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Letters, 10/13: Past associations apply for both

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Monday, Oct 13, 2008 - 12:46:58 am CDT

It is interesting to note that the majority of letters to the editor written by liberals associate Sen. John McCain with President George W. Bush and his policies.

But if a conservative attempts to associate Sen. Barack Obama with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Father Michael Pflager, William Ayers or the ACORN Association, the conservative is labeled a racist, a radical, or accused of “Swift boating.”

If it is fair to assess the credibility of Sen. McCain by his past associations, it seems only right that people should be able to assess the credibility of Sen. Obama by his past associations.

Personally, I would prefer to be associated with a president of the United States than with people who publicly denigrate the United States and show no remorse for doing so.

Duane L. Wendelin, Lincoln

McCain campaign insults voter’s intelligence

It is tragic to watch John McCain out-Rove Karl Rove. After the 2000 election, during which the Bush campaign besmirched McCain’s honor in South Carolina, I would never have expected to see McCain down in the gutter, sliming another candidate.

Through his actions, he is insulting the intelligence of millions of voters who support Barack Obama while belittling his own millions of supporters with his campaign’s smears, lies and distortions. This man, whom I once admired as a great American leader, has dishonored his own reputation and legacy irreparably. By the way, his running mate, the winkin’, nose-wrinklin’ Tina F … er, I mean, Sarah Palin, should tread carefully in raising any issues about Obama’s faith in light of the recent videos in which she was being blessed for protection from witchcraft. She lives in a glass house and should be extremely careful about the stones she throws.

Her role is at last clarified: She is a pit bull thinly disguised as a hockey mom, selected to do McCain’s dirty work. This is, so far, the only thing in which she excels. Her ignorance and incompetence for anything more is staggering.

McCain’s choice of her as his running mate shows a cynicism that is beyond description. How could this man, who once showed greatness, stoop so low as to inflict this woman on our country? During his “alone moments,” I hope he is ashamed of the choices he has made motivated by his frantic need to be president.

I am sad that his hunger for the White House has led him to such terrible choices.

Jan Kauffman, Lincoln

Protecting personal freedoms

On Sept. 29, the Lincoln Journal Star printed a well-written letter from Patricia Pierson. She states, “If McCain were president, Palin’s own daughter may not have had the right to make any choice.” Is this true? Is McCain really in favor of legislation that bans a woman’s right to consent to sex? The vast majority of women become pregnant because of a choice they made concerning sex. Please, let’s not pretend that overturning Roe vs. Wade abolishes a woman’s right to make any choice.

She goes on to say, “No governing body, federal or state, should have the right to decide what I as a female American citizen can do with my body.” I agree, if what you do to your body doesn’t directly harm another person, the government should remain powerless to stop you from doing it.

Of course, this applies to men, too. No one should be forced to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, nor a seat belt while driving a car. In fact, the government should pass no laws concerning the consumption of any drug. I wonder, how many fervent pro-choice advocates are equally adamant about protecting the rights of drug users?

Ryan Haase, Lincoln

Time to return to business ethics

Almost every day the news is filled with discouraging headlines — corporate scandals, financial failures, unethical government actions and an unstable economy. There is no question that today’s uncertain times have shaken consumer confidence. Not since the Great Depression has public opinion about business and government been so low. People are not sure where to turn when they need help locating a reputable business to help with home or personal needs.

That is why it is more important than ever for business owners small and large to return to the foundation of what has been behind the success of so many American companies: business ethics.

A reputation for integrity is one of the strongest assets a business can hold.

It inspires customers to buy a company’s products or services. It encourages people to recommend the company to others. It is one of the strongest attractions for high-quality employees and can be critical when looking for investors.

We are fortunate that the vast majority of businesses in our state have embraced good business ethics and practices. Each year since 1995 area companies have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to business ethics with the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award.

In some parts of the country business ethics has become a punch line for comedians. That is not true in our state.

Jim Hegarty, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau of Nebraska

Opportunity for Kleeb

Nebraska has a wonderful opportunity to elect Scott Kleeb to the Senate. Kleeb is young, intelligent, well educated and would be a senator all Nebraskans could be proud to call their own. If people have the privilege to meet and talk with him, there is no question who to vote for.

Mike Johanns had held a number of political offices — none of which he distinguished himself in. Remember, he’s a good friend of George W.

I hope voters take advantage of a wonderful choice for an outstanding young man and vote for Scott Kleeb!

Lois Sheppard, Lincoln

Gambling policy is hypocritical

The recent discussion about a milelong racetrack, the Goldenrod Downs, once again shows the hypocritical policies of Nebraskans. We are opposed to gambling as we drive by the large signs showing the latest Powerball jackpot on our way to the racetrack to bet on the horses and engage in off-track betting. At the State Fair this year there was a booth in the Devaney Center where one could buy a Powerball ticket with a big banner promoting the purchase of one or more tickets. We quietly sneak across the border to spend our money in the casinos, but when the subject of casino gambling comes up,  Sens. Russ Karpisek of Wilber and  Annette Dubas of Fullerton (LJS, Oct. 3) say they aren’t eager to return to the casino controversy in January.

It is time to return to that controversy, and this gives Nebraska a chance to be honest about the policy of gambling. We need to do something or get off the proverbial pot. Either we approve of gambling or we do not. If we truly believe there is no place like Nebraska, then we need to clean up our act instead of winking at our hypocritical policy of not approving casino gambling.

This gambling problem started back when Ak-Sar-Ben introduced pari-mutuel betting with the horse racing. Why was this type of betting acceptable then and other types not? I am not advocating that casinos be permitted. I am saying that we should decide one way or the other. Either we embrace gambling and regulate it, and probably tax it, or we forbid it.

One can even go to the Bible and pick out a passage about the sin of hypocrisy. To gamble or not to gamble. That is the question. It is time to answer it honestly one way or the other before another large race track expenditure is made.

David L. Chambers, Lincoln

Nice to see civil campaign

My congratulations and thanks to both Senate candidates, Mike Johanns and Scott Kleeb, for the way they have conducted their campaigns. I am sick to death of politicians, from the local to national levels, spending most of their time, resources and money bashing their opponents.

What the voters want, I believe, is to know how the candidate feels about the issues, his philosophies, his plans and ideas, what he believes are important to our state and nation. I am glad Kleeb and Johanns are keeping it positive.

Carol R. Lechner, Lincoln

Thanks for tribute

It is difficult for me to explain the feelings that came over me as I read Ken Hansen’s tribute to the Petersen Family in his letter in the Lincoln Journal Star on Sept. 19.

I suppose the reason I was singled out in the article is because I am the last leaf on the tree. My parents, Bill and Ane, and my siblings, Christian, Ralph and Richard, are deceased.

I repeat myself when I say that none of us knew what paths our lives would have taken if Dad had not invented his locking wrench and had not been the man of determination that he was.

It was that circumstance that drew us together and gave us the chance to use our combined aptitudes in developing a business. It was our good fortune that each of us had different abilities and insights to contribute. Although individually we could not possibly have given equal value to the business, none of us tried to outshine or gain recognition over the other. We always managed to form a consensus in carrying out our purposes. This was our strength.

We owe so much to so many for bringing our accomplishments to fruition. To all of them, I say a thousand thanks.

Thank you to Ken Hansen for his kindness and understanding.

Harriet Petersen Fort, DeWitt

McCain's 'Celebrity'

Wow! Sarah Palin drew a crowd of 2,500 people on just a few hours’ notice. Sounds to me like she is some kind of “celebrity.”

Gee, I wonder what John McCain from three months ago would think about having a “celebrity” on his presidential ticket? I am beginning to think John McCain is a lot like Nebraska weather. If you don’t like it, just wait five minutes, and it will change.

David D. Schleich, Lincoln


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MarkyMark wrote on October 13, 2008 2:12 am:
" Dear Jan,

Did you know that if Obama were applying for a government job he would NOT be accepted because he would not pass the background check. Just something to think about. "

 To Ryan wrote on October 13, 2008 2:15 am:
" Just remember that life is God given, but stupidity is a choice. "

 Andrew wrote on October 13, 2008 2:19 am:
" Dear David,

The reason a person is a celebrity is not based on the crowd they draw. It is changing your view to 'pop culture' to further your career. Palin is who she is and any politician that is willing to take on corruption like she did has my vote. "

 Re Lois wrote on October 13, 2008 2:23 am:
" We need to keep Obama in check if he wins the run for president. The democrats could gain up to 8 seats in the senate this year, That would put them around 60 some seats. Democracy does not work well when we don't have these checks. Please elect Johanns if you are Republican or Democrat, otherwise the US will have more corruption and more failed policies that will send not only the economy, but every other aspect of the US in the toilet. "

 Jan wake up wrote on October 13, 2008 2:30 am:
" The ads that John McCain is running are because the media is giving him a free ride. They look past everything. So they had to run these ads before the most radical leftist make it into office. Obama was in charge of a grant the Ayers received and distributed funds to schools to support their radical movements. If this any clue on how education will be change when he is president I will move. John McCain is not insulting any intelligence, he is basically informing people that have not taken the time to do their homework. "

 Hey Jim wrote on October 13, 2008 2:36 am:
" I for one am proud that Nebraska businesses are responsible. I hope that if Obama wins we still have businesses in Nebraska. With increases in taxes for small businesses I don't know how many will survive that without massive layoffs. And can someone tell Obama that small businesses don't pay capital gains? He wants to cut capital gains for small business, but that isnt how most businesses make all their money. "

 Outraged in Omaha wrote on October 13, 2008 4:16 am:
" Mister Hegarty, please peddle your papers elsewhere, because you don't know what you're talking about. Your office has been covering up all the lack of ethics, lack of professionalism and illegal activities of Nebraska businesses, especially in the Omaha area, for years. My family and I have submitted dozens of complaints to the Better Business Bureau of Nebraska, without any measurable results from your organization. We only received rhetoric and lies from the Nebraska BBB. Your organization has outlived its usefulness and should be disbanded. "

 Our History Mr Wendelin wrote on October 13, 2008 5:57 am:
" Our history is what makes the distinction of what seems to be fair game for one group and not for another. Just as suggesting that Jews should be left to their own defence in the middle east brings up fears of "another holocaust", anything that even suggests a return to a more openly racist society is going to stoke emotions. This country once supported the right of whites to own, abuse, rape, and kill blacks. As recent as 50 years ago, it was still acceptable to be openly racist in this country. And racism still exsists today. Mr Wnedelin, you want to claim foul? Try living as a person of color in the state of Nebraska 24/7 for the next year and see if you think that feels fair. McCain and Palin understood what they were playing with. "

 horsey wrote on October 13, 2008 7:13 am:
" David, Casino Gambling is the "Crack" of the gambling world, horse racing is the alcohol. That is why. "

 Yup wrote on October 13, 2008 7:33 am:
" Gee Jan, aren't you insulting the intelligence of millions of voters who support Senator McCain with your spewing of lies and distortions. You then continue to smear and issue threats for his running mate, by your statement; the winkin’, nose-wrinklin’ Tina F … er, I mean, Sarah Palin, should tread carefully in raising any issues about Obama’s faith in light of the recent videos in which she was being blessed for protection from witchcraft. She lives in a glass house and should be extremely careful about the stones she throws. Her role is at last clarified: She is a pit bull thinly disguised as a hockey mom, selected to do McCain’s dirty work. This is, so far, the only thing in which she excels. Her ignorance and incompetence for anything more is staggering. Jan, you need to study up on the role of Vice Presidential candidate...they are suppose to do the dirty work. It's you that should be ashamed of yourself for continuing to attack Palin on her religion. You have a right to your own opinion, however, you sound like all the other dems. You dems started the attacks, now you want the repubs who responded to turn them off. It's too late, and the dems dirty smear tactics lost my vote when Palin was initially attacked for being a mother with a special needs child. "

 Huge difference wrote on October 13, 2008 7:43 am:
" between McCain's associations that have to do with making and supporting policy or ethical breaches of conduct that are wrecking this country (such as his involvement in the Keating 5 where he was a central player) and the associations being made about Obama where he was in a peripheral role at best. Acorn: it is looking like there was ONE person responsible for ALL the false signatures. This is simply not the organizational scandal that conservatives, talk radio, CNN would like us to believe it is, but a false association with Obama. The credibility of McCain and now Palin is affected by their direct involvement, their central roles in their respective scandals. That is a huge difference. "

 kate wrote on October 13, 2008 7:52 am:
" Great, now "Pro-choice"is being associated with Drug use? What is that all about? "

 to all wrote on October 13, 2008 7:58 am:
" to Duane and Carol: good letters.
To Jan: I am sorry for your bitterness.
To Ryan: It's satire, right?
To Lois: But Kleeb has made bad personal choices, ie. no drivers license. oops, I think that he could dre-apply sometime in September. "

 MarkyMark wrote on October 13, 2008 8:18 am:
" If the comparisons are reasonable, Duane, that's fine. Comparing these two-bit rabble rousers, to a flag lapelled New World Order Neo-Con President, who has single handedly brought this country to it's knees, is ridiculous. "

 Liberatarian wrote on October 13, 2008 8:21 am:
" Good point, Ryan. Helmet's and drugs should also be a personal choice. "

 Insulted wrote on October 13, 2008 8:36 am:
" Jan is absolutely correct. The biggest difference I have seen in this presidential campaign between Democrats and Republicans is how they view the American public. To put it simply, Republicans both think and assume that American voters are uninformed and unintelligent. Republicans seem to think that whatever emnates from the mouths of Palin and McCain is gospel. Republicans take everything at face value. They should feel insulted that McCain and Palin think they are stupid. But, it makes sense...if you compare the educational level of Republicans to Democrats, the average Democrat is much more highly educated than the average Republican (especially in Nebraska). It's no suprise....Republicans are supporting someone who almost flunked out of the Naval Academy and another who took years and multiple educational institutiuons to graduate with a degree in journalism.

McCain wants us to assume that he knows what he is doing because of his experience, and therefore leaves supporters to their own devices (marginal average intelligence) to figure out the details.

To those who think Obama is a Muslim and a foreigner, I have some news for you. Do you think he could be either a Illinois state senator or US senator is he was a foreign citizen? In the US, you are either a US citizen or you aren't, so even if he had dual citizenship (he doesn't), it would not be recognized by the US Government. And so what if he is a Muslim (he isn't). Last time I checked, freedom of religion was part of our Constitution. Read up on the Pillars of Islam - it is a peaceful religion. Islamic Jihadists are not true Muslims because they do not follow the Pillars of their faith. "

 To Mr. Wendelin wrote on October 13, 2008 8:41 am:
" You state that past associations of Sen. Obama are valid to examine. What policy decisions have these associations influenced? We know the policy decisions associated with Sen. McCain's support of President Bush.

Iraq, taxes, deregulation, etc. "

 CS wrote on October 13, 2008 8:48 am:
" Obama couldn't get a govt. job? What do you think US Senator is? Please cite what affiliations Obama has that would preclude him from applying for a govt. job. This should be interesting reading. "

 mitchy_v wrote on October 13, 2008 8:58 am:
" Casinos vs horseracing is crack vs alchol, your kidding, right? Casinos, horseracing, keno, lottory, chuch bingo, it is all gambling. It is about self control. People argu that casinos ruin familys because someone becomes addicted. What about alchol? Many families have been ruined because someone becomes addicted to alchol. Should we try prohabition again? "

 MarkyMark wrote on October 13, 2008 9:04 am:
" Stop using my name, you Neo-Con thief.

It was guys like you that said they same thing about Bill Clinton, because he visited Moscow. I think people know who the original MarkyMark is here. "

 Josh wrote on October 13, 2008 9:09 am:
" What continues to amaze me this election cycle is how people (of both parties, but particularly the Republicans) are like lemmings blindly following each other over the cliff. They mindlessly repeat things that have circulated on the internet (Obama is a Muslim for example), or what the campaigns have said. I mean, really, how many of you took the time to research ACORN or Bill Ayers? How many of you took any time to research Palin before embracing her (I bet most people had never heard of her before the RNC convention).

C'mon people...get over the bitter partisianship and use your brain: learn to think for yourself and take the time to find out for yourself instead of relying on FOX or MSNBC or some annonymous e-mail you got online. "

 speaking of associations. . . wrote on October 13, 2008 10:26 am:
" anyone read up much on the alaska independence party and palin's association with that one? talk about traitors? her hubby was a member and according to a youtube video of dexter clark, the vice-chair of the party, so was sarah until she was 'forced to go along to get along' and joined the republican party. she also addressed the party whose ultimate goal is secession (which means no longer be a part of the united states). she is also on a youtube video telling them how important the party is to alaska and to 'keep up the good work'. c'mon folks is it possible for someone who wants her state no longer be a part of the nation to be supportive of the nation as a vice president? the 'liberal press should love this one but where is the liberal press when you need them? well, check out youtube on your own. "

 Hey Duane wrote on October 13, 2008 10:37 am:
" If Ayers is a terrorist, why isn't he in jail? What about McCain's association with Keating?

Also, what about McCain's association with the communist North Vietnamese? Did you know he is one of their biggest supporters?

Back in 1992, during the Senate POW/MIA hearings that McCain chaired, former NVA Col Bui Tin, the person who headed up the torturing of prisoners, spoke in front of the committee and afterwards, McCain got up and walked to The col and warmly greeted him like a long lost friend!

Now, you have to question that association.

To MarkyMark: I don't know where you got your info about Obama not get a gov't job, he has been vetted by more gov't agencies and the media than you know and has passed them all.

I'm wondering if McCain would have passed all the background checks when he entered the Naval Acadamy if his father wasn't a graduate and an Admiral. Children of military grads are given automatic admission. Now, that is something to think about. "

 re Insulted wrote on October 13, 2008 10:44 am:
" Wow, the most naive comments I've ever seen. Republicans don't treat America as a nanny state, they have confidence that people are smart enough to make their own decisions and face consequences of those decisions. It's the liberals that think Americans are too stupid for that, and that Americans need liberal democrats to hold their hands and make decisions that liberal democrats think is best.

Regarding the education comment (especially in Nebraska), where's your proof? State your source. You're probably right, liberals seem to stick around college longer, it's where liberal indoctrination takes it's deep roots. I saw through it all and made decisions for myself and wrote papers that were critical of the professors liberal thought and teaching. Although it didn't win brownie points, I still made it through without selling myself out. While your at it, look up why McCain didn't get a high ranking at the Naval Academy. I'm sure it isn't anywhere on your far left "news" outlets. "

 Fake Marky Mark wrote on October 13, 2008 10:58 am:
" Don't worry real Marky Mark, anyone who knows you from your posts can tell the difference between you and your fraud. The real Marky Mark is far more intellingent than this "faux" Marky Mark. "

 Hey Marky wrote on October 13, 2008 11:10 am:
" Don't you have something new to say? I've seen this remark 3 times now. Yes he would pass a background check. I've had several because of 20 years military with a secret clearance and of two government jobs after retirement + a passport. You saying obama doesn't have a passport either? Just more poison being spewed. "

 As wrote on October 13, 2008 11:33 am:
" a retired military member I need to say something. This election is the dirtiest i've ever seen. I have served under many presidents, but, luckily got out before jr. took the office. I would have broken my contract and gave up retirement before i would have spent one day with him as my commander in chief. His v.p. is a coward who had 4 draft deferrments and jr. missed a flight physical to keep off the levy for callup. Mccain follows george and dick and supported them. I don't trust anyone who would say 100 more years to get a victory. There is no victory in the middle east. These people have killed each other since the bible was written. This thing is a repeat of vietnam and mccain should know better. We need new blood in washington and not someone who supported getting 4000 of our kids killed. How do you think a leader of a rogue nation would treat sara? He would quickly figure out what most of us already have. She is a bubbly, cheerleader type , follower of what the mccain group calls a bulldog. SNL portrays her just right. a airhead. "

 osisbs wrote on October 13, 2008 11:41 am:
" I think we can take Russia. I think Putin is just faking it and I'm willing to send my sons and your sons to Poland to prove it. Vote MCCAIN and don't let Putin push us around. So what if a few people die? We need to stop the Russians now and if we lose 500,000 people, so what? We also need to invade Iran, because fighting the Russians will take oil, lots of it. Don't pay any attention to those leftists geographers who say Iran is seven times the size of Colorado with three times the population of California. It's easy. We're #1. We'll kick their butts. Let's roll! McCain will lead us to the big win we need to get back on top! "

 Personal freedoms wrote on October 13, 2008 11:43 am:
" We have Ryan's comment, "The vast majority of women become pregnant because of a choice they made concerning sex. Please, let’s not pretend that overturning Roe vs. Wade abolishes a woman’s right to make any choice." Why don't we ever have comments about men's choices to have sex? I am tired of men arguing against abortion, (and I am against abortion) but never say anything about it also being their choices to have sex. It is NOT all the responsibility of the woman to conceive the baby, that is a biological fact. "

 To Re Insulted wrote on October 13, 2008 12:55 pm:
" The republicans are the ones who want a nanny state and tell everyone what to believe, etc. Look at the Patriot Bill if you doubt. The repubs want to evesdrop and read everyone's mail.

Besides, I have hear Rush himself state if you don't listen to him and vote the way he says, you won't know who to vote for because he knows whats best.

Now, who is the mindless ones? "

 Zoomie wrote on October 13, 2008 1:20 pm:
" If we're looking at past connections, how about McCain's ties to a convicted felon (with ties to organized crime) who lent him the money for his first house?
How about his long friendship with someone who proudly told his followers the best way to kill American law enforcement personnel?

By comparison, when Obama ran for the IL State Senate, one (of many) small fundraisers in his neighborhood was the home of Bill Ayers, ex-Weatherman and self-confessed bomber/radical (who, however, has never been charged or convicted of a single crime). Several years later, a Chicago educational charity (run by a McCain supporter, FYI) invited both Obama and Ayers to serve on the board for a few years (as in four-five 1-hour meetings per year, for 3 years). That pretty much sums up their "relationship"...no other evidence has yet been put forward even by the screaming talk-radio wingnuts, so what exactly are we supposed to be getting worked up about here?
And ACORN? Obama never ran it (as some wingnut tried to tell me), nor did he ever actually work for it or with it. His sole involvement was when, in 1995, ACORN joined DOJ to file a lawsuit against the State of IL for failing to comply with the Motor-Voter Law, and ACORN hired a major Chicago law firm as their lawyers. That firm selected a team of lawyers to represent their client, headed by a young black lawyer named Barack Obama....end of relationship!
And even if ACORN did everything the wingnuts claim they did, it all involves voter REGISTRATION fraud NOT VOTE FRAUD!!! As our own experience with referendums shows, if you hire people to collect signatures and pay by the result, people will try to inflate the result (like with registered voters named Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck). But it doesn't mean any of the phoney registrations will result in a phoney vote, and in fact the Bush DOJ spent FIVE YEARS searching desparately for evidence of vote fraud. They found a TOTAL of 186 illegally cast votes in three national elections, more than half of those errors not deliberate acts!
But you know the GOP...if they haven't got fear and anger to run on, they haven't got anything to run on! "

 Jeff wrote on October 13, 2008 1:37 pm:
" Looking at associations is fair. Mischaracterizing them are not. McCains relationship and support (or lack of) is a clear public record. The association of Obama with Ayres is much different. Being on a "board" together suddenly becomes "paling round", whatever that means. Ayres somehow worked his way back into Chicago society (with help from his father), becoming a professor and even being given a "citizenship award" from the city of Chicago in 1997 for his work with education. So an up and coming Obama was supposed to refuse appointments and involvement in this atmosphere. And at what point does there working together on distributing education grants suddenly mean they were "pals", which then apparently means Obama somehow agrees with things Ayres did in his radical past. And then you change the word "radical" to "terrorist" because it conveniently fits with todays hysteria and Obama's middle name. Anyone see any differences here? One thing I notice about Obama, is that he definitely has tried to understand all aspects of society, from rural Kansas and his white Grandmother, to the south side of Chicago and the issues and ideas of the inner city. Does that have to imply that he agrees with them all? Or is it a strength that he brings to his future office as President. I think it is the later. "

 Re Jeff wrote on October 13, 2008 2:09 pm:
" I don't think that there is anything on Obamas record to show us that he is not a terrorist. He has proved he can raise taxes and has proved that he can give a good speech. Anything else? Nope. "

 MarkyMark vs Rush wrote on October 13, 2008 2:13 pm:
" Listened to Rush Limbaugh on my way home for lunch today, and it was so hilarious, I had to share it. Limbaugh was telling the anxious dittoheads, that any increase on tax to business was going to be on their "Gross Receipts" rather than their "after expense Adjusted Gross Income".

Now, we do not tax gross income in this country. We are used to spins and half-truths from Mr. Limbaugh, but in this case Rush is a big fat bald-faced liar.

On second thought, I may be a little harsh to call him a liar. Maybe he doesn't know the issues and is an unintentional liar, in that case, he would just be stupid. "

 re re insulted wrote on October 13, 2008 2:21 pm:
" um. . . if you made it through that 'indoctrination' by 'writing papers critical of the professors liberal thought and teaching' then it really wasn't an 'indoctrination' was it? sounds like they got you thinking, which is the purpose of education. "

 John Adams wrote on October 13, 2008 4:23 pm:
" Liberal teachers and professors are essential in our society to teach kids and young adults to think and reason. Put in a bunch of Non-Progressive teachers and what do you get? The Stepford Students. Kids that aren't capable of leading into the future. "

 Hey John Adams wrote on October 13, 2008 4:58 pm:
" How about a balance instead of an onslaught of far lefty professors, sound good? "

 Past Associations wrote on October 13, 2008 5:10 pm:
" I agree with Duane, past associations are important.

The New world order bunch that G W Bush associated with had plans to take over the world with military might in their little group called the "Project for a New American Century.

He was palling around with Cheney, Wolfowicz, Rumsfeld, Bill Cristol and a host of other Chicken-Hawks, yet 58 million people didn't care. His past associations were horrendous and then he appointed them to his cabinet. Yikes, the rest is history.

Due to the large variation in IQ between Bush and Obama, this shouldn't happen in the future. "

 Mr. T wrote on October 13, 2008 5:23 pm:
" Interesting how Jan talks about how belittling and insulting the McCain campaign is while in the same paragraph (and all paragraphs to follow) insults Sarah Palin and John McCain. Can anybody take her seriously? Let's face it, the insults are coming from both sides. This election is only going to get uglier. No matter who wins, half of the country is going to hate the president. "

 Jason wrote on October 13, 2008 5:52 pm:
" To Duane L. Wendelin of Lincoln,

On one hand, I can understand the point you’re trying to make, because the scenario you describe certainly seems like hypocrisy. Just so you know, I’m an Obama supporter, and I don’t necessarily think that people who question Obama’s assocations are racists, radicals, or swift boaters. I think the difference is that McCain has supported and voted for many of Bush’s policies and beliefs, whereas Obama’s associations aren’t as strong in my opinion. Obama was a child when Ayers was involved in the Weather Underground, and said that once he found out about what Ayers did he denounced his actions. It’s true that Obama went to Reverend Wright’s church for many years, and some people think that Wright hates America. But Obama claims he wasn’t in church when Wright made the infamous youtube comments, so we should probably take him at his word. Obama has admitted to hearing controversial remarks from Wright before, but I think it’s unlikely that people are going to agree with everything their reverend says. Oprah Winphrey even went to the same church over the course of several years, and I don’t think she would put up with a reverend if he were actually a hateful person. I think Wright just happens to be a unique and somewhat edgy reverend. But just because he’s made some controversial remarks about America doesn’t mean Obama feels the same way. McCain, on the other hand, has admitted on camera to supporting many of Bush’s policies and beliefs. So yes, I do think it’s fair to question Obama’s associations just like we do with McCain’s, but I just think McCain’s association with Bush runs deeper than the ones you mentioned for Obama. "

 Yup wrote on October 13, 2008 5:59 pm:
" Jeff conveniently left out the part about Ayres hosting Obama's political coming out party at his house. To me, you don't become a part of a political career if you're just a board member. That's the problem with people (both repubs and dems), they only tell you part of the story. And to answer the question about why Ayres isn't in jail, "More precisely, Ayers and Dohrn got off on a technical violation of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, and the dismantlement of the so-called COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program). Apparently, the FBI blew their case against them by illegally wiretapping their terrorists' plots without a warrant." So you see, if not for the judicial mishandling of his and his wifes case, they would have been in jail for the bombings they committed. "

 Jeff wrote on October 13, 2008 7:19 pm:
" You would only call it a "political coming out party" if you listen to right wing radio. People that were there have said it was a handful of people that was very low key and did raise some money. The person that invited him wasn't even Ayres, but another lady, and at the time he really didn't know Ayres past, only that he was a mover and shaker in Chicago liberal cirles. The Ayres story is amazing..considering how he was able to work his way back into Chicago society and actually get a lot of respect from people such as the Daly's. There is NOTHING there that you can or should hold Obama responsible for. Once again, Obama has a broad understanding of people from many walks of life, and it will allow him to be a much more effective leader. Or you could throw a hissy fit and not talk to people, resign from positions, etc....where do you suppose that would get you. we've had enough of that type of arrogance in government. "

 To REjeff wrote on October 13, 2008 7:56 pm:
" I think you have taken bushes denouncement of the constitution to seriously. Law says you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. You don't have to prove you are innocent the other party has to prove you are guilty. lawyer talk. McCain and palin have gone over the line when they work the audience's into calling to kill Obama. They and others like them should have to answer for that. Now what if one of them makes an attempt to assasinate obama, will john mccain and sara palin have to answer to the courts for it? What a pair of true losers. I apologize to the real markymark as the imposter got my attention. I would vote for a babbling idiot before i would vote for mccain and palin now. "

 Ima Veteran wrote on October 13, 2008 8:22 pm:
" Jan, Well said. Despite his "country first" slogan, John McCain certainly did not put his country first in choosing his running mate. He put his ambition to become president ahead of the good of the country by selecting someone whom is obviously utterly unqualified. In choosing governor Palin, McCain sought to pander to the far right wing of his party.
John McCain is not a man of honor nor does he put his country first. I completely agree with your assesment of Sarah Palin, her brashness and ignorance is appalling. "

 Oranges and Apples wrote on October 13, 2008 10:23 pm:
" Ryan Haase Draws a Oranges and Apples in his comparison. This is a "MALE" attitude. Birth-control fails, you may be given a drug while out on a date, and be date-raped, some simply can't afford another child, they can't feed the ones they have.
To assume to that because someone can choose to have sex that they don't have the right to choose is ludicrous at best.
Don't judge the person in front of you, you have never walked in their shoes. "

 Yup wrote on October 13, 2008 10:24 pm:
" What about McCain's association with Keating?Republicans assume that American voters are uninformed and unintelligent. "

 For Ryan wrote on October 13, 2008 10:59 pm:
" As a man, you could not possibly understand what we are talking about with regard to our bodies. What if a woman was faced with a choice, carry a child to term, or receive necessary cancer treatment without which she would surely die? I don't think anyone has a right to tell this woman whose life to choose. As for consent...let's face it Ryan, women get raped in this country everyday, so until we put an end to that, don't preach to me about all women being in consent.

Since when does this have anything to do with drugs? Stay on topic! Ridiculous analogies will get us nowhere! "

 JJ wrote on October 14, 2008 11:46 am:
" Dear Jan,

I agree. The nomination of Sarah Palin was basiclly a trick. It was the McCain campaign saying "What can we do to trick people into voting for us?" The answer, they nominate someone that they think people can relate to. To use a supporters words, "a gun-toting momma." Forget her lack of experience, qualifications, education and/or intelligence. What is most disgusting to me is that many people who support McCain/Palin say that they realize that she was nominated just to get votes and not based on any substance and they seem to admire the campaign for it. Metaphorically, they see thestuff on the sidewalk and they are choosing to step in it anyway. I supported McCain in 2000 but his choice Palin as a running mate is so offensive intellectually that he no longer warrants any consideration for POTUS. "

 Linda wrote on October 14, 2008 2:23 pm:
" Below is a comment from Andrew........
Andrew wrote on October 13, 2008 2:19 am:
" Dear David,

The reason a person is a celebrity is not based on the crowd they draw. It is changing your view to 'pop culture' to further your career. Palin is who she is and any politician that is willing to take on corruption like she did has my vote. "

Andrew, who are you voting for?? McCain or Palin. McCain is the main candidate, right? "

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