News-Record.com

... thought I'd pop this here:

I'm in general agreement, except given her stated logic, I don't see how she arrived at her conclusion.

http://www.washtimes.com/op-ed/20061102-090358-1793r.htm

What she meant to say was this:

The Democrats seem incapable of figuring out what they are, but worse is that from the White House on down, Republicans haven't figured out Iraq - which is probably the best reason to vote for a Democrat, or at least no closer than an Independent.

Must have been a editing error.

"I wonder if this is perhaps the beginning of the downfall of our great country."

I plan on entering a more detailed post on this topic later today, but for now I contend that the above quoted question is one that not only has been often asked in our 200 plus year history, but should continue to be considered as an ongoing point of discussion.

Any objective and honest attempt to answer such a question entails both a big picture and historical context perspective to be applied, and that in itself is a small symptom of a still salvagable society.

I have for many years had much more faith in the American people than in it's elected leaders. Although those representatives often distort it's proper course, "we the people" are truly our nation's future.

Sorry for the rambling, I'm suffering from "Post Spilled Coffee Stress Syndrome."

On a lighter note, I signed on last night just to read over some of you guys' comments, and when I mentioned that one of the threads had exceeded one hundred posts my youngest daughter said - "they must all be as yappity as you dad."

From the mouths of babes ......

Society's moral corruption and a flood of illegal northern immigrants who refused to adopt Roman customs are more to blame for the downfall than the reasons listed in the letter.

Edit: I was being biased to modern times. The Barbarian tribal immigrants from northern European Roman provinces were not illegal. They were there legally to service the Roman economy/military.

My mom was an Ancient History Teacher - one theory she likes was that the plumbing system of Rome was built from that ever so malleable metal .. lead .. and those with running water .. the "leaders", all developed lead poisoning.

"A direct link between early lead exposure and extreme learning disability has been confirmed by multiple researchers and child advocacy groups."

Now tie that to the ratio of Rich to Poor .. in Rome it was like 2 to 98 .. and you'll see another interesting potential parallel ...

The powerful nuts drinking poisoned water and the oppressed serious outnumber these powerful nuts - you now have a "complex transformation" commonly called the "Fall of the Roman Empire".

Jan,

Prior to 2004, I too, had much more faith in the American people than in the leaders. After the American people elected Bush that year, my faith began to ebb in them also.

Amen, Yvonne. I could understand those who voted for Bush in the first election, given the choices. To re-elect him really disappointed me.

I sometimes feel a conspiracy in the candidates both parties run. SURELY there are better people that our recent choices.

Yvonne and Carol,

I'm not going to fault your opinions because I can see how they could be reached, I'm just counting on the historical "wave" effect of American voting patterns to keep us from ever going too far in either direction for any extended period of time.

Which makes me either an optimist, or a fool. ;-)

Carol,

In regards to your second paragraph I am in complete agreement.

More and more - particularly on the national level - candidates are presented more for their marketability than for any true qualifications, and as I asked last week - is that our fault or theirs?

Seems to me that if we'd quit falling for it, they'd quit doing it. But once again, I feel that at some point we will, I just worry what it will take for us to reach that point.

Corruption and chaos take down empires, but so

does hypocrisy!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15536263/

Oh, and the tapes are in the hands of the television studio and they are paying for a voice analyst.

" .. admits to 'some' allegations"

sounds like ".. depends on what the meaning of 'is' is".

Yvonne,

I felt the same way when folks elected Clinton a second time. At that time, I thought I was the smart one and the rest of the country was a bunch of idiots. I still think I'm smart but when we get into the attitude that we know better than the majority of the country, then we start smelling of elitist know-it-alls.

I'm not criticizing you cause I've been there too. However, I wouldn't lose total faith in humanity just yet. As Jan kinda said, it all tends to swing back to center eventually.

You guys, I'm thinking about an experiment. Since the n&r will not allow posting on regular news stories, I thought I might start my own blog to do just that.

Give it a visit and let me know what you think of the idea. Is it legal? Is it worth doing? Would you use it?

Near the bottom of the screen, there is a welcome message that gives a little more info on it's purpose.

Please be honest in your remarks.

Thanks,

Nit

http://nitpicked.blogspot.com/

Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Baker, gay priests, and now this guy. Anyone who doesn't think there is corruption in the 'church' is naive.

Edit: Jim Baker from the 80's not Jim Baker of today.

Nit,

I love the idea. Go for it.

I am impressed, Nit.

Hugh, I think there is a special place (not a good place) where those who do evil in the name of the church will all arrive one day. I fear and despise those who use and exploit good people. The Bible speaks of false prophets. I see a lot who I think fit that category.

Hugh:

In general, are these "Religious" folk from the same mold as others that "support the Prez' " without question?

.. just curious.

Nit, Go for it. Greensboro101.com has a list of local blogs, many folks do post from the NR but none on a regular basis and a lot only post on certain topics.

JDR, I think you are adhomiming(if that's a word). There's a "church" within the 'church'. Anyone with a personal relationship with Jesus can understand that.

There is a great deception in life regarding the "church". As Carol said there are many false prophets. In time, God reveals the wickeness of man, as is the case with the lastest Church pervert.

lastest=latest

Carol,

When I was a kid we called that "special place" LOWER EAST HELL. Unless it's been destroyed by an urban renewal project I suspect it still exists.

Nit,

I checked out your blog and bookmarked it. It looked good to me. I often wondered why we couldn't comment on articles here. I know you can or could (haven't been there in awhile) comment on certain articles at the Winston-Salem Journal.

By the way the Rhino Times re-did their website and you can comment on their articles, although you cannot comment on the LTTE.

Thanks for putting that blog together. I will be sure to stop in and say hi.

I was just pushing buttons, Hugh.

Often we hear how Teddy Kennedy and Bill Clinton represent all that is wrong with the world and hoe anyone that is not prostate to the Prez' is at best a Kennedy / Clinton clone.

Often we hear how the Commander in Chief has it together with the personal backing of GOD, and that his religious base is proof of the morality ... bla bla ... all pompously declaring a personal relationship with Jesus.

James,

I can't remember a President in my life who didn't attend a church of some form. I think there is a huge difference between 'attending' church services and being truly involved spiritually.

I won't pass generally pass judgement on any person's spiritual genuineness, even the presidents'. However, I do agree they kind of open themselves up for it when they make it a centerpiece of their platform.

Reagan didn't go because his presence would have been "too disruptive".

... and I'm not doubting anyone's religious conviction - certainly not GWB's who honestly ranks up there with Carter.

I am saying folks are making political choices based on statements made by "leaders" that put their clothing on like everyone else, and sometimes these "leaders" not as advertised.

Conversely, we hear folks being called fools because they do not make the political choices based on statements made by these same folks.

Listen to the the Prez these days == "grim determination and warnings of apocalypse if Democrats take Congress."

Political BS.
That's all.

WAY off topic but I've got got to say it.

Noticed that the Iranian's held their multiple launch missile test a couple of days AFTER our navy had completed their scheduled exercises in the gulf.

It seems they have a lot more confidence in showing off their new systems when they don't have to face the possibility of an SM2(ER) equipped Aegis warship interpreting such a launch as an imminent threat.

Hats off boys, deterrence still has a place in the world, even among madmen.

Gotta defend Carter. His actions and work to help the poor impress me. I think is a truly good man.

Nit, I like your blog although with one critique, it is very dark and difficult to read the words. Can you change that?

Carol, I admire what Carter has done with Habitat for Humanity and other charitable organizations. I didn't admire his actions in office and even more so don't admire him travelling the globe badmouthing the US and it's govt. Call it free speech, yep he has the right to do it, but it only enables our enemies.

To all, there are false prophets, crooks, and criminals in every walk of life, religion being no exception. They personally should get what they deserve.

First of all, Dan has proven over and over again that unless one has an "R" by his name, he is not worthy of his admiration. Same ol Sh_t, different day. But Carter was a moral man who found out the hard way that morality was not easily seated at the top echelons of our government. Unlike Ford and Bush 1, Carter has tried to live his faith. For once, I would like to see the "holier than thou" crowd tell me how Bush's policies reflect Christ's teachings. Bottom line, they don't and the likes of Dan, neocon and others KNOW they do not. Carter at least had the intellectual honesty (some would say naivete')to try to use his Christian principles to effect change. Bush is a fake Christian, as well as a fake conservative.

The Rev. Dan Haggard was a GOP operative who had access to the highest levels of government. He also was one of the loudest in opposing Gay marriage--making it his biggest issue when states had referenda on the topic. With that said, I am glad he is facing the music. I feel sorry for his wife and children, but his hypocrisy hid behind a thin veneer of piousness.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15536263/

Saw a bumper sticker near Guilford College that said, "GOP does not spell GOD" and thought it was so appropos.

Nitpicker:

I often blog while holding on the phone, so that means I can't do too much complicated, like spell check or grammer correct or figure out how to get an account on your blog .. so here's my sprinker comment

==
nitpicker said...

The article went on to say the cost of installing sprinklers would be offset by lower insurance costs.

What is a child's life worth?

Personally, I think every school should have sprinklers installed in them retroactively.

I think it is worth it.

===

Is this Nitpicker? The same Nitpicker that wants the tax dollars comming from my wallet spent wisely, or is this a tax-and-spend Nitpicker, willing to demand government spend a few tens of millions to sprinkle our schools so we would not repeat the tragic loss of children like we had when East Guilford High School burned down this week.

What? There was no tragic loss of children like we had when East Guilford High School burned down this week?

How about last week / month?

I know one child loss is too many ... but how many died driving too fast? Maybe we should outlaw that, or better yet, let's install sprinkers on the interstate system ?!?!?!.

YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!!

Now Pastor Ted says he bought meth from a male prostitute, but he did not use it!!!

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/02/national/main2147821.shtml

Talk about fiefdoms being brought down by hubris!

James,
That is hilarious! Nit wants to come down on "liberals" but wants to install those expensive/government intrusion/unnecessary sprinklers??? Retroactively??

... so we'll mandate government intervention for things that sprinker systems (it's now a law for new construction), and we'll argue to have this government intervention applied retroactively ...

... but we'll argue Against Government Intervention if it means corporations would have to clean up the water and air they are polluting.

Hey - that makes sense! What was I thinking.

"About 11 million people in the U.S., including 3-4 million children, live within 1 mile of a federal Superfund site and confront potential public health risks."

Did you know that shortly after gaining office, our friends in the White House did an executive order to gut the Superfund - exempting funds deposits from companies (funds intented to force them to pay for past polution). Instead either the crap remains in the ground or if it's really bad, the remediation cost gets pushed directly to the general taxpayer.

http://www.scorecard.org/env-releases/land/site-list.tcl?fips_state_code=37&how_many=50&status=dw

yea, thats a plan!

http://www.scorecard.org/env-releases/land/rank-sites.tcl?fips_state_code=37

better link

James,

What did I ever say that would give you the impression or expectation that I'd make sense?

Seriously, I can see both sides of the issue. I agree that all new schools should require sprinklers.

As far as the cost, they say that insurance costs would help offset the cost of the sprinklers. Not sure by how much. My guess is that there has been plenty of money wasted on even less critical things that could have paid for all the schools to be retroactively fit with sprinklers.

I didn't think you needed an account to comment on my blog. Let me go see if I can tweak something to change that. Thanks for the effort of stopping by, though.

Dan, I actually find white on black easier to read than black on white. However, let me see if I can change that while I'm making the adjustment for the sign-in. At this point, I don't want folks to have to sign up for something to comment.

One more thing about Sprinklers: I think they are more critical in multi-floor buildings. If I was going to buy a penthouse in the new Wachovia building condos, there would have to be sprinklers.

Seems the DD is pretty obsessed when there is news about gays, binging it up on unrelated threads. But of course, he doesn't jump on all the news....

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_4597552

nitpicker, I visited the site briefly, (I have to leave in the next 30sec and couldn't stay) and I have one comment. Please don't use a black background and white text. My eyes are too old to want to read that way for long! I'll visit again, looks like a good idea!

you hit it, Nit. If egress is an issue, sprinklers are a REALLY good thing.

on that subject .. ever notice elementary schools are built ground lever only? ever notice each elementary classrooms has it's own door to the outside?

No, for most schools it's not safety we should look at, it's simple economics. There is a deduct for insurance when things are sprinklered, and that savings is based on lowered rick to the carrier. Based strictly on the cost of occassionally burning a school, it is also a really long payout (return on the investment), and it may never calculate.

The companies I work for are all sprinklered - but only because a fire would ruin a few hundred million dollars in equipment.

They also have REALLY strict procedures on things like welding, and I once fired a contractor for not obeying the no-smoking rules. His discarded cigarette started a fire on the roof - where there is no sprinkler. I just happened to be walking by when it flamed up. It was small enough to stomp out with my feet, it was directly under the worker, and under the charred remains was a Salem Cigarette -- the same brand the dude had a pack of in his pocket.

Sounds like pretty good circumstantial evidence to me. I don't know why but just the mention of a Salem sends nicfits through me on a Friday afternoon.

Dan and Phillipa,

I've done a facelift to the blog and now it's black on white instead of white on black. You bunch of racists..... :)

NicDanger,
It just went across the screen that "Pastor Hoggard admits to seeking a "massage" and buying meth".....

So how does that square with you now? Let me understand this...are you actually defending this GOP entrenched operative for his hypocrisy?
Seriously, I can't imagine you defending him, but I can't tell as of yet..?

Much better Nit, I don't mind black and white together :) Not sure how old phillpa is, but it's much easier on my 43 year old eyes.

DD, from what I can see this "Reverend" is a slimebag and deserves to be defrocked, end of story. Nice to see you squeal like a hog in the mud from other peoples problems, I'm not surprised.

I'll look forward to watching you do the same when someone from "your side" encounters a similar scandal.

At least he had the decency to step down, as did Foley. Remember Jesse Jackson, a supposed leader of the black community who sees it as his job to lift the black person up? One of the major problems with the black community is the 70% out of wedlock birth rate. Jesse added to that with his love child but didn't have the decency to step down.

Dan,
This is a guy who had a "Mega Church" and was preaching homophobia while at the same time having homosexual trysts with a male prostitute! You can't make this stuff up! Haggard and Dobson were primary figures for the manipulation by Karl Rove for your man. Haggard spoke to the White House weekly, yes weekly! He was a big vote gatherer and fund raiser for the GOP. Why? Because they were against gay marriage, flag burning and were for prayer in schools. That is boiled down just for you!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15536263/

I love it when you can't accept the truth without throwing out Jesse Jackson, Ted Kennedy etc. Dan, you are an inch deep and mile wide!

... now he has only confessed to a massage, DD.

Nic,

Heard the same as what DD posted on NPR (again no links but can provide them if necessary.) My question to you is why would a straight man need to go to a male hooker for a massage when there are thousands of straight licensed massage therapists? And why would a man who didn't use meth be so desparate to find a hit?

DD

Not defending anyone, but certainly not condemning anyone without the whole story, either, unlike you. Just pointing out your propensity for jumping on anyone you see as a conservative, even with only an accusation in the news.

Go ahead and tell me about another bumper sticker - it'll probably change my whole world!

I know your zealotry clouds your mind DD, so here it is again. I can accept the truth:

"DD, from what I can see this "Reverend" is a slimebag and deserves to be defrocked, end of story. Nice to see you squeal like a hog in the mud from other peoples problems, I'm not surprised."

By end of story I mean being defrocked. If anything illegal happened then let the justice system take care of it.

My simple point is this hypocrite had the sense to step down. Your buddy JJ didn't. Seems pretty clear to me. Tell me please, is JJ a good role model to the black community in having a kid outside of wedlock? Please try your best to be honest.

Again, I'll be waiting for your revelry when someone on "your side" gets involved in a scandal.

Unlike you I don't care what their political views are, slimebags are slimebags and they shouldn't serve in positions of power such as this reverend did.

Another empire being brought down: mainstream media. I watch Katie Couric for laughs while I do the dishes since my remote is broken on the kitchen TV and it's too much work to switch from channel 9 to channel 40 manually.

Katie reported that the unemployement rate is at it's lowest in 5 years at 4.4%. Did she feature someone like me who is having the best year ever since my business started 8 years ago? Of course not!!

She featured a single black mom in OH with 5 kids who works at McDonalds!! The mom makes about a buck over the minimum wage but doesn't have much money left over at the end of the month. As Gomer would say: Surprise Surprise!! I'll be fair, at least the woman is working. No mention if she is receiving any govt. assistance or support from the father(s) of the children.

I stopped at 2 kids for several reasons, one being I wanted to afford to send them to college. I would never consider five kids as that would be beyond my financial means to raise them and provide them with a good education even at my income level. Excuse me if this sounds coarse, but I can't understand why others can't figure out the same concept.

So no matter how low employment is 'ol Katie and her pals like her are going to find a victim instead of a victor in order to espouse the soup line mentality. Take good news and turn it into bad right before an election. Finally people are seeing through this charade and getting their news elsewhere.

I thought browneye was in vogue to the liberals. What's the prob? Homophobia on the left? Who'd a thunk it?

Nit, I bookmarked the page, now that it's easier to read.

Dan, I just had my 48th bday in Sept. In October I went to the state fair and had the man guess my age. He said I looked like I was 42! (They always guess too young on me) I not only got a velour rose, I got the lift of someone saying I looked 6 years younger than I am! I was stoked!

Dan, the DR show had a discussion on unemployment last week. There are more people working but they are working at lower paying jobs. Many have given up and are on welfare. I am glad things are good for you. Remember you can make statistics say what you want them to say. Also on the DR show, Republican guy said that we all watch news that verifies our opinions. I hate to think that FOX does that for you.

Please remember that you are fortunate and many are not. I agree that people should not have children they cannot afford, but we are not China..yet.

Know what you mean, Philipia. Has someone ask my granddaughter if I was her mom. Man, did that make me feel good.

Ok Carol, how about some fair and balanced reporting? Feature the mom w/5 kids not doing to well and then feature someone who is benefitting from the economy. Perhaps someone who was at min wage, went to school to better their life and is now in a good job. I'm sure there are plenty of folks like that but Katie would never seek them. Gotta have bad news before the election. I think even you could see through that.

Happy belated B day Phillipa. Folks tell me I look around 38 and I'm flattered. Occasionally I get carded when buying alcohol and I consider it a compliment even though some establishments card 70 year olds.

Talk about crumbling empires...I just got in and caught this one! Wonder how "Cackbar", Mr. Produce, Dan & neoCon, et al. will explain this one away?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15552211/

Yep, the Military folks are finally going postal on Rummy. Umm, ummm.

The major cause: H-U-B-R-I-S

And of course, another late breaking story on yet another Republican congressman:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15550616/

It's been a rough week for the hard core "believers"....Ted Haggard, Rummy, Bob Ney.......who will be next?

That MesSNBC is a treasure trove of information all right. Wonder why they are sinking like a rock in the ratings game?

You don't judge truth by ratings. Look at Rush and Bill.

Dan, I didn't see the show, so I certainly don't defend it. Agree that both sides need to be shown. The DR show had both sides, it was great.

Carol,
Here is a great link to "Thinking" conservatives which leaves out most of the ones who post here.

http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2006/has-rush-limbaugh-hammered-the-final-nail-into-the-gop-coffin/

Add another "Yak, Yak" to bringing down the GOP empire---Elizabeth Dole. Watch her on the rerun of Meet the Press tonight and you'll witness a bigger turn off than anything you've seen yet! And it is our own "Giddy" Dole! What a joke. It's not what she said nearly as much as how she doesn't know when to SHUT UP! My gosh, she gives Chris Matthews a run for the money on loving to talk, talk, talk.

Advice to Senator Dole: Breathe through your nose for a change!