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Laura Hout: How About Calling Off the Attacks for a Change?
Well, it’s “happened.” Obama is “The One.”
I’ll repeat what I’ve said to a few rational friends. There are those of us who will embrace President-elect Barack Obama when and if he does something to earn it. We give him his campaign victory, of course. But now is a good time to point out that Obama won 52 percent of the vote (63 million) to McCain’s 46 percent (55.8 million.) That means half our country’s citizens did not vote for him. Half our country’s citizens remain rightfully skeptical.
Yes, Obama gives Good Speech. And there is absolutely something momentous about seeing a biracial man — absent Washington connections — become the next president. Of course, it’s those “other” connections that give us rightful pause.
Yet, if Obama proves himself, we will gladly give him his due. But he’d better protect our country. And he’d better rein in his spendthrift Democrat majority in Congress. Because regardless of party affiliation, a majority of Americans think the perpetrators of the financial crisis are criminals. We fantasize about seizing their assets — instead of ours — and watching jail bars slam behind them. We feel used, betrayed and we’re mad as hell.
It was these emotions that set me to wondering how this crisis happened. Wanting to understand I questioned its origins. Which it turns out, are complex, bipartisan, and decades in the making. Mistakenly, I assumed others would share my curiosity. Boy, was I in for a surprise. The viciousness of the Labile-Liberal-Left — whose personal attacks choked constructive dialogue even among so-called friends — was a rude awakening for me.
Apparently “Yes We Can” means “We Can Slam.”
Interestingly, some of the most vituperative remarks I endured came from friends in the media, arts and higher education. The very people who shape young minds — who disseminate, who influence — turned out to be the most xenophobic about discussing issues. They called me rude when I questioned “facts;” delusional when I disagreed.
It’s one thing to be called rude, quite another to have one’s mental capacity called into question. I suppose it’s better than the media-colonoscopy endured by poor Joe-the-Plumber. But here’s the point. America is not a place where you can’t ask a question. America is not a place where you can’t exchange ideas. The very people who decried divisiveness were, in my experience, the worst offenders. Absolutely stone-cold shut-down nasty players.
In his acceptance speech Obama acknowledged those of us whose vote he didn’t get. He claimed to want to earn our trust. Fine. We aren’t going to agree to socialism because we work hard for our money. Share the wealth of the shadow banking bandits — not ours — We-The-People. We want our borders secured and our country protected against radical Islam. We don’t think it’s fair to nationalize health care without nationalizing the legal profession. After all, everyone is entitled to superior representation, right? And enough of the foreign oil dependence already. We need energy — we need jobs — we can achieve both right here.
Now, if anyone out there would like to discuss those issues, as opposed to attacking some aspect of our personhood, we welcome the discussion. We agree there’s a lot that can be improved. We share a lot of common ground. We know America is an Idea. And we’re tired of seeing her bashed.
Yes, if McCain can be gracious in defeat, so can I. But it’s your turn, too. Saddle up, Ladies and Gentlemen. We’re starting a new ride.
Laura Hout is a freelance writer and Realtor.
Comments
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» on 11.06.08 @ 08:27 PM
The reactions of the loyal crowds to those very speeches Laura described above exhibit very clearly the differences between us “liberals” and Laura’s “conservatives” who have governed us so rudely for the past 8 years.
Every time John McCain mentioned Barack Obama the entire Republican crowd booed.
Every time Barack Obama mentioned John McCain, the entire Democratic crowd cheered.
Laura is simply dead wrong.
Thank goodness the cheering crowds now represent the dominant philosophy in our country and we once again have an America we can be proud.
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» on 11.06.08 @ 10:14 PM
And I thought her drivel about building heights was bad!
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» on 11.07.08 @ 03:15 AM
The way George Bush has been vilified is a crime. And now we’re supposed to all get along? Thankfully, it’s not going to happen. BTW McCain defeated himself, so I guess he can be gracious about it. I don’t intend to make his mistakes.
Meanwhile, we the people are going to get screwed, again. Let’s just take one example. Today the Social Security system takes in more money than it pays out. We’re not saving that money, our politicians are buying votes with it, and recording the liability. And we have a national debt. Our kids are going to hate the baby-boomers when we tell them what we’ve done to them.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 03:26 AM
Unlike the majority of Labile-Liberal-Lefties who were flat-out rude during this process, I will try to be gracious.
There’s no graciousness in that attack nor any of the rest of your immensely rude post.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 03:34 AM
“Every time Barack Obama mentioned John McCain, the entire Democratic crowd cheered.” Rob, put down the crackpipe.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 04:49 AM
Not So Rob - rerun the tapes. You give the Democratic crowd more credit than is deserved. My HOPE for CHANGE is that the grace and dignity shown by both Obama and McCain will rub off on the American people. We can certainly use it. Bottom line, United we stand, divided we fall (FAIL).
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» on 11.07.08 @ 04:54 AM
Mr. Egenolf must have been watching different McCain and Obama speeches than I did because I did not hear the same cheers and boos that he did.
Ms. Hunt is absolutely dead on about the liberals attacking vehemently, even so-called friends, at any attempt to discuss the issues - going back over 8 yearts in my personal experience. And many others have stated the same.
It’s fine to support your candidate, but the attacks and put-downs have no place in polite discourse. Unfortunately that has become all too common.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 05:51 AM
Apparently Laura and 56 million American’s are “dead wrong”? Mr. Egenolf’s comments below simply affirm this op-ed piece, particularly in regard to the vituperative remarks: vi·tu·per·a·tive (vī-tōō‘pər-ə-tĭv, -tyōō’-, -pə-rā’-, vĭ-) adj. Using, containing, or marked by harshly abusive censure.
It would be nice if those on the left could respect everyone’s right to free speech (and freedom of thoughts, beliefs, and opinions). As they are chanting “change” out of one side of their mouth, the vitriol from the other side of the mouth is more of the same…and not a “change” at all.
Move past the anger and hatred. Afterall, your guy won!
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» on 11.07.08 @ 06:45 AM
Excellent article and so true Laura. Thanks for speaking for “the rest of us” and observing the intolerance and hate of the demanding left (you know, the ones that have a monopoly on “tolerance” and are so full of peace and understanding)...most recently demonstrated by the gay mafia, less recently by proponents of illegal immigration.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 06:46 AM
Would you Republicans just go away. Please just leave the country for four years. After the last eight years of Christianist Republican cronyism, corruption, militarism and terrorism on our civil rights, Americans risked a beat-down and said: CHANGE!!!!!!
Your not needed here and to be honest you’re not welcome here. Tell you what; move to Canada for four years and let President Obama (I love the sound of that) restore our country. You won’t be able to wait to get back and you will like what you see.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 06:55 AM
“It was these emotions that set me to wondering how this crisis happened ...”
You’re joking, right? This financial crisis is the direct result of years under Republican rule with your extreme pro-business, give tax cuts to the rich, free markets will fix everything, deregulate the universe philosophy. Even Alan Greenspan of all people is admitting that his “world view” was flawed.
You can’t simply dominate all branches of government for several years and then cry foul when things go bad. Obama won in no small part because YOUR GUY was in charge and then systematically ran this country into the ground.
And let’s be honest here: No one yelled “Kill Him!” and “Terrorist!” at Obama rallies.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 06:56 AM
This post might have meant something if Laura wrote it sometime during the past 8 years, when anyone who dared questions the Republican’s methods (needless war, domestic spying, deficit spending, pork exceeding any Democrat’s wildest dreams, etc. etc.) were vilified as traitors who just “hated America.”
Now? Sour grapes. Like the bully who’s been beaten asking everyone to now just get along.
One more thing:
“But now is a good time to point out that Obama won 52 percent of the vote (63 million) to McCain’s 46 percent (55.8 million.) That means half our country’s citizens did not vote for him. Half our country’s citizens remain rightfully skeptical.”
Does anyone remember any Republicans pitching this sentiment when W actually received fewer popular votes in an election? I don’t.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 07:01 AM
“if anyone out there would like to discuss those issues, as opposed to attacking ” laura laura laura, how could anyone take your curtly written diatribe on being “gracious” to heart, when you are displaying the exact behavior you criticize. Finger pointing and name calling us “Labile-Liberal-Lefties who were flat-out rude” does not convince me that YOU are ready to “start a new ride”. giddy up laura, lets all “down size” in our bipartisan language britches in order to blaze new happy trails together..
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» on 11.07.08 @ 07:01 AM
Mark, your lack of tolerance and acceptance of a differing view is breathtaking. “..You Republicans…”? “...leave the country…”? “you’re not welcome here”? Mark, you clearly do not have the faintest idea of what this country stands for, whatever your political beliefs or voting habits. And you are a shining example of Ms. Holt’s point. Fortunately there are tens of millions of people who disagree with you. But you are an example of the scariest of any party - Left, Center, or Right.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 07:02 AM
I truly hope the rhetoric and the divisiveness dissipates. Ms. Houts article does nothing to move things in this direction.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 07:44 AM
As you attribute your attitude (I’ll try to be gracious since John McCain was), you are implicitly acknowledging the importance of role models. That’s one of President-elect Obama’s strengths that will prove out.
However, name calling (Labile-Liberal-Lefties)is not gracious according to the way I was brought up. [Thanks for the vocabular lesson—frankly I had never heard that label…certainly not in a negative way as I presume it was meant.] Generalizations such as “unlke the majority of ...” are also not words of true dialogue.
Perhaps you need to re-examine who you call friends and with whom you spend your time. My experience with my strong Republican supporter friends, my strong Democratic supporter friends, and with my majority of friends who find it hard to align strongly with either side is that they speak rationally about the issue, decry the poor media coverage from all angles, and especially are tired of “fact”-spreading that is based on email talking points.
I think you saw a cool hand, disciplined approach, and a well-educated leader prevail. John McCain’s graciousness and desire to lead the country was undercut by a lot of voters who had a narrow agenda which was too ideological for McCain…and I’m not talking about the progressive side of the aisle!
I have confidence that the intelligence and discipline that Barack Obama brings to the leadership will show that a moderate approach is more fiscally conservative, more supportive of our troops home and abroad, and will clearly raise our economic and military security above the low standards President Bush has brought.
For example, it’s clear voters went for the family-values candidate that represents policies with more depth and impact than the narrow pro-life/pro-choice polarization. We’ll finally see what how an “anti-abortion” agenda is best implemented by avoiding the pro-life/pro-choice straw dog.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 07:58 AM
Excellent piece Laura. I for one will not lower myself to the levels of intolerance and hatred that the liberals have exhibited since 2000. I won’t drive around with a sticker that has an “O” on it with a red slash through it. I won’t have a bumper sticker that says “Obama is not MY President.” I won’t resort to insulting his intelligence as a means of discrediting him. I will do as Laura will do, which is to patiently wait for the guy to earn my respect through his successes in his capacity as President. In case you all forgot, we’re still in a war against Terrorism. I hope Barry surrounds himself with the right people and that they make informed and fair decisions when it comes to the prosecution of the war on terror. Just because the liberals got their guy in office doesn’t mean that the struggles are over, not by a longshot. Just keep that in mind when we are forced to engage Iran after they send a few rockets into Israel. I voted for McCain but in January Barack Obama is my President, and I hope that he has the wits about him to do what he needs to do for America to succeed.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 08:03 AM
Congratulations, Laura, on an excellent piece. It is sad that there continues to be such anger and hate on this subject. How can we come together as a nation again if there is no room for differing opinion? Hang in there, and know that there are many of us who believe in and support what you have written. And we shall continue to cling to our prayers in the days that lie ahead; prayers which, BTW, will include our President-Elect.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 08:13 AM
I was not impressed with either candidate and voted for Nader. All I’ve seen Obama do is compromise in order to win the election, which feels like business as usual.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 08:18 AM
McCain’s concession speech sounded more like the respectable John McCain before his mean campaign. But what a hippocrite he was in that speech. To think that for months, weeks & just the day before the election he & Palin were calling our President Elect Obama terrible, unpatriotic names: terrorist! She particularly embarrassed our country with all the dispicable things she said. It was hopeful to see how the rest of the world expressed their support & excitement with President Elect Obama’s well earned win.
Our country has had to endure 8 long years of the inept & crooked Bush/Chaney regime. It is time for healing,and hope for a kinder, more accepting of diversity America.
Maybe a more open mind & heart will help us work with other cultures and belief systems
to achieve a more peaceful world. A loyal Noozhawk supporter.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 08:20 AM
You cannot be listening! Obama had info on cindy that he chose notuse. His tone has always been statesman like.
Unlike Sarah Palin who allowwed crowds to shout hate statements and she just smiled and allowed it.
I do agree that McCAin gave a very gracious consession speech. It was the McCain I used to know not the power hungry man who wanted to win at all costs that he became during the campaign.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 08:26 AM
I doubt if this very cynical expression of Ms. Hout could be considered courteous OR gracious in defeat. She might have followed the fine lead of the loser in this race, but instead chose to do just what she has accused others of doing.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 08:33 AM
I am 100% in agreement with this article. I respect others for their opinions in regards to this presidency, and do not feel the need to attack those persons because I do not agree with them. The general tone via McCain’s final speech is that we are taking the high road on this. Let us hope that Obama voters and supporters will also follow suit and take the high road, and may we all unify on the common ground mentioned here to accomplish our goals as a country. And, I hope that President-elect Obama will “earn our trust”, it would be a great outcome if so.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 08:33 AM
To Ms. Hout: A good message in reply to your editorial:
Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words.
Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior.
Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits.
Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values.
Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.
Mahatma Ghandi
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» on 11.07.08 @ 09:07 AM
Amen, Laura. Watch how those who slimed our president for eight years, who slandered our troops in the field, who vetted a plumber more carefully than a presidential candidate—now call on us to be civil in opposition! And we’ll do it too… because we’re the good guys. Let’s hope the American people notice.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 09:49 AM
I congradulate President Elect Obama, still, I believe we have to clean up any anti American leadership or teachings be it in a syneguge, church, or a mosque. we are a free nation and do not allow Islamic teaching due to it’s women subjugation.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 10:55 AM
As for name calling, maybe the Left could refrain from calling all whites “privileged” and blaming every social dysfunction on “white privilege.” And please refrain from using the word “Anglo.” It is coarse-sounding and offensive to us people of pallor who are not descended from the Angle and Saxon tribes. Oh, and stop referring to the Southwest U.S. as colonized “Occupied America” (title of book by Rudy Acuna, widely used in Chicano studeis programs.)
Oops, spoke to soon, Bill Ayers is coming out with a new book “Race Course Against White Supremacy,” soon to be required reading at Schools of Education nationwide.
http://www.amazon.com/Race-Course-Against-White-Supremacy/dp/088378291X
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» on 11.07.08 @ 11:44 AM
Laura:
I disagree with your accusations of liberals “slamming,” it was you who began to fashion your attacks to me and others ala Palin’s, “pit-bull with lipstick” mode. Let that be in the past, rather look at the positive side of this election and continue with so many others, especially writers—since we both belong to that tribe—to celebrate this momentous moment in history.
I’m not down from my high yet. I haven’t felt like this since I immigrated to the land of my dreams, AMERIKA. If Obama stays protected, and if he can just realize a few of the things that need to be done to get us out of our hole, it will be like a new era, not only for us, but for the world. America will become a respected nation amongst nations again (no more Abu Ghraib, no more Guatanamo Bay), an America not respected for its military might, but for its wisdom, democracy and freedom. Obama is an Everyman to me, not white, not black, not socialist, not capitalist, but a humanist who cares for his country and the world at large, since he knows we are all connected. He amazes me with his calm, his collectedness under stress and his never lowering himself but taking the high road at all times. I am so extremely happy that the people chose this young, yet wise man to lead our nation.
More champagne please!
And I’d share some of it with you….
Karin
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» on 11.07.08 @ 04:20 PM
Laura,
Good essay and I totally agree with you. I’m a middle-of the-spectrum person, and vote Democrat or Republican depending on the quality of the candidate, but I completely agree with your observations.
Many of the responses here however only serve to prove the truth of what you wrote. For example “MARK wrote on 11/07/08 @ 08:46 AM Would you Republicans just go away. Please just leave the country for four years. After the last eight years of Christianist Republican cronyism, corruption, militarism and terrorism on our civil rights, Americans risked a beat-down and said: CHANGE!!!!!! Your not needed here and to be honest you’re not welcome here.”
Wow, if that doesn’t prove your point!!!!
It has been interesting to me to compare the responses of conservatives and liberals to various election results over the past several years. Without a doubt the liberals with whom I have had contact are the least tolerant of those with opposing points of view.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 04:22 PM
So many of these posts, ironically, demonstrate exactly what Laura is talking about. What amazes me the most is the defensiveness when she calls people exactly what they are: (Labile-Liberal-Lefties). Labile by the way means “apt or likely to change”. Isn’t change exactly what they have been promoting and have been so proud of? Aren’t they on the political left? Aren’t they Liberals?
Why are they not proud to be called this?
It is ironic that this is considered “name calling”, and liberals are so ashamed to be called liberals or lefties, and subject to change, that they actually have to think of a new name for themselves, when the current name becomes a “dirty word”. I believe the accepted term is now “progressive”. Well they will always be liberals to me, and I don’t care if they are offended, and ashamed of what they are. THAT they did to themselves.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 06:12 PM
Laura is not talking about every labile-liberal-lefty, only the ones “who were flat-out rude during this process”. You can see it in some of these posts,
and I can vouch for her. I have been discriminated against at my workplace for my conservative beliefs, denied raises and promotions but good luck trying to get the ACLU on my side, since I am white. I have been challenged to “step outside” at work when presenting my side of a political argument to a labile lefty coworker. The chemistry definition of “labile” applied well to this person, who before this incident was as sweet as pie.
Labile: Chemistry. (of a compound) capable of changing state or becoming active when subjected to heat or radiation.
If you want to talk about name calling, let’s try “neocon” an abbreviation intentionally designed to be associated with “con man”, or “right wing nut job” or the improperly applied but ever-at-the-ready “bigot” and “racist” when you don’t agree with unchecked illegal immigration or gay marriage, or even when you don’t agree with the current president’s politics.
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» on 11.07.08 @ 09:59 PM
Every Republican here, from Laura Hout on, is a pathetic liar and hypocrite:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15303.html
“A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Sen. Barack Obama to congratulate him.
(BOOING)
Please. “
...
“This campaign was and will remain the great honor of my life, and my heart is filled with nothing but gratitude for the experience and to the American people for giving me a fair hearing before deciding that Sen. Obama and my old friend Sen. Joe Biden should have the honor of leading us for the next four years.
(BOOING)
Please. Please.
”
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» on 11.08.08 @ 06:28 AM
TREKKING LEFT wrote “This financial crisis is the direct result of years under Republican rule with your extreme pro-business, give tax cuts to the rich, free markets will fix everything, deregulate the universe philosophy.”
Trekking you need to do better research of the facts. The problem started with a law enacted under Carter and really pushed in 1999 under Clinton. The current administration just continued business as usual when they came on the scene. In the early and mid 2000s, several attempts were made by the administration and some conservative leaders in the senate and congress to rein in the very loose lending policies of Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac. But those attempts were thwarted by other congress persons and senators led by Barney Frank and Chris Dodd among others.
It’s easy to keep repeating the same misinformation if it supports our position, as you have. But we all would be better served if we attempted to find out the facts first.
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» on 11.08.08 @ 09:05 AM
Jim Baltar, meet Mark. Mark, meet Jim Baltar. You two can be the founders of a new organization which I suggest you call the Masters of Intolerance and Broadbrush Labelling. While there are certainly rude and intolerant people of all political persuasions, I’d tend to agree that the Left wins the Intolerance Award, at least as exemplified in the local blogs. Some people have even reported broken friendships due to the election of George Bush. Imagine that.
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» on 11.08.08 @ 09:33 AM
Look who is talking…she who has spoke with forked tongue for such a long time. It is the right wing whack jobs that are attacking their own right wing, pigs with lipstick, whackos. So typical of neo cons that believe in ruling with no regulation and no oversight..and never to be held accountable for anything..then use the blame card…Most of the people are finally beginning to see through this BS. Who are you kidding when you think that Bush and his cronies ever had any respect for this Country and its citizens? You are a candidate for a well deserved lobotomy.
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» on 11.08.08 @ 10:25 AM
President-elect Barack Obama called Nancy Reagan this afternoon to apologize for a joke about her having held “séances” in the White House, an Obama aide said.
Obama was asked at his press conference today if he’d spoken to all the “living” presidents.
“I have spoken to all of them who are living,” he responded. “I didn’t want to get into a Nancy Reagan thing about doing any séances.”
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» on 11.08.08 @ 12:56 PM
Timmy D., meet Jim Baltar and Mark. Enjoy your narrowminded little world together. The rest of us can celebrate a new day…
And BTW, Art is right about the law enacted under Carter - it encouraged, with the best intentions but little understanding of economics, what are now called sub-prime mortgages. Clinton and Bush continued the insanity.
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» on 11.08.08 @ 01:04 PM
Not to put too fine a point on it but thanks! to many of you for proving my point. AHEM: I suggested we stop the attacks and start talking issues. From the first comment down, the majority of you Labile-Liberal-Lefties are still attacking (note the words “majority” and “many” — as some Lefties are reasonable and will discuss the issues.)
Attacking is a great diversion: like playing the “race card,” it stops dialogue dead.
Booing? How about Palin hung in effigy? How about tee-shirts featuring Obama and Palin’s pictures with the caption “Bros Before Hoes.” How about Obama’s LIES that 95% of the population will get a tax cut (when 40% don’t even PAY taxes so they’ll get a WELFARE check.) Or Obama’s campaign DISABLING the filters on software so they could accept over-limit and foreign-money campaign contributions?
That’s like spinning what happened at Abu Ghraib to American soldiers being torched and dragged through Iraqi streets. Thanks for bashing America as well as sending me that Palin-in-effigy pic. I loved that. NOT.
Like blogger “Art” said, I vote the issues. Not strict party lines. (So calling me a Republican only works if I prefer their candidate.) But then… I’m doing my best to LEARN the issues (despite MSM bias)... not just the playbook of conversation stoppers.
I wanted to know why the Financial Meltdown happened. I still want the Guilty slammed in jail. That may be a fantasy—but it’s shared by millions!!!
I’m Jane-the-Citizen – and yes – I asked a question.
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» on 11.08.08 @ 02:26 PM
My favorite scene in Treasure Island is where the pirates start killing each other over the gold.
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» on 11.09.08 @ 08:10 AM
Don’t you love how politics brings out the 9-year-old in everyone? A blessing for all the empty-nesters who miss hearing kids call each other names.
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» on 11.09.08 @ 11:53 AM
Laura Hout says,“I suggested we stop the attacks and start talking issues. From the first comment down, the majority of you Labile-Liberal-Lefties are still attacking…” LOL! Get a grip!
Calling people names is Laura’s idea of talking issues? Labile? “Unsteady..having rapidly shifting emotions…unstable…” I’m sure she meant that in a GOOD way, right?
And since when did 48% become half of anything? She’s sounding a bit “labile” herself. She says, “We give him his campaign victory, of course.” How thoughtful. Is that her idea of grace? Ha! Laura, dear one, don’t get carried away. You did not give Senator Obama anything and thank God he wasn’t waiting around. He took it. He earned it. He’s got it. Get over it. Take a cue from Senator McCain, and grow up.
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» on 11.09.08 @ 04:32 PM
Change! We are looking for change. Legislative Branch is the part of the government that makes laws and has had a Democratic majority. So the way to get change is to continue the direction the Democratic majority has crashed this nation. Last time I checked the Executive Branch doesn’t make laws.
What changes did Barack HUSSEIN Obama bring forth as a United Stated Senator? Obama was sworn in as a senator on January 4, 2005 February 10, 2007, he announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Why didn’t he introduce any change in the two years one month that he was working as a Senator.
Change?
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» on 11.09.08 @ 04:50 PM
Wow, glad I decided to let you all vent your spleens before I brought the rhetorical gasoline. Image, the party of the European Socialist Worshippers, who just got their man elected, are still so angry and resentful. Look all you lefty loonies, the O won, we can all quite our jobs and live on welfare now! No need to try hard, that’s for all the idiots who think working hard will get them ahead. Nope they’ll just be paying for the rest of us who will now enjoy the shallow, self absorbed life of the Euro-socialist. Ahhh, sweet vacation time and no worries, just limitless self indulgence at some one else’s expense. The libs in America have for so long wanted to be like their friends on the continent. So long have they been robbed of that experience by those uncultured, ignorant, knuckle draggers. But now we can be one with our European elites as they march ever so softly over the cliff.
By the way “progress” can have two directions; moving and advancing in a good direction or moving and advancing in a disastrous one. That’s for all you libs who would rather be known as “progressives”. Oh what hangover you will have on inauguration day.
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» on 11.11.08 @ 06:40 AM
“I suggested we stop the attacks and start talking issues. “
And yet all you do is attack, hypocrite.
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» on 11.11.08 @ 10:12 AM
OMG… what was the reason for this?
“What changes did Barack HUSSEIN Obama bring forth as a United Stated Senator?” Are you suggesting something? Typical White Christian Republican innuendos?
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» on 11.12.08 @ 07:32 AM
Obama won by 10.2 million votes. 10.2 million people wanted Barack Obama and Joe Biden to represent the American people. Let me repeat that, 10.2 MILLION PEOPLE!
It’s time to let John McCain and Sarah Palin go away. Stop with the “wells” and the “what ifs” and the “could have beens”. We’ve got to get together and mobilize again to remain involved in White House affairs. Don’t sit back and say either “my guy got in, he can take care of everything now, I don’t have to do anything” or “my guy didn’t get in, I’m bent, I don’t have to do anything”. Mobilize! Talk to your neighbors! Fight for what is best for the globe! No president, even Barack Obama, won’t do anything for us unless we demand it.
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» on 11.13.08 @ 01:36 PM
Who is this Laura Hout that she gets to write an opinion piece about her politics? What makes her opinions so special, any more so than the one of any average guy on the street? Why is Noozhawk printing this dribble?
I could not care less if Laura was is gracious, or whatever she says she is right now. What does this matter?
The Republicans have in the past 8 years acted with fewer morals than the mafia, and their actions were in no way directed towards helping our country; rather, they lie when they open their mouth and they stole as much of our money as they could get away with. And they have succeeded, and many of them will probably now take that money and set up shop in Dubai.
Perhaps Laura can join them there and discuss the finer points of nuanced issues with them.
We back here got a country to rebuild, before it is too late. Good riddance!
[Editor’s note: Sorry but we can’t seem to find the op/ed commentary you submitted to Noozhawk. You did send us one, right?]
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» on 11.13.08 @ 07:07 PM
Dear ETTAG:
Thanks for the laugh! But it won’t be me partying in Dubai… (see below.) You might be surprised to find we agree on many things—except for the FINE POINT that it’s not just Republicans who’ve been HOGS at the trough. But you Labile-Liberal-Lefties can’t stop to talk issues, you just attack. And the rest of are sick of it!!
From THE EMIRATES ECONOMIST
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF EVENTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND THE GULF - TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2008
Clinton to sever sensitive relationship in Dubai
The Wall Street Journal ($) is reporting today:
Former President Clinton stands to reap around $20 million—and will sever a politically sensitive partnership tie to Dubai—by ending his high-profile business relationship with the investment firm of billionaire friend Ron Burkle.
Mr. Clinton is negotiating to end his relationship with Mr. Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos. as part of a broader effort to protect the presidential campaign of his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, from potential conflicts of interest. Details of Mr. Clinton’s involvement in Yucaipa and his efforts to unwind it come from documents and interviews with people familiar with the matter.
Mr. Clinton is also one of three owners of the global fund’s general partner. The others are Mr. Burkle, who is the managing member, and an entity connected to the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.
...
Severing the tie to Dubai, a U.S. ally, will remove a potentially tricky problem for Mrs. Clinton. Questions raised about the activities of sovereign wealth funds—giant pools of money controlled by foreign governments—have become a campaign issue, as the funds have made a spate of multibillion-dollar investments in such corporate giants as Citigroup Inc. and Merrill Lynch & Co. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Mrs. Clinton said such purchases are “a source of concern,” partly because the foreign funds “lack transparency” and could be used by foreign governments as “instruments of foreign policy.”
...
Mr. Clinton’s duties and activities as a Yucaipa adviser have never been completely clear to outsiders.
...
Since leaving the White House, Mr. Clinton has had various contacts with Dubai. For example, Sheik Mohammed last year pledged financial support to a Clinton charitable initiative, and the former president’s foundation has a scholarship program at the American University in Dubai in cooperation with the emirate’s ruler.
See also this related post from last month at Huffington. My earlier coverage of the Clinton-Dubai-Burkle links is here.
LINK to Huffington article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/12/12/protecting-hillary-bill-_n_76529.html
LINK to this article:
http://emirateseconomist.blogspot.com/2008/01/clinton-to-severe-sensitive.html
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