other drivers, either because they are set too high, or there are two sets of them, or even the low-beams are so bright they aren't safe for other drivers -- but that's a separate issue).

I'd be with Brew that for vehicles which don't have above a certain threshold in terms of miles per gallon we should consider requiring a special use permit which spells out clearly WHY anyone needs to drive such a vehicle. If the driver doesn't have a compelling reason why s/he can't drive a vehicle which does get the better fuel efficiency, then the permit should be denied.

In my perfect world.... "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 22, 2009 5:09 PM:

" brew1234, please find out what an SUV is. A Ford Escape is an SUV, did you know that? They have a hybrid, did you know that? "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 22, 2009 5:00 PM:

" I think there are people on here that don't know what an SUV is. Get real! Maybe you can learn something by going to an auto site for pricing and just put in SUV, maybe you can learn something. Much talk, little knowledge. "

Gator wrote on Feb 22, 2009 4:36 PM:

" So what you're saying Brew is that all parents with large families must by mini-vans because you don't like SUVs. Isn't that a bit over the top! I'm not talking about Hummers here just normal size SUVs. And a special license? So does this same logic apply to the fact that I spent $450.00 to get a motorcycle endorsement and I've decided I don't like any cars on the road because you're bigger than my bike and I'm more economical. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 22, 2009 3:33 PM:

" Well articulated, brew -- I've been saying the same thing though less well for some time now. Good show! "

the bone wrote on Feb 22, 2009 2:56 PM:

" Hey Brew I LOVE YOU "

brew1234 wrote on Feb 22, 2009 2:35 PM:

" I disagree with the need for SUVs on the roads. First of all they waste fuel and that affects all of us even if you can afford it. Secondly you are driving a weapon that can easily kill the occupants of smaller and more economical cars on the road. If you have a large family there are mini vans that can hold many people but not be a missle that outweighs more economical cars by 3xs their weight. The gas mileage requirements should be stringent enough that the SUV can no longer exist in it's present form. If an SUV is needed for business or security then it should require a special permit and extra insurance and a proof of actual need. All these should be expensive to mitigate the damage to the environment and the larger risk of damage and personal injury in accidents. They should also require a more difficult driving test to allow one to operate so that the drivers skill matches the risk of these vehicles being on the road. There is no reason for a soccer mom to drive a huge military type machine that is dangerous to other drivers and wasting energy resources. "

brew1234 wrote on Feb 22, 2009 2:19 PM:

" I think it will take one more comment to get through to bon3r. I don't make personal comments, I attack stupid comments. That is not name calling. "

brew1234 wrote on Feb 22, 2009 2:15 PM:

" Hey bonehead, I am not allowed to call a stupid comment stupid? Are you afraid to be challenged and defend your comments? Are you afraid to be asked to back up your points of view with real logic and facts? Non contributors that throw out wise acre comments and snipe at others comments with no offering of fact as anonymoose does should be told the truth. His comments are stupid and I am telling him so. I have been defending for the last two weeks the city mgrs DPW decision even though I would have done differently because he had a reason for his decision and right or wrong he made a decision. The president's stimulus bill is not 100% correct in my view, but as a whole I agree with the need for it. Are you so thin skinned that you can't take a little criticism? Stop with the PC attitude and let's keep this forum lively but not so sterile that a little emotion can not be present. There is always the last word that if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Feb 22, 2009 2:03 PM:

" I had my farewell gig last night. It went really well, other than blowing my amp!!! It really hit me as I was walking to the car. Kind of rained in the parking lot. I will miss my band family! "

the bone wrote on Feb 22, 2009 1:30 PM:

" Hey Karl,
Your right for once about, I have to urge you all--seriously--to look at the link seriously--look at the idiotic, ridiculous bullship that apparently thinks is some kind of serious social commentary??!--BUT if it was about Bush you would agree with it.You must have tunnel vision. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 22, 2009 12:06 PM:

" No, a television is a one-way, passive means for pumping uncontrolled propaganda into your head. A computer, first and foremost, is for computing, and I have used mine as a compiler for programming, as well as using it as a two-way, interactive communication device. Having been trained as a librarian, I am very capable of evaluating the authenticity of information I find on websites, much more so than the average citizen sitting at home, soaking up the news as if it were all fact as presented. "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 22, 2009 11:05 AM:

" I have to urge you all--seriously--to look at the link posted by Dan W--seriously--look at the idiotic, ridiculous bullship that Dan W apparently thinks is some kind of serious social commentary??!

Dan. you've posted silly crap before, but truly, nothing beats this. And the fact that you make some attempt to legitimize it by saying that it's "not from Fox News"--as if that fact alone gives it some credibility--is just the height of stoooopidity.

Seriously, people--check it out--have a morning laugh!

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/02/obama-birth-cer.html "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 22, 2009 11:01 AM:

" Anyone who would post any rhetoric or even one word from that major fool Alan Keyes is just as silly as "anonymous" "

the bone wrote on Feb 22, 2009 10:30 AM:

" Brew writes---Don't accuse me of personal attacks. I only attack stupid comments or a failure to communicate with real facts. For a definition of stupid comments look in the dictionary under the entry anonymoose. " What is stupid to you,might not be to someone else. STOP NAME CALLING "

daydreamer wrote on Feb 22, 2009 9:05 AM:

" Sorry, FG. A television set is basically a monitor set to receive a signal. The same as what you are looking at while on the computer. You are receiving a signal, sound, picture, so therefore, sitting in front of a television. "

hadenough wrote on Feb 22, 2009 9:05 AM:

" anonymous
I have to agree with brew about you, everyone has a right to have an opinion, but they usually are based on some kind of facts or beliefs.If you are an employee of the town,city,state or federal government you are deffinitely accoutable to the tax payers behind you.Any clue why we have a school board or the city council??Im sorry, its people like you that just dont get it that bother me the most and that sometimes need a personal attack! "

irritated wrote on Feb 22, 2009 8:52 AM:

" Cayuga County Legistlative meeting Tuesday 2/24 6:30 PM 6th Floor County Office Building. Come defend our public services from being taken away from the people who PAY for them and need them. Public services work with the PEOPLE, privatizing service works for PROFITS. Those served under a public service get service, those who can afford service under a privatized service get service, cant afford it? Too bad... those people will end up in hospitals, nursing homes etc that cost WAY more than keeping the nurses who visit them in thier own homes. Say NO to privatization! "

brew1234 wrote on Feb 21, 2009 11:55 PM:

" Don't accuse me of personal attacks. I only attack stupid comments or a failure to communicate with real facts. For a definition of stupid comments look in the dictionary under the entry anonymoose. "

karl the 2nd wrote on Feb 21, 2009 11:09 PM:

" anonymous, I have to laugh at you once again--you're so out-of-touch, so far inside of your own little world of questionable ethics that you make us realize how sane the rest of us really ARE here, whether we all agree with each other or not! LOL!

Thanks for the laughs! "

FS II wrote on Feb 21, 2009 10:55 PM:

" Scouty, are you off your meds again? or did you just miss your little yellow school bus that drops you off on North Street. I know your meds are not working by your last blog, You should have stay in class and tryed to work on the box of crayons to get the main colors and their uses down pat before you start to write witless and unintelligent remarks. yes you should get a TV, there are many preschool programs that might meet your intelligent needs. And yes my middle name is "of", you were so clever to pick that up so fast, see if you stay on your meds, you may be able to converse with the blogers on this site, who have meaningful and intellegent conversation, not someone who post stupid comments that make no sense. Pleas use you Meds. Love "of" "

brew1234 wrote on Feb 21, 2009 8:56 PM:

" Anonymoose, we have beat down your stupid comments and sniper attacks before and we will do it again. I wish you would just go away and bless some other poor victims with your useless blather. "

Dan W wrote on Feb 21, 2009 6:09 PM:

" Here is some video and print from Alan Keys. About the president. Its not from Fox news etc It was on the LA times webpage. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/02/obama-birth-cer.html "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 21, 2009 5:35 PM:

" Other posters can and do speak for themselves, but mostly, this latest inanity from you is not even worth a response, and I wouldn't blame them all if they ignored it.

As human beings, government employees are no different, of course, but the different circumstances under which they work do count.

No TV, thanks, I've lived without one since I was 16 (28 years) just fine. I will now go back to grading my online graduate students' papers. "

scouty wrote on Feb 21, 2009 4:36 PM:

" lame, lamer, lamest blogs on the net
get a tv, they can be useful "

anonymous wrote on Feb 21, 2009 4:33 PM:

" FG, when you say we, are the readers to assume you are speaking for all of the personalities which show themselves through their various scrren names, or just the ones that agree with you? "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 21, 2009 3:25 PM:

" Government employees are NO different than any other employee. The circumstances that they work under are different. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 21, 2009 2:36 PM:

" We already know you think I am a moron, anonymous, but the rest of us just consider the source.

Clever idea, BLD, except A) I don't have a digital video camera (or a cell phone) and B) the only way to catch this one would be while also traveling too fast uphill in heavy traffic.

With regards to the larger vehicles -- yes, some families need them. But they DON'T need to speed uphill in them. I DON'T believe that if you can afford it, you should be allowed to do anything, including wasteful activities which burn up finite resources needed by everyone on the planet or reckless behaviors which endanger others, like speeding. Some things people want to pay to enjoy -- absolutely their own business. Other things -- too intertwined with the interests and needs of others to be solely their own business.

No offense taken here whatsoever. I appreciate your candidly stated yet respectfully argued views. "

anonymous wrote on Feb 21, 2009 12:02 PM:

" Government employees owe the public no more than anyone ele. Every employee's paycheck comes from the customer. Only a moron would suggest that "Their paychecks come out of our pockets and they are indeed legally answerable to the public in ways that other people are not." "

Gator wrote on Feb 21, 2009 11:31 AM:

" excyner-Though I'm sure you are enjoying a well deserved retirement, I must say I'm jealous! Enjoy your travels. "

Gator wrote on Feb 21, 2009 11:25 AM:

" FG - I do not judge people by what they drive, SUVs and mini-vans are quite practical for some families. I do wonder why people find a vehicle that looks and rides like a military vehicle luxury but again I do not begrudge them. My view is if you can afford to have the things you like and to do the things that make you happy it really is not anyones business. I do not agree with some views that I should be taxed out the ying yang for things I enjoy to do simply because they can't afford it. But I also do not have a problem paying for programs that help those who are trying to help themselves. If others disagree so be it. These are simply my views and are not intended to offend. "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Feb 21, 2009 11:03 AM:

" justventing wrote on Feb 21, 2009 8:05 AM:
" If anything bothers you take a picture or even better shoot a video, and upload it to YouTube. I feel like doing this when all I see are people breaking the law by talking on the cell phones while driving, running red lights, and stop signs. Lawbreakers watch out, you may be on YouTube very soon. I'll post the YouTube address when it’s ready here. "

You must be really quick to catch these people! "

Gator wrote on Feb 21, 2009 9:17 AM:

" FG my comment on government employees was sarcasm to the blog above stating "regular" people should get President's Day off since "they" vote. I didn't realize government employees didn't vote. This is why I specifically stated I was being sarcastic. "

justventing wrote on Feb 21, 2009 8:05 AM:

" If anything bothers you take a picture or even better shoot a video, and upload it to YouTube. I feel like doing this when all I see are people breaking the law by talking on the cell phones while driving, running red lights, and stop signs. Lawbreakers watch out, you may be on YouTube very soon. I'll post the YouTube address when it’s ready here. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 21, 2009 6:50 AM:

" Government employees ARE different from employees at other businesses. Their paychecks come out of our pockets and they are indeed legally answerable to the public in ways that other people are not. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 21, 2009 6:47 AM:

" I don't know that we disagree, Gator, we're just hash around a subject with various differnt points. I'd say, yes, there need to be other incentives for buying a more fuel efficient car too -- people don't do it just because it's a good idea not to waste so much non-renewable fuel. I drive 21 miles each way to work (used to be 33 each way), so it is important that my car averages well over 40 mpg in summer (drops a lot in winter and this year was really alot -- averaging more like 35-36 mpg).

When I sometimes come home past the mall on Triphammer, coming up the steep hill on 13, and I see these jerks in SUVs, minivans, trucks, hummers, etc, all flying uphill doing 70, it makes my blood boil -- they should be fined double for the amount of gas they are wasting and they won't get where they are going significantly sooner for all their waste and risk of accident. And if they are talking on a cell phone at the same time, the fines should be tripled!

But I shouldn't be penalized for living outside of Ithaca -- I can't afford the taxes and I also don't do well in crowds or heavily populated areas. So, for both financial and health reasons, I have to commute, and should be encouraged, like anyone else with a long commute, to drive a fuel efficient car. I should not be penalized for the miles I have to drive.

I like a smaller car because it is more maneuverable -- I've driven big old boats of cars and it's like trying to pick up grains of rice while wearing puffy snow gloves. I do see those little bubble cars in Ithaca sometimes -- that's too small for me, but kudos to the people who are happy with them.

I also see a couple around town which run on used vegetable oil.

I am still driving a regular non-hybrid car and hoping that by the time I need a new vehicle, they'll have developed an alternative which truly is fuel efficient and is not priced out of reach for ordinary people. "

fedupstate wrote on Feb 20, 2009 10:13 PM:

" You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of business. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend is about the end of any nation.
"You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it." Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931. "

cm wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:44 PM:

" excnyer: have fun in CAL. I used to live in ElCajon. Loved living in the valley surrounded by the mountains!

Gator: I would have to agree, there is NO way the average person can afford the hybrids, and reality is they dont get the mileage that most think they do.
I dislike small cars, I dont want to drive a bubble either.

Brew: like the ex & family, they too complain if the sun is shining, or the moon is out at night. If you offered them a million dollars they would complain its not a million and ONE!

Bone: I would venture to guess you are right! lol.. "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:29 PM:

" I didn't realize that Bush had anything to do with the 911 emergency calling system. Was that before he took office? "

brew1234 wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:07 PM:

" I would compare this complaint to someone complaining about bird poop on your car. I wish someone would do something. Like what? I hate when these smokers flick butts on the sidewalk and flip lit cigs out their car windows. Do I expect it to stop? NO! Take a pill and a nap and wake up in a better mood. Your friends and family may start to like you again. "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Feb 20, 2009 8:49 PM:

" anonymous wrote on Feb 20, 2009 6:15 PM:
" BLD, imaginw how much these people would be complaining if we were all still riding horses. "

FUNNY!!! One thing about horse poop, it doesn't smell as bad as dog poop. "

the bone wrote on Feb 20, 2009 7:16 PM:

" The religious right say the truth will set you free, but they don't want to find the truth out about the Bush administration. Bush and his friends are responsible for 911, Iraq and the economy----I know who wrote that!! "

Gator wrote on Feb 20, 2009 7:08 PM:

" Wow I just learned something new, i never knew that government employees weren't regular people. Makes me wonder who they vote for. If I'm not mistaken any employer can give their employees these days off, they just choose not to. Sorry for the sarcasm but sometimes I just can't help myself. FG I don't mean to disagree but I think if the prices of hybrids would come down some more people would be willing to buy them. From an engineering standpoint unless you drive extensive miles you really don't save. So if I drive 10 miles to work and get 26 miles to the gallon I don't feel I should be punished nor do I feel I should be rewarded. When I go on vacations I ride the Harley and get 60 miles to the gallon and have the time of my life. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 20, 2009 6:47 PM:

" A gas tax rewards people who use less gas by driving more fuel efficient cars. Changing to a miles-driven tax would take away the incentive to drive cars which use less gas and is hence a bad idea. "

Farmer's Gal wrote on Feb 20, 2009 6:34 PM:

" Yes, those DPW workers HAVE taken enough -- they've taken MORE than enough stuff which didn't belong to them, but they haven't taken any consequences so long as they are hiding their crimes behind a shield of anonymity. That's why there is now an independent investigation. "

anonymous wrote on Feb 20, 2009 6:15 PM:

" BLD, imaginw how much these people would be complaining if we were all still riding horses. "

excnyer wrote on Feb 20, 2009 5:44 PM:

" Going to California in the morning to see my son! Adios Arizona! "

movedsouth wrote on Feb 20, 2009 5:39 PM:

" The DPW issue, LET IT GO. Haven't ALL the employees of that dept. taken enough. If anyone KNOWS the terms of the amnesty, let us know. Otherwise drop it. "

bassistlearningdrums wrote on Feb 20, 2009 4:50 PM:

" One cannot afford to take their eyes off the sidewalk when walking, because of the dog walkers not cleaning up. It is especially offensive as the snow melts and reveals what has been left --- can't something be done?

Does this person not know how to look ahead of their feet??? I do agree that dog owners should pick up after their dog, but this kind of gripe is silly. "

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